Taking over the position of band director from Michael Steele this year, Zulnie Floreska has quickly become beloved by her students. One of the first things you notice walking into her office is a bulletin board with notes, drawings, and even recommended restaurants from her students. Floreska’s parents were both musicians, exposing her to music early on. She went to Western Michigan University for a bachelors in Music Education, then applied to different schools to direct bands.

 “It was really between Farmington and one other school[…]” said Floreska. “But once I had the interview here and worked in-person with the students, I had to be here. I was glowing when I left the interview. I loved meeting all the people on the interview panel, and I felt so welcomed.”

Entering a new job, especially one with so much responsibility, would be rough for anyone. But Floreska isn’t alone- she has two coworkers, orchestra director Jacob Traines and choir director Angel Gippert, to help guide her through it.

“Both of them are blunt and straightforward, which I appreciate, because I like hearing things how it is,” said Floreska. “It’s very comforting talking to them about teaching. Sometimes I’ll be frustrated with things, and they’re very validating.”

From her introduction to music by her parents, to directing the Farmington High School bands, Floreska has spent the majority of her life around music. Now, as a teacher and mentor, she has some advice for students aspiring to be professional musicians:

“It’s easy to get caught in perfectionism, but you have to like [music],” said Floreska. “Be proud of how much love you have for it.”