West Milford When a young Joanne Schaper graduated from college, she stepped right into the West Milford public school system, teaching, supervising and giving it her all for the next 38 years. Now Dr. Schaper, who has been the district director of music for the past 19 years, is ready to retire, though with mixed emotions. Over the years Schaper received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Jersey City State College, a master’s from Montclair University, a supervisor’s certification from William Paterson University and a doctorate in musical arts from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Winchester, Va. She started her career in West Milford as an elementary school music teacher and some of her early students now come back to visit, often with children of their own who are currently in the music programs. “It brings back such special memories of a young teacher who pushed the piano up and down the hallways, teaching instrumental lessons, band and chorus in the same room at the same time, on split sessions,” Schaper said. Not much was known about music education when Schaper first began teaching but she continued her studies and, as a result, had a broader knowledge base that benefited the children throughout the years. Schaper, an avid supporter of early music education, estimates that she has seen more than 10,000 students go through the West Milford schools in her time. Her desire was to see each child have some experience with music, then give them the option to go further, she said. The enormous program under Schaper’s jurisdiction as district director encompasses music for students in all West Milford public schools, at all grade levels. This spring, the West Milford Township school system was named among the “Best Communities for Music Education” in the United States. Looking back, Schaper said that one of the most satisfying aspects of her career has been seeing the program grow and she is most appreciative of the support shown by the community and the school board. Schaper said that quite a few of her former students went on to careers in music and others are now teachers in West Milford schools. But, Schaper said, she just can’t get them to call her “Joanne” when she meets them in the hallway. Now after all these years of bringing the joy and the sound of music to so many, Schaper is scheduled to retire in June. Along with Bob, her husband of 35 years, she is looking forward to traveling and spending time with their seven grandchildren. Her husband, she said, has been her biggest supporter through the years. “He’s an amazing man,” Schaper said. As she anticipates the day that she walks out the door for the last time, she knows it will be with some trepidation. She’s had a wonderful and rewarding time, she said, and wished to express her appreciation. “I would like to thank all the teachers, administrators and parents who have supported me through the years. It has been a continual learning experience for me and I wish that I could be a new teacher, just starting out and know what I know now,” Schaper said. So, echoing Bob Hope, she said, “Thanks for the memories.”