Carrying on a Legacy: Wheeling Middle School's New Music Teacher Kailey Filben

Kailey Filben, a young and passionate music teacher, has taken on the mantle of teaching at Wheeling Middle School, the same institution where her late father, Buddy Filben, once held the position. This poignant story explores Kailey's journey, the profound impact her father had on her life, and her determination to continue his legacy in the classroom.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians

A Lifelong Passion for Music

Kailey Filben's love for music was nurtured from a young age, as she practiced and honed her skills under the watchful eye of her father, Buddy Filben, who was the music teacher at Wheeling Middle School. Growing up, Kailey would often seek her father's guidance and expertise, yelling upstairs for help from the music room or receiving unsolicited feedback on her piano and percussion work. This close-knit relationship with her father played a pivotal role in shaping Kailey's musical journey.

Continuing the Family Legacy

Tragically, Buddy Filben passed away from cancer in early 2020, just as Kailey was making plans for college. However, fate had a remarkable twist in store for her. This year, Kailey began teaching music in her father's former classroom at Wheeling Middle School, a bittersweet moment that filled her with a sense of both pride and profound emotion. "Never would I have predicted I would be teaching in his (Buddy Filben's) classroom," Kailey expressed, acknowledging the significance of this opportunity to continue her father's legacy.

Embracing the Challenge

Kailey's journey has not been without its challenges, as she navigates the complexities of teaching in the same institution where her father once held sway. However, she is driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to honor her father's memory. "It's a legacy. Teaching in itself is important. To see his impact — and to realize I am continuing it — is motivational. I want to get in every day and make it the best I can. It's very emotional to me," Kailey shared.

Reflecting on Her Father's Influence

Kailey fondly remembers the daily commutes with her father during her formative years in middle school, a time when she witnessed firsthand the profound impact he had on his students. "He played a large part in how my life would go. He influenced me in the same way others will say he did them," she recalled. Kailey described her father as a tough but dedicated teacher, one who always strived for excellence and brought out the best in his students.

A Lasting Legacy

Kailey's colleagues and former students of her father have shared their experiences, often describing Buddy Filben as a figure who was both intimidating and deeply influential. "But they say as they worked with him, he became an important person in their lives," Kailey explained. "To say he was a friend and mentor was accurate for everyone." Kailey's own journey has been shaped by her father's unwavering support and guidance, and she is determined to continue his legacy of inspiring and empowering the next generation of musicians.