COEUR d’ALENE — Drumming could be heard in the distance as Lake City High School Principal Deanne Clifford called Tim Sandford up to be recognized.

Before there was anything to say, his students had something to play — a high-energy marching band iteration of "Louie Louie" that evolved into a dazzling, dynamic presentation of instrumental Timberwolf talent as they marched in and took their places along the second floor balcony to honor their music sensei.

"I was very very touched," Sandford said. "That took a lot of work and dedication."

Those dedicated students met in secret to rehearse a final number to send off their beloved band instructor the right way when he was honored during an end-of-year retiree and recognition ceremony Tuesday morning in the school's cafeteria.

Sandford was surprised, but "I knew something was up," he said.

"About three weeks ago I was driving and there was this strange band rehearsing on the side of the road," he said. "I decided not to investigate. I didn't want to ruin anything they were doing.

"I really didn't know they were going to do that," he said. "I had an inkling. It was really touching, for all of those guys to come out on their own was really cool."

The legendary Sandford is retiring after nearly 40 years as a music educator. In that time he's worked at three high schools, two middle schools and one elementary school under eight principals and 10 superintendents. He's been a chief negotiator for and vice president of the Coeur d'Alene Education Association.

All along, he's led thousands of rehearsals and performances, always at 100% and more.

"Being a band director is a consuming, 100 mph job all the time, and it's a big program. After 35 years, I'm looking forward to maybe going 75 mph," he said, laughing.

Sandford's awards are as countless as the lives he's touched. He's been recognized again and again for his commitment to his students and once was named one of School Band and Orchestra Magazine’s "50 Teachers Who Make a Difference."

"One time my program was named a Grammy Signature School, that was a national award," he said.

The true reward for Sandford, however, is to see his students succeed.

"What I really like is when I see my own students pursuing music and going on. I've got several kids, several former students who are teachers now," he said. "When you give them a direction and some focus in their life, and a place they call home, that's what I really like."

His colleagues and students shared memories and gratitude, sometimes tearfully, as they wished Sandford the best.

“Tim’s had a profound effect on my career, both personally and professionally, and profound effects on many of our students,” Clifford said.

Choir teacher Brittany Pfundheller thanked him for making her feel at home when she came to LCHS.

"You always know how to make me laugh, especially when I need it," she said. "Many times that you've allowed me to vent and shed tears that I needed to. You have been a mentor and a leader, obviously to many, including your students."

She thanked him for showing her how to be "a director with a backbone."

"We will dearly miss you and do our best to uphold your legacy," she said. "I have learned so much from you."

Although a melancholy accompanies his retirement, and he'll miss the kids especially, "I feel good," Sandford said. "I feel like I’ve had a pretty full career."

Sandford praised his wife, LCHS family and consumer science teacher Victoria Sandford.

"I thank God for my wife who put up with so much over the years," he said. "It was like 820 athletic events."

He also praised his own kids, Rachel, Sarah, Joel and Rebekah, for knowing what this job has meant to him and going on the journey with him.

"They went to a lot of games with me, and they all went through my program with me, which was a real privilege," he said. "My son, Joel, is the band director at Post Falls and he’s doing a great job. My daughter, Sarah, who got her start with us, but got her degree in graphic design, she started making T-shirts for the band and orchestra program."

Sandford will enjoy family time and fishing in his future as he finally gets to relax after a long, successful career.

"I told a lot of the teachers I’m going to send them a picture on the first day of school, from the dock, with a fishing pole," he said.