Concert Choir performs on stage alongside Mr. Winbush
Hilarious, energetic, and passionate are just a few of the many responses students give when asked to describe Mr. Winbush. Well-known for his musical talent and great sense of humor, Mr. Winbush is loved by many at Watauga High School. He will be deeply missed as he embarks on his next journey to pursue a masters degree at UNCG on a full-ride scholarship.
Mr. Winbush has been teaching at WHS for 6 years, coming directly out of college to become the amazing choir director and piano teacher we know today. Faculty and students alike have seen Mr. Winbush as a mentor and a trusted friend.
“He’s brilliant, like he just has a brilliant mind and he forgets things sometimes and he can be quite silly with the way that he moves, but in general, he is so intelligent,” said Cadence Saider, 12. “He hears things that the average person doesn’t hear, which is cool. I love him. He’s just so smart.”
Given a full-ride to UNCG, he will be pursuing a masters degree in Choral Conducting to ultimately obtain a doctorate in Choral Conducting. At UNCG, he will also be instructing undergraduate courses as his objective is to teach at the university level.
“Teaching music teachers how to be music teachers has become a real passion of mine, and I’m excited that I’ve been given the opportunity to do just that,” said Mr. Winbush.
As Mr. Winbush departs, he leaves behind his gift of expertise, love of music, and an accomplished choir. Performing at places such as the Duke Chapel, the Biltmore, and NCMEA gave his choir students the opportunity to further connect with one another and undergo new experiences.
“He never fails to make the classroom really fun and joyful, but even when we have serious moments he makes sure that we are a family and that at the end of the day we are all making beautiful music,” said Hannah Rabinowitz, junior. “That really allows us as choir students to have really good connections.”
Unlike other classes, music classes require that each student be fully engaged and practicing together as well as individually. The choir is highly skilled partly because of the encouraging environment that Mr. Winbush has created for his students.
“Even in the serious times when we’re preparing music for our concert or things that are stressful, even in those times we’re still having fun and he’s still making jokes, and I admire that,” said Kayla Graham, 11.
While this will be a difficult transition for his students, Mr. Winbush has planted many musical seeds in the music department. Mr. Winbush will continue to be the memorable, dedicated teacher and colleague Watauga will miss dearly as he pursues his next adventure.
“I’m going to miss his energy and personality the most,” said junior Kate Yoblinski. “He’s so genuine and has created such an incredible atmosphere that you feel comfortable to sing out and to make mistakes because you know he’s not going to judge you.”
Needless to say, Watauga is grateful for the time Mr. Winbush taught as the piano teacher and as the choir director. He also shares his love and gratitude for his students and alumni, who have drastically impacted these six years of his career.
“My absolute favorite memory was last week at my final concert. We had a ton of alumni who I’ve taught over the last six years join us in singing 'The Road Home' together one last time on the WHS stage,” said Mr. Winbush. “I was really overcome with emotion, because these former students have become like family. When you’re part of a choir like ours at WHS, the camaraderie and friendship are lifelong. I’m excited for whoever comes after me to get to experience that!”
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