Band teachers Deb Steiner and Elliott Arpin’s relationship make for a better work environment

Both finding a passion in music, band teachers Elliott Arpin and Deb Steiner bonded inside and out of the classroom. They quickly connected over their love for teaching music courses.

After Arpin was hired here three years ago, the two “hit it off,” according to Steiner. Steiner attributes their friendship to their close working environment.

“We teach both of the bands together so that is really good that we get that connection,” Steiner said. “We both get to work pretty early so we can go through the day and we usually stay pretty late.”

According to Arpin, their problem-solving skills in the classroom have benefited from the friendship and made it easier to work together.

“I feel like I can be completely honest if I have an idea; I can let her know, and if it’s a bad idea she doesn’t hesitate to let me know,” Arpin said. “It’s nice to have that communication so we can bounce ideas off each other, brainstorm together and solve problems together.”

Steiner agrees and said that their friendship makes for a more comfortable work environment.

“It makes it a lot more fun. We can entertain ourselves when we’re teaching, which is really good,” Steiner said. “Then when we’re done, we also have a good relationship where we can talk about things and … can come together and find that good place.”

Spending most of their work day together, the two have made many memories along the way.

“There was the time when she threw a football to me and I bit it in front of the the entire band,” Arpin said.

Their friendship is meaningful to them and has made school more enjoyable for the both of them.

“I think it is important to get along with the people you work with,” Steiner said. “I think the students enjoy us having a connection and not, you know, fighting against each other. It makes them feel more comfortable and they enjoy being in the band.”