Clinton Native Returns to Lead Clinton Middle School Band and Assist Devil Regiment
March 10, 2025
The Clinton band family is welcoming home one of its own as a new leader in the program. A Clinton native and former member of the Devil Regiment, Kate Wages has been named the new Clinton Middle School Band Director and Assistant Director of the Devil Regiment at Clinton High School.
Returning to the community that shaped her, Wages expressed her enthusiasm for this new role.
“After growing up in Clinton and participating in the band program, it feels perfect to be headed back to serve the community that gave me so much,” she said. “I attended Bell Street Middle and Clinton Middle and sat in Mr. Hugh Pace’s band room. At Clinton High School, Director Kolman McMurphy became my mentor, and I fell in love with music and the community built around band. I am incredibly excited to continue the Devil Regiment and Wildcat’s Band legacy of excellence and rejoin Clinton’s community.”
Her parents, John and Anna Wages, shared their excitement about their daughter’s return to her alma mater.
“We have watched Kate grow into a talented musician and dedicated educator,” they said. “To see her come full circle and invest in the next generation of Clinton’s band students is a proud moment for us. The band program made a huge impact on her life, and we know she will do the same for so many others.”
Wages’ journey to music education wasn’t always planned. It was during the final football game of her senior year that a conversation with a close friend changed her path. Sitting on the curb of the parking lot, waiting for his ride back to Thornwell, her friend—who had faced immense hardships, from being separated from his family to battling depression—shared how music had saved him. Recognizing his talent, Wages admired his ability to make magic with any instrument he picked up. When he asked about her plans, she admitted uncertainty. Though she had applied to the University of South Carolina for engineering, something kept drawing her back to teaching. When she mentioned wanting to become a teacher, he encouraged her, saying, “You should, Kate. You will change lives like you changed mine.” That week, she changed her major to Music Education and never looked back. “I wouldn’t be back in Clinton, walking the same halls, if it wasn’t for him,” she reflected.
Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, Wages has already begun planning several initiatives to expand musical opportunities for students and the broader community. Among them is an Instrument Drive, which she is organizing alongside Clinton High School Band Director Mr. Prather. The drive aims to eliminate some of the financial barriers that come with participating in band by collecting donated instruments from community members. Donations of any instrument, regardless of condition, will be accepted, with those not used by the Clinton Band Program—such as violins—being passed along to other local music programs. Additionally, Wages and Prather are working on creating a concert closet with black dress clothes for students to wear during performances, mirroring the resources available in other high-achieving music programs.
The collection dates for the Instrument Drive are as follows:
- May 6th at Clinton Middle School during the 5th Grade Bridge Night from 4:00–7:00 PM
- May 12th and 13th at Clinton High School during the Spring Concerts from 6:00–8:00 PM
Wages is in the process of creating a flyer to promote the initiative and welcomes community support in spreading the word.
“Clinton is a place that truly supports the incredible things young minds can accomplish,” she said. “I can’t wait to see what we build together. Go Big Red!”
Here are some pics of Kate during her band years.
