Jack Farina, ’57, professional drummer, and an enduring faculty member at Beloit College. Jack provides instruction to students on percussion, set drumming and works with the Percussion Ensemble.

Jack Farina got an early start as a musician, at the age of three Jack was already playing the drums on his mother’s pots and pans. By age 16 Jack joined the Musicians Union and played many engagements in the Midwest, all the while still attending Beloit Memorial High School. Jack then attended Beloit College where he graduated with a BA in Music Performance after enjoying four years as a member of the Beloit College Band.

Jack went on to serve his country and joined the army. There he became a member of the elite 2^nd Army Bagpipe Drum Corps. After being discharged, Jack returned to Beloit College to earn his teaching degree. With his degrees in music and teaching Jack began his 40 years of instruction as the Band Director of Beloit Catholic High School and Turner High School, both in Beloit, Wisconsin.

His 40+ years of teaching rival his years in the Jack Farina Big Band, which he created in 1968. It all started when a client wanted Jack to put together a big band for an engagement at the Famous Wagon Wheel Inn, located in Rockton, Illinois. Since its inception, the Jack Farina Big Band has been providing music and dancing enjoyment to many a willing audience. Beginning in 1999, Jack and the Jack Farina Big Band performed monthly at the Marine Corps League for many years. They continue to provide dance music and big band sounds for local audiences on a regular basis.

Now retired, Jack has started the Our Lady of the Assumption School Band and still enjoys teaching percussion to the eager students of Beloit College.