PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. (CBS) – Saying goodbye to a job you love is never easy, and that was the case for a beloved teacher who made the difficult decision to leave behind generations of students who said there is no one like him.
Chris Pitlik, or Mr. P, is the band director at Shepard High School in Palos Heights and one of Chicago’s Hidden Gems. But when CBS 2 recently visited, it was a sad note as the band prepared for Mr. P, just hours before he laid down his baton and retired.
News reporter: “If you had to choose one word to describe today, what would it be?”
Pitlick: “Bittersweet. Things I know I’ll miss about teaching and the job, other things I know I’m glad I don’t have to do anymore.”
In addition to making music, Pitlik also made history at Shepard as the longest-serving band director, 33 years.
He is also an alum and played in the band as a student. After graduating from college and graduate school, he returned to Shepard to find that the 100-member band he left had dwindled to just 28.
Additionally, Pitlik said half the band members played flute and he only had one drummer. From those humble beginnings, Pitlik has grown Shepard’s music program by leaps and bounds.
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“We have a competitive marching band, a concert band, a concert band, a jazz band. I teach a mendicant band class,” he said. “I have an AP Band Class, jazz band, show choir, musical.”
Shepard principal Jennifer Pollack said Pitlik “is the one-man band director at Shepard High School.” Pollack is a big fan.
“He knows the impact a high school can have on students,” she said. “They would just go through a wall for him.”
Pitlik described the feeling of seeing his students grow through their time in the program.
“It’s amazing from the moment they come in as freshmen and see them, how timid they are, how shy they are, insecure and worried,” he said. “And by the time they are seniors, they are confident and ready to take on the world.”
What did Mr. P.’s students have to say?
“I would say the two words that come to mind are hardworking and determined,” Jackson Gillono said.
“He’s very caring. He’s just such a nice person outside of his profession, he’s just a very nice person,” Ben said.
Then it was time to pack up and wait for a big ceremony in honor of Mr. P. He said he is leaving the band in good hands.
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In what seems like a tradition, the new band director, Ken George, is also a Shepard alum. Mr. P was his band director.
“We were just doing math last night,” George said. “I’ve known him for more than half his career, my entire career.”
George admitted it’s “a little intimidating” to fill Pitlik’s shoes. He said he never imagined he would be the person Mr. P.
News reporter: “Is this a sad day or a happy day?”
George: “It’s a little bit of both.”
“These kids have been a part of my life,” Pitlik said. “I’ve touched their lives through teaching, and through that we’re kind of connected. I’ve always tried to put the kids first and give them the best, most positive experience I can.”
So what’s next for Mr. P? Family time, travel and he said he might pick up his clarinet and join a community orchestra.
