Behind the Baton - Christine Wolf
September 6, 2025
We got to chat with Christine Wolf, Director of Band at Central Davis Jr. High, about her 30 years in music education. She shared her journey, the challenges of keeping kids in band, how concert attire has changed, and the life lessons she hopes her students take with them. Whether you’re a music teacher or just love a good story, Christine’s insights are worth the read.
Tell us a little about your background and how you got started in music.
My main instrument is the clarinet. I earned my BM in Music Education from the University of Utah and a Master’s in Music Education from BYU. I’ve been teaching band for about 30 years now.
I have been teaching junior high band for 19 years. My first teaching job out of college was in 1998, and I taught for three years before taking a 12-year leave to raise my four kids—three girls and a boy. During that time, I kept teaching private lessons to stay connected. Fun fact: my daughter, who is a flutist, now teaches band at American Fork Jr. High School—the same place I was teaching when I was pregnant with her! Eventually, I returned to full-time teaching, and my husband—also a band director—teaches in the same school district as well.
Describe your path to your current position.
In addition to teaching at Central Davis, I’ve had opportunities to conduct honor bands and all-state ensembles and present at national conferences across the country. I’ve also conducted at the Midwest Clinic twice, which was an incredible honor.
I’ve amthe Utah President for WBDI, served as the Advocacy Chair for the Utah Music Education Association, and as president of the Utah Bandmasters Association, so advocacy and leadership are an important part of my path too.
What age group do you work with, and what kind of repertoire do you typically program?
At the junior high level, I teach everything from beginning band literature to jazz band and percussion ensemble. I’m also the associate conductor for the Utah Wind Symphony, where I work with semi-professional musicians, so my repertoire really spans the whole spectrum.
What’s one of the biggest challenges you face in your role?
As a teacher, recruitment and retention are ongoing challenges. Kids today have so many options for how to spend their time, and athletics often take precedence. Communities tend to pour more time and money into sports and view that as more “worthy” than learning an instrument. A big part of my role is helping parents and students see the value in dedicating themselves to music, even if it’s not something they chose for themselves as children.
Another challenge I’ve faced as a female conductor is figuring out what to wear on the podium. I need clothing that looks professional and polished, but also allows me to move freely and function all day—whether that means hours on a bus, a full day at all-state, or rehearsals back-to-back. It has to be wrinkle-resistant, comfortable, and versatile enough to wear with either flats or heels. On top of that, I’m managing 70–80 students while still needing to present myself as poised and confident. Striking that balance between form and function is never easy.
What is your ensemble’s current dress code?
For my top ensembles, students purchase uniforms—black dresses or tuxedo shirt/vest combinations with adjustable tux pants. My uniforms are not gender specific and students can choose what they feel the most comfortable in. The cost is about $80 per student. While we aren’t officially a Title I school, we are close, so affordability is always a consideration. We’ve used the same dress style for the past 17 years.
For my other bands, the dress code is more flexible: concert black from the waist down to the toes, white from the waist up, and a color tie of each student’s choice. All students must wear black socks, hose, or tights to keep feet and ankles covered.
Has the dress code changed over time?
Absolutely. What kids consider “Sunday best” has shifted, and now we have to be much clearer about things like skirt length and coverage—especially for those sitting in the front row.
Thirty years ago this wasn’t such a concern, but now we emphasize black socks, black tights, and a more covered, uniform look. Our motto is: “We may not sound professional yet, but we look professional.” I’ve always believed students play better when they feel dressed for the occasion. First impressions matter, whether we like it or not.
Favorite Blackstrad pieces to wear?
The Vesper Wrap Top and the Modern Tux Pant!
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love seeing students go from zero musical experience to discovering doors they never imagined would open for them. I’ve taught students who came from very troubled families or challenging personal situations, and for some, band was truly a last chance to find a positive path forward. Some of these kids have managed to pull themselves up and go on to study at top schools like NYU.
Band teaches so many life lessons. It’s not just about becoming a professional musician—it’s about learning to work hard, to be consistent, and to problem-solve with the tools you’ve been given. Those skills transfer to any path, whether it’s pursuing a career, being a parent, or anything in between. Watching students realize the fruits of their labor is what keeps me inspired.
What advice would you offer to others in your field or aspiring to similar roles?
Be patient with yourself. Your path won’t look like anyone else’s. Be persistent, surround yourself with great people, ask questions, and seek out mentors. Don’t spend energy comparing yourself to others—focus on what you uniquely bring to the table.