The Colorado Springs School set Sam Johnson '20 on a journey that would lead him to a career in music. From his first solo at the age of four to conducting the Upper School band, the guidance of CSS mentors helped shape his skills and fostered his love for teaching and performing.
This fall, Sam began as Instrumental Music Director at Hartford Union High School in Hartford, Wisconsin, leading the symphonic band, jazz band, and orchestra, teaching private lessons, overseeing adaptive music, directing marching and pep bands, and teaching a recording/producing class. He's pictured above with some of his students.
Sam, a CSS lifer who began in preschool, reflects that the school—and particularly Band Director Brent Moorhead—shaped his path as a music educator.
"It's largely because of Mr. Mo that I became an instrumental director in the first place," Sam said. "He invested in me and allowed me to explore a lot of things musically—like when I conducted the band my senior year. I couldn't have done it without him, and I am so grateful."
Mr. Moorhead, who was Sam's band teacher during his entire CSS journey, sensed early on that Sam was musically driven, bringing "curiosity, high energy, focus, and passion" to every rehearsal and performance. His presence, Mr. Moorhead recalled, inspired peers to work harder.
"Sam enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge of music with others and then watching as they discover the beauty and power of this art form," Mr. Moorhead said. "He inspired all of us, and I am certain he will have that same impact on his band students, parents, and colleagues."
As fellow directors, Mr. Moorhead still values exchanging ideas with Sam and seeing the excitement in his eyes. "His students and school are lucky to have him," he said, "and I feel blessed to know Sam and to know that CSS was part of his journey."
Sam also credits other CSS teachers, including John Longo and Amy Miller, for supporting his musical pursuits outside the classroom. His mother, Melissa Hafter, adds that several additional teachers played a key role in shaping her son's growth and love for music.
"I can certainly say that the Arts Department at CSS made a huge and lasting impact on my son, starting when he was first on stage at age four, singing a solo," she said. "Kris Warner, Sandy Bray, Hans Wolfe, and Brent all made a difference in his life ... They helped him handle disappointment as well as pursue dreams. They helped him see a potential grown-up Sam that spreads joy and the arts, and that is who he has become."
Mr. Moorhead encouraged Sam to participate in the Youth Symphony and the Lamont School of Music summer program at the University of Denver and gave him the opportunity to conduct during the winter Upper School band concert in 2019, during his senior year (pictured below).
Sam went on to conduct throughout college, take private lessons in Vienna, and now leads multiple ensembles. He graduated in 2024 from Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education.
His current school has expressed interest in having him lead travel experiences with student musicians—drawing on his Experience-Centered Seminars (ECSs) at CSS, a three-week immersion that allowed him to explore areas of personal passion, such as Tall Ships, a 10-day voyage through the U.S. Virgin Islands aboard a schooner, and language immersion in Granada, Spain.
"My goal as a music educator is to instill a love and appreciation for music," Sam said. "Even if my students don't pursue music as a career, I want them to feel comfortable trying new things without fear and to take risks in a safe space."
From CSS to the professional stage, Sam is carrying forward the mentorship, creativity, and passion that launched his journey, shaping the next generation of musicians.
He also encourages current CSS students to take initiative, recalling his own experience asking Mr. Mo to conduct the band: "Even if you think a teacher might say no, it's worth asking. The reward is certainly higher than the risk."
Click here to view Sam conducting the Lawrence University Symphonic Band in 2023.
