photo by: Emma Delk

John Marshall High School Band Director Tracey Filben has developed various percussion programs at the high school, including creating its Steel Band program in 2008.

GLEN DALE — A Marshall County teacher who once dreamed of becoming a band director in her sixth-grade music class has now been recognized by the West Virginia Music Educators Association for developing an outstanding band program at John Marshall High School.

John Marshall High School Director of Bands Tracey Filben was announced as the newest inductee into the WVMEA Hall of Fame during the opening ceremony of the organization’s 79th annual in-service conference in Charleston on Thursday, March 6.

The WVMEA Hall of Fame recognizes educators who have developed outstanding school music programs, made significant contributions to music education in the state and have a minimum of 15 years of music service in West Virginia,

Filben has served as the director of bands for John Marshall for the past 22 years.

As band director, Filben started the Steel Band program at John Marshall in 2008, making the high school one of the first in the state to offer steel band classes as part of the school’s curriculum. Filben also formed the first Fife and Drum Ensemble in a West Virginia high school.

Filben said it was important to her to make these unique music opportunities available for her students, adding they can be the highlight of some students’ school days.

“I am really just trying to make a program accessible to everyone,” Filben said. “Every year there is at least one student, if not more, that approaches me who hasn’t been in band and asks if they can be a part of the program. I love that there are kids out and about in the school that see what we’re doing and want to be a part of it.”

In 2018, Filben’s steel band was selected to perform at the Midwest Band and Orchestra International Conference. Various percussion ensembles at John Marshall have also been selected to play at the annual West Virginia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference.

“I think success amongst our groups is contagious and promotes so many feelings of happiness,” Filben said. “When students see success, they want to be part of a successful program. We have a quality that we are accustomed to and the kids don’t want to let each other down and they don’t want to let me down.”

Filben’s involvement as a music educator goes beyond John Marshall. Since 2011, she has served as the Chair of the WV All-State Band. In this position, Filben hired guest conductors and audition judges, secured audition materials and locations and performed all other duties needed to create the All-State Band event.

Though she stepped down as West Virginia All-State Band Chair this year, Filben will remain involved in music education at the state level. She was nominated to serve as the President of the West Virginia Chapter of the International Bandmasters Fraternity, Phi Beta Mu.

“I’m very excited to serve in this new capacity and see what different opportunities we may be able to create for colleagues and students as well,” Filben said.

After many years dedicated to music education, Filben is honored to receive the WVMEA recognition. She was especially touched to join names of fellow music educators she has looked up to during her career, including former John Marshall Director of Bands Ron Rose and former Wheeling Park High School Director of Bands Patrick Garrett.

“There are lots of big shoes in that Hall of Fame that I am honored to help fill,” Filben said. “I certainly want to maintain the level of excellence we’ve achieved at John Marshall but I also know there are always surprises and new achievements to strive for.”