Legacy is the mark you leave behind to be remembered throughout generations.
The Wells family is a musically talented group and has been a legacy for generations at Northview. It began when Dave Wells was hired by Northview Public Schools as the band director at Hills and Dales middle school (now named Crossroads) in 1974. He taught there until 2007. Dave passed his passion for music and education down to two of his sons, Mark and Greg Wells. Mark Wells played trombone while at Northview and earned a spot in the all state jazz band. Post graduation, he followed his father’s footsteps becoming a band director and now teaches at East Grand Rapids. His instrument is the trombone, just like his father. Greg Wells also attended Northview high school and earned a spot in the all state jazz band as a trumpet player. Greg Wells is the current band director here at the high school and has been since 2010.
Greg and Michelle Wells live in the district and have four children. Daughters Selah and Celeste Wells recently graduated from high school. Both were highly involved in the music program. Currently, two of Greg and Michelle’s sons attend Northview high school, brothers Ethan and Micah. Senior Ethan Wells plays the drum set for the Jazz band. Sophomore Micah Wells plays the bass trombone. This year, both Ethan and Micah earned a spot in the all state jazz band just like their father and uncle did before them. Earning a spot in the Michigan all state jazz band is difficult; there is only one spot in the elite ensemble for a bass trombone player and one for a drummer. It takes a lot of dedication, practice, and talent to earn one of these spots. If jazz band were a high school sport, earning a spot in the all state jazz band would be the equivalent to winning an individual state championship. Four members of the Wells clan have achieved this honor. Leaving a legacy of four musical state championships in the family. All signs point to the Wells family growing this legacy for many generations to come.
Greg Wells has been band directing for sixteen years. He has a special place in his heart for seeing his kids be passionate about something he loves.
“It’s just been fun to see my own kids, you know, kind of making music,” Greg Wells said.
Band has always been important in Greg Wells’ life and seeing it be just as important to his kids makes him happy he can pass on his passion.
“There’s some definite proud dad moments when, you know, the announcement came out, since the audition for All state is completely blind. And so they select one drummer in the whole state to be in the all-state jazz band and one bass trombone to be the bass trombone player. And they both got those spots,” Greg Wells said.
It comes with perks having your dad as a band director and Ethan Wells knew that going through his childhood with instruments within arms reach.
“I started piano lessons in, first grade, and then I took piano lessons all the way up until high school. I started learning other instruments all over my house,” Ethan Wells said.
Micah Wells has the same stance as his brother, having your dad as your band director is helpful and teaches you a lot.
“The best thing is that I can always get help anytime I want, without just emailing him. He’s just there at home,” Micah Wells said.
Making music isn’t just something the Wells family strives to be good at, it is something that builds community and bonding within their extended family, friendships, and community. Music and performance bring all of us closer together. Northview is blessed to have the leadership, musical talent, and concerts provided by a legacy of Wells’ over decades.
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