Rexelle excels at music

For Troy Rexelle, music wasn’t just a job but a life-long passion that began decades back. Music became Rexelle’s haven during his difficult childhood, fueling his desire to share his passion, and provide a similar safe space for others. 

“Music was a huge part of my life and I wanted to share that with other people,” Rexelle explained. 

At first, Rexelle wanted to play the cello, but at the time his family couldn’t afford to pay for the rental. Even though he couldn’t choose this instrument, he quickly grew excited about the prospect of learning the alto saxophone. Forty years later, Rexelle still loves to play the Alto saxophone.

Eventually, as a freshman in high school, Rexelle played percussion for the first time and immediately fell in love. Thirty-four years later, percussion is still Rexelle’s primary instrument. “Once I tried it I was hooked,” Rexelle remarked. 

During his sixth grade solo ensemble festival, Rexelle remarkably remembers the exact moment he fell in love with music. He had practiced well and the music flowed without thinking. He remembers playing the first chord and in a blur striking the last, with nothing in between. “I had practiced so much that I was an auto pilot and fully immersed in the music. It was a great experience,” Rexelle recalled. 

The main reason Rexelle wanted to become a teacher came from this deep passion for music. It was a huge part of his life, so what better way to appreciate music than to become a music teacher. Music simply created a place where he could feel accepted and seen. For Rexelle, the greatest reward is seeing the pride on his students’ faces after a spectacular performance.

Furthermore, on his journey to becoming a music teacher, many people around him discouraged his passion, calling it a waste of time. In fact, he is the only person in his family that is musical. Despite this, he stood resolutely stuck to what he loved and has no regrets. 

Now, Rexelle has been teaching for 26 years. This includes the time sharing his passion for music with four high schools: Mountain House, Santa Ana, Modesto, and CVHS as the band and orchestra teacher. 

“He’s just as hip with the kids as Ms. Heinze,” Elizabeth Crowell, a former student of Rexelle’s shared.

Having shared his musical sanctuary with others, Rexelle continues to conduct a lesson that transcends music.