Mr. Hampton Wines- Former Aberdeen Band Director Continuing to Inspire Students Decades After Retirement
For so many former Bobcats, once we hear the band start to play and the beat to “Aberdeen will fight forever, for our Bobcats brave and true” come on we can feel the excitement build up inside as we dance and clap along with the band.
Every Friday night lights we attended at Stewart Field, weekday nights spent together in Sam Benn gym cheering on our beloved Bobcats, come rushing back to us as we feel Bobcat pride swell back into our hearts and minds.
Many of us can remember the special treat of the marching band heading up Arnold Hill to practice on a weeknight in the fall or remember that welcoming feeling of the band’s tunes buzzing as we head into the game- all hoping for the same thing, another Bobcat victory.
What makes those memories so special without a doubt is the energy the band brought to the games every night. They work tirelessly to make sure to bring the electric energy to our stadiums and gyms and they set the tone for some of our fondest memories growing up in Aberdeen.
Mr. Hampton Wines was the man behind the music at Aberdeen High School for 22 years. He was recruited by the superintendent to “build the best band ever.” His former students credit him with showing them how to work diligently and through that work, he instilled the gift of love and passion for music. He also showed his students what it felt like to do something great, and to be recognized for it. He led the band program in Aberdeen from 1961-1983.
Mr. Hampton Wines was a trumpet player that graduated from the renowned Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in three years with degrees in Piano and Music Education. He oversaw band programs at eight grade schools and two junior highs while leading the Weatherwax High School Concert Band, Marching Band, Pep Band and other ensembles. They marched at every football game and played nonstop tunes at every basketball game. His bands won contest after contest, delivering perfect score after perfect score.
Former student and current Grays Harbor Community Foundation Board Member, Mark Stensager remembers Mr. Wines as a man with high expectations and a love of teaching. “I had the privilege of playing in the dance band under the direction of Hampton Wines in 1967 when I was a senior at Weatherwax High School. He was a phenomenal musical leader who set high expectations for all the bands under his direction. It was always a thrill to listen to the exceptional concert performances or watch the energetic marching bands perform at the Aberdeen football games.”
Clearly beloved by so many former Aberdeen students, a group of them came together to honor Mr. Hampton Wines and show their appreciation for the value he brought to their lives by creating a scholarship in his name at the Grays Harbor Community Foundation. The HR Wines Music Scholarship Fund is for an Aberdeen High School graduate and former band student pursuing a career or degree in music. Also, in true Mr. Wines fashion, someone who wants to learn to do something great.
Thank you to the HR Wines Music Scholarship Fund Committee for entrusting the Foundation with honoring the great impact Mr. Wines brought to our community. His work will continue to inspire many future Aberdeen High School musicians for many years to come.