LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
In the heart of Paris, where tradition and small-town charm weave a tight-knit community, Christina Farley Wilkie is striking a chord—literally and figuratively. At just 30 years old, Wilkie has already become a cornerstone of Paris Union School District #95, where she leads the fifth–eighth grade band program with a harmonious blend of passion, purpose and deep-rooted care for her students and her town.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Wilkie began her career in Paris as the band director at Mayo Middle School and Wenz Elementary in 2017. Since then, her impact has only crescendoed. With a Master’s Degree in Music Education under her belt and an endorsement in English as a Second Language, Wilkie has become known not only for her musical expertise but for her inclusive and heartfelt approach to education.
“I’ve always loved music and seen myself as a helper,” Wilkie reflects. “But it wasn’t until I auditioned for drum major in high school that it all clicked. I realized I could lead through music, and that lit the path for everything that came after.”
That path has led to a program now serving around 130 student musicians—a number that continues to grow. Wilkie teaches beginning band, sixth grade band, seventh/eighth grade band and jazz band, nurturing not just talent but confidence.
Recognition has followed her efforts. In 2021, the Illinois Music Education Association named Wilkie an Emerging Leader. The following year, the Illinois Music Education Journal spotlighted the District 95 Band Program in its “This is Music Education” feature—an accolade that speaks volumes about Wilkie’s leadership and the strength of her students.
But it’s not the awards that drive her—it’s the kids. Wilkie describes her favorite day of the year as the annual Pep Band tour, when Mayo’s musicians perform for students at Memorial and Wenz.
“They feel like rock stars,” she said. “And they get to see their old teachers—it’s full circle.”
Wilkie’s deep commitment to her students spills into every aspect of her life, including community outreach. Under her direction, the bands regularly perform at local events like the Honeybee Festival and Christmas in Paris. She’s led toy drives, organized performances for state championship games and formed partnerships with Eastern Illinois University that give both college students and her band members real-world, enriching experiences.
Living in a small town like Paris has shaped Wilkie’s teaching and leadership style in profound ways.
“Here, students don’t just see you in the classroom—they see you at the grocery store, the park, the basketball game. It’s a reminder that your presence matters, always,” she said.
That visibility and intentional care extend beyond music. Wilkie has found ways to uplift her students and model compassion in creative ways—like her “warm fuzzies” system. Acts of kindness and teamwork are celebrated with colorful pom poms, a whimsical yet meaningful way to foster empathy in the next generation.
“They roll their eyes sometimes,” she said, “but I think they secretly love it.”
It’s no surprise that Wilkie credits her upbringing in a small town for much of her community-centered mindset. She remembers how school programs gave her opportunities that shaped her future—and now she’s paying it forward.
“I feel fulfilled bringing those kinds of experiences to my students. Some of them might be as impacted as I was,” she said.
Looking ahead, Wilkie is passionate about expanding opportunities for younger musicians in Edgar County. While high school students often have access to a variety of programs and competitions, she believes the foundation starts earlier.
“That’s where the magic begins,” she said. “I want to help kids fall in love with music as soon as possible.”
Paris is lucky to have Christina Farley Wilkie—a woman who followed her childhood dream of being a teacher and became much more than that. She’s a mentor, a role model and a tireless advocate for her students, using every note, every parade and every pom pom to make a lasting impact.
Or as Mr. Rogers, one of her son’s favorite TV heroes, would say: she’s one of the helpers—and Paris is better because of her.