In the Spotlight | John Monilaws
In our mission to support Central Cass students in the arts, our “In the Spotlight” series aims to showcase alumni deserving recognition.
John Monilaws | Central Cass Class of 1982
Maestro & Music Educator
Music is a huge part of everything in John Monilaws’s life. “It’s just me! I never get tired of it. Performing is something that still gives me chills. Whether I am performing or conducting, I simply get chills doing it.”
Monilaws, aka Maestro, is a 1982 Central Cass graduate who has experienced tremendous success as a performer, teacher, judge, clinician and conductor.
His teaching career started in 1987 in Litchville, ND (home of former CCHS Music Teacher, Larry Hegvik). After nine years in Litchville, he taught three years at the North Central School and an additional 16 years in Lisbon, ND. According to John, “I had a blast there, and I had great students.” John taught high school music—both choir and band, jazz band, swing choir, marching band and jr. high band and jazz band. In 2006, his high school band was the North Dakota Governor’s Band, under Governor John Hoeven. They traveled and performed in Chicago, New York, Nashville, Memphis and at Rutgers University in New Jersey. A career highlight for John was seeing his students march in the Disneyland parade for their 60th anniversary year celebration. “Watching my students march in that parade made me very proud of what we had all accomplished.”
The list is long when it comes to John’s high school memories—from listening and learning from the best—Tom Wald in band, to studying piano with Mitzi Moos. He participated in choir, band, variety shows, pep band, music festivals and state music contests. “I was always in “ah" when listening to David Piper, Melanie Moos, Carl Peterson and my sister play the piano and organ.” John felt honored to student teach for Mr. Wald. “He was always “Mr. Wald” to me, and he shaped my teaching career more than I could ever explain.”
Ironically, John’s initial post high school plan was being a diesel mechanic. It was his dream. However, when John was a senior, Mr. Wald encouraged him to consider music as a career. He toured Valley City State University (VCSC at that time) and they offered him a hefty music scholarship. His parents strongly encouraged him to “go for it,” and even helped him buy a new trombone as incentive. After receiving free tickets to a show called, “The EBC Hit Parade” at VCSC, John knew he needed music to be a part of his life and career, so he accepted the scholarship, and the journey began. He was in 20 plus “Hit Parades” and helped direct several. He had the honor of being the Maestro of the final "Bon Voyage" show in 2001, hence his career title.
Although Monilaws’s career path did not lead to diesel mechanics, he cherishes his Farmall tractor collection. Yep! A music teacher that cherishes red tractors! He sometimes thought they kept him calm when he was teaching.
John’s suggestion for students considering music as a career—
“Go for it! You will have it all your life. No one can ever take it away. I think anyone who enjoys the arts has a special gift—a gift that needs to be shared. Not everyone can do it, folks.”
In addition to 28 years of providing music education, John directed a church choir for 17 years before deciding it was just too much along with teaching. Now, he produces and directs the "We're in the Christmas Mood" show with talented and professional music “buddies” from college and several Casselton musicians. They celebrated their 27th show this year. John also directs the Valley Troubadours, a men's vocal ensemble in Valley City. This group was started by one of Monilaws’s college professors.
“It is such an honor for me to now be the Maestro of this group,” says John. In addition, John adjudicates several music festivals throughout the year and serves as a clinician at honor band and choir festivals. Casselton is also lucky to have our very own local Maestro grace the Summerfest Variety Show stage in July. In August 2024, Monilaws was inducted into the Valley City State University Music Hall of Fame for his exemplary career and community involvement in music education. Following his tradition of concluding his performances with a musical send off, Monilaws ended this interview the same way— “Keep a song in your heart."
Monilaws and his wife, Stacy, have two daughters and four grandkids. Stacy owns Fresh Alternative Fundraising, a fundraising company serving North Dakota and Minnesota—offering tasty Butter Braid® Pastries, Pastry Puffins and Butter Hearts to help groups meet their goals.
Thanks for sharing your story, John!
“In the Spotlight” features Central Cass alum who have excelled in the arts. Do you know a squirrel deserving recognition? Nominate them here!
