Welcome, Todd Bethune

Todd Bethune

***Lutheran North***
Band Teacher

We are so excited to welcome Mr. Todd Bethune to our ministry team. Please take a moment to learn a little more about Mr. Bethune and his journey to becoming part of our ministry team here at Lutheran North.

Hello, my name is Todd Bethune, originally from Saginaw, MI. I have taught music both privately and in the classroom for over twenty years. I have earned a bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University and have studied with many noted musicians of different styles. I have found Lutheran North High School in non-traditional ways. The past four years I have taught in Bay City, MI at All Saints Catholic as their music and band teacher as well as directing Beginning Youth Theater. “I look forward to getting to know the community of Lutheran North and integrating my faith and musical skills into our community!”

Please warmly welcome Todd as a Mustang and get to know him through our Staff Spotlight 20 Questions below!!

Staff Spotlight: todd bethune

20 QUESTIONS

What’s your role at Lutheran North?
Band Teacher
Where are you from?
Saginaw, Michigan
When did you know that you wanted to be in the Lutheran high school environment and what led you to pursue that path?
I’ve come to teaching in a very non-traditional path. Teaching at a faith based school is very important to me for many reasons including the most important, which is practicing my faith as taught by our master teacher Jesus Christ. I was made aware of the need for a music teacher and band director on our campus by a very good friend. I liked what I saw and how I have seen his sons grow in their faith and education over the years and thought this would be a good fit!
What’s your favorite Bible verse?
Matthew 25: 34-40: 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me, I was naked, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
What are three words to best describe you?
Musical, Enthusiastic, Passionate
What was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I moved pianos for a company out of Denver, CO. This job eventually led to my summer job with Bravo! Vail.
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I am a great chef! I love to cook!
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
I teach and that is the greatest superpower one can posses no matter the discipline. Other than that I would be able to fly.
What’s your favorite food?
Fresh hummus, pita chips, and veggies
What’s your least favorite food?
Nuts or seafood as I am allergic to them
What’s your favorite place that you’ve traveled and why?
I was a professional semi truck driver for two years and have driven the entire continental US. My favorite spot to travel is Vail, CO in the summers as I love hiking the Rocky Mountains with my friends and being a part of the amazing classical music concerts I produce with Bravo! Vail
Where would you like to travel next and why?
I feel the Mediterranean calling me!
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I am an award-winning jazz guitarist.
What’s one hobby you’d like to get into?
Impressionist style painting.
What’s your favorite sport to watch and which team do you root for?
Boxing and I love rooting for the Detroit Tigers.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
During the school year I’m an early bird during the summer I’m a night owl.
Are you a dog person or a cat person (neither or both)?
Definitely a cat person
What’s one of your favorite memories from the past year?
Directing my All-Saints middle school band at the Dow Diamond in Midland, MI as they performed the National Anthem before a Lions baseball game.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
The Holy Spirit told me, during a very stressful drive coming through Wyoming, in my semi truck to keep on the path I was on. That was spoken to my heart and I’ve had many excellent adventures and have worked with so many interesting colleagues and students since then.
Is there any advice you’d offer to current and future Lutheran North students?
Keep your relationship with Jesus Christ the center of your life and have fun exploring what opportunities await you at Lutheran North. I will gladly help you in the music department!