Dan Wing holds his last school concerts at Shorewood and Einstein before retiring

Dan Wing and the Shorewood orchestra
Photo by K Carpp

Beloved orchestra teacher Dan Wing conducted his last two school concerts June 5th and June 12 at Shorewood High School and Einstein Middle School where he has taught for the past 30 years.

The Shorewood concert audience was full of family and friends of the students, but also included former students, including one group of friends who played in his orchestras 20 years ago.

Wing conducts the elite chamber orchestra
Photo by K Carpp

From his baton, thousands have learned to love the symphonic works of master composers, and have performed both at Carnegie Hall, and as featured orchestras in numerous festivals. 

We, as a staff, are beyond thankful for his dedication and to the teaching profession, for the profound impact he's had on the student and families (and staff!) who have studied under him, and for the strong program he has developed at the secondary level in Shoreline. 

His contributions reached beyond the walls of our school, and our music community is better because of his leadership Dan's passion, patience and masterful teaching have helped connect students to school, as well as to each other. The arts are a crucial part of our society, and Mr. Wing's program reminds us of the many reasons why. --Shorewood concert program notes

Einstein orchestra
Photo by Thom Foreman

At the Einstein concert (7th and 8th graders), one parent reported that "The place gave him multiple standing ovations, and the kids grabbed the mic and gave several small speeches praising him. It was very touching."

His orchestras have been frequent award winners at the Northwest Orchestra Festival (Gresham, OR), the Washington State Championships, and have produced many All-State musicians. Over the years, the orchestras have toured Hawaii, British Columbia, Oregon, California, New York and Florida and five appearances at Carnegie Hall.

Receiving a standing ovation at Einstein
Photo by Thom Foreman

He is Past President of both the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) and the Washington String Teachers Association (ASTA).

He is a member of the WMEA Hall of Fame, has been named ASTA-Washington "Outstanding String Educator,” as well as Shoreline School District "Teacher of the Year."

His 30 year school career followed 15 years as a professional orchestra musician, performing throughout Europe with the orchestras of Radio Luxembourg and West German Radio (Cologne), among others.

He served as Principal Violist in the orchestras of Heidelberg (Germany), the Spoleto Festival (Italy), Sacramento (CA), Evansville (IN) and Charlotte (NC).