WWU alumnus Steve Herrick, nicknamed “Papa Steve” by his adoring students, is a Whatcom legend. In his 44 years of teaching at Lynden High School, he has shepherded students past the honk and squawk of practice to find tone, style, and rhythm, creating memorable performances and a lifelong love of music. Herrick got his start teaching music at WWU, but even then he knew his real love was high school band. Since retiring from teaching, Herrick now leads the Jazz Band group at the J.