NORTHVILLE, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – A Northville High School teacher is celebrating 50 years in the classroom and is one of the oldest high school band teachers in Michigan.
“It’s the kids that keep me coming back,” says music teacher Mike Rumbell.
Rumbell has been teaching all aspects of music since the 1970s.
“He respects everyone, even if not everyone respects him the same,” said Northville junior drum major Ethan Gajda, proving that Rumbell’s lessons stand the test of time.
As seen in the video above, Gajda is seen walking alongside Rumbell in his signature brown hat, a staple of his daily outfits, courtesy of his wife, as he goes shopping.
“She came across a hat rack and said, ‘Mike, why don’t you try this?’ So I tried it on. She said, ‘Gosh, you look great; we’ll get it,’ and the rest is history,” Rumbell said, recalling the story of how the hat came to be.
Rumbell is a trombonist by profession. His resume includes 38 trips to the Detroit Jazz Festival with Northville band students, appearances with the Julie Andrews Orchestra, Sammy Davis Jr. and countless other experiences dating back decades.
“I feel good. I still enjoy going to work. If that doesn’t happen anymore, I think I might consider leaving, but right now I’m just having a little too much fun,” Rumbell says.
Lucas Laster
