Ask Chris Wing the key to his success after leading Greenfield-Central High School’s band to its third state title, and he’ll quickly point elsewhere.
“I’m a very average teacher– a very average band director,” he said.
It’s simple: All he does is get hundreds of students, staff and parents to see the larger vision.
“I’m not doing anything special, just getting everyone on board.”
But ask any student, parent or administrator and you’ll hear a different story: Wing, in his 12th year teaching at G-CHS, is credited for building an incredible program.
But that word “incredible” is not about the trophies. Rather, it’s about teaching hard work, dedication and leadership.
“He doesn’t even know where the trophies the kids bring back are,” said Lee McKinnon, a G-C band mom. “He is proud that their hard work is recognized by others, but always tells the kids that the opinions of others are just that, and doesn’t define who they are as a person.”
Wing has a lot to be thankful for this season: making it to the state finals in eight of the 12 years he’s been at G-C schools; earning a third first-place finish; an excellent staff; students that want to grow; bountiful parent volunteers; and G-C administration that is overwhelmingly supportive of the program.
To top it off, there’s Christmas music to practice for the upcoming holiday shows Dec. 7 in the brand new, state-of-the-art auditorium.
Wing is beyond grateful for his wife, Annie – also a G-C teacher– and the support of their children, the oldest of whom is in guard.
The family has become deeply rooted in the Greenfield community, and Wing is teaching leaders for the community’s future.
“We often say, ‘We don’t teach music. We teach kids, and music is the vehicle we use to teach that,’” Wing said. “We want to develop leaders that will go out and make a positive impact in whatever field they land in after high school. We want them to demonstrate what hard work looks like, that perseverance to a goal or mission will always set you up for success, and that they will always achieve more together.”
Wing’s vision for teaching developed over time. He attended a competitive band program when he was in high school, but came to realize that – unlike sports– band programs can’t do anything about how other bands perform. Unlike basketball, for example, they can’t play defense or make any impact on how the other groups are doing. In a band, they have to give their best performance.
The G-CHS band placed third in state in 2022; second in 2016 and 2018; and first in 2019, 2021 and now 2024. The band was also Bands of America Grand National Semifinalists in 2018 and 2019.
Wing said the program creates a culture where excellence is expected of everyone, including students, parents and staff.
“That means showing up when you don’t want to, putting others before yourself, being accountable for your actions, and demanding more out of yourself that you think capable.”
There have been times where the band was really happy with their performance, but competitively it didn’t work out in their favor. There have been other times where Wing recalls he blew up at the students for a performance that didn’t meet G-C standards, but then they won the show.
“The lesson was that our standards are what they are. It’s irrelevant what that means competitively,” he said. “We will always push to meet and exceed our own expectations. I tell kids all the time that there will be times they don’t like me, and that’s ok. I’m going to push them beyond their comfort zones because that’s where greatness lies.”
This year’s show– “Any Way the Wind Blows” inspired by Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,”– was a season where each weekend they performed better than before. That happened even when a rough patch of sickness hit the group in October.
“It was a really unique and fun year where we just watched kids blossom.”
Lee McKinnon, whose two children play baritone in the marching band, said she appreciates that Wing addresses students after every performance. He uplifts them, tells them what they need to work on, and urges them to fix what they can.
She says the lessons extend far beyond music: her children are learning what it means to be a good leader and mentor; and how to work hard and how to show kindness.
“He is an amazing role model for our youth,” she said. “He is someone who is showing them how to succeed in life through music, creating a space where anyone can belong.”
Creating that inclusive space is the first thing senior Ava Powell says she appreciates about the program. Powell, the head drum major, said Wing has taught her leadership and the importance of ensuring everyone is communicating well and getting along.
She hopes to take that lesson with her after high school, when she studies audio engineering.
“We can work without him because he’s taught us everything he knows,” she added. “He emphasizes independence, and making sure he’s not the reason we’re confident.”
Junior Matthew Nance says Wing has an ability to get to know each student and what they’re capable of, but also making sure the entire group succeeds.
“He just wants us to be the absolute best that we can,” said Nance, who is captain of the drumline.
“There’s just so much pride in what we do, it’s hard to miss,” Nance said.
Principal Dan Walbaum was proudly in the audience when the bands were being announced for the state title. It was obvious that G-C had put on their best performance, and he said the lessons of hard work, teamwork and discipline will be with the band members for years.
“I hope people never take championships for granted, because it really is a special accomplishment,” he said.
The students said they’ve been blown away by the support of the community, especially their teachers and peers at school who appreciate the hard work they put in to reach the state title.
Superintendent Dr. Harold Olin said during his 25-years at G-C there have been some talented band directors.
“I am confident that his predecessors would admit that there is something extra special about Chris Wing,” Olin said. “He has created a culture of excellence that students want to be a part of. We have very high participation numbers for a school of our size, and Mr. Wing is the main impetus for that.
Olin said he’s incredibly proud of the students and staff because he knows of the hard work and dedication they have for the program.
“Mr. Wing does a fantastic job of casting a vision for something greater than what we have, and he has an uncanny ability to inspire students to make that vision a reality,” Olin said. “He builds leaders through the medium of music.”
By Maribeth Vaughn
“I hope people never take championships for granted, because it really is a special accomplishment,” Principal Dan Walbaum.
