Professor Robert Farrington can surely say he has had a long, exciting career after contributing to the Music Department at De Anza College for the last 33 years.

Farrington started his teaching career at Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, from 1975-80, moving on to Pasadena City College 1980-81.

Upon the death of Herb Patnoe, Farrington came to De Anza in 1981.

Along with the De Anza dance department, he established a Jazz Festival in Patnoe’s memory which raised over $70, 000 for music students over the last 33 years.

Farrington directed the Jazz Ensemble for 20 years and the Wind Ensemble and Chamber Groups for 27 years, in addition to teaching Introduction to Jazz Styles, Beginning Winds and Percussion, Jazz Improvisation, and Music Business courses.

“I enjoyed working with the students who were motivated to excel musically, even if they weren’t music majors, and in some years, have one of the best community college Wind or Jazz Ensembles in Northern California,” Farrington said.

“Developing a strong chamber music program, which was cut a few years ago; (writing new curriculum for the Music Business, Jazz/Rock Guitar) are some innovations that helped move our music department forward over the years.”

Recently, Farrington has taught Music Fundamentals, Introduction to Rock/Rap Styles and Beginning Piano.

He realized after 33 years of teaching at De Anza and 39 overall, it was time to move on.

Farrington said he would like to leave the Music department in better shape than he had found it, yet it was impossible with the department losing over 22 percent of its classes because of budget cuts, coupled with the loss of full-time classified staff position and administration.

“Sadly, there is not enough awareness of the historical success that music has brought to De Anza in terms of excellence and student recruitment. I reluctantly feel that I did the best job I could with limited support,” said Farrington.

Farrington said he will continue teaching woodwind students on a private basis.

He would like to perform professionally on woodwinds when the opportunities arise and adjudicate school music festivals.

Farrington mentioned his two children who he still needs to support, both starting community college and finishing high school.

With a little more free time, Farrington hopes to play some golf and travel with his wife and family.

“Teaching Introduction to Jazz Styles has a special place in my heart by passing on the exuberance and creativity that jazz has brought… to the diverse population of students here at De Anza,” Farrington said.

One of Farrington’s students, Jacob Sisneros, 19, journalism major, said, “Professor Farrington’s passion for jazz and teaching are remarkable and it is an honor to have been in one of his last classes at De Anza.”