“He was a good guy, a great teacher, and an even better dad,” explains Wheeling Middle School Principal, Rich McCardle. He’s referencing legendary WMS music teacher, Buddy Filben. Filben was employed by Ohio County Schools for over two decades before he passed away from cancer in early 2020.
Filben’s presence has always been palpable in the building, but even more so now that his daughter, Kailey Filben, is teaching for Ohio County Schools in the same classroom her late father once instructed. Kailey is in her second year of teaching and her first with Ohio County Schools. A 2019 graduate of John Marshall High School and a 2023 graduate of the University of North Texas, Kailey obtained degrees in music education and percussion performance. During her time in TX, she was a three year marching band veteran and a skilled percussionist, focusing both on Steel Drums and Afro-Cuban Drums.
Now, Kailey teaches general music both at Middle Creek Elementary and Wheeling Middle School. “He (my dad) did so much for this school and county, even beginning the first high school steel band in the state,” Kailey states, “His influence is still here. He constantly helped kids make the right decision, and his teaching carries over. When he passed, we had never seen the kind of turn out at a visitation that we did for my dad’s. Hearing those stories, still hearing from former students, his story continues.”
Buddy worked as a Wildcat nearly up until his passing. “He never let any of the balls drop, and you wouldn’t know if you saw his schedule how sick he was. He just didn’t let it show,” Kailey states before adding, “Both my parents instilled a love of music in me from such a young age. Seeing my dad in action was foundational in my decision to teach music.”
Kailey attended Wheeling Middle School and had the privilege of being in class with her father. “I loved being in his class. I also just loved driving to school with him every morning. We were always able to talk about music and theater, and that time spent with him is still so important to me,” Kailey states.
Wheeling Middle Chorus Teacher, Wendy Seideweitz has now worked alongside both Filbens. “I met Buddy through my sister as they both attended West Liberty. I always respected him as a musician and then as a teacher in 2006. Not only was he a great mentor, but he was a great friend.”
In the little time she’s been in Ohio County Schools, Kailey’s impact is already felt. And for Kailey? “I’m helping to keep his legacy alive. That’s really special for me.”
Memories of Mr. Filben? We'd love to hear them! What a privilege it's been having BOTH Filbens in our county.
#ArtsinOCS #MusicEducation #Family
University of North Texas