A longtime music instructor in the Durant Independent School District will be recognized with a high honor this summer..
Chris Gregg is set to be inducted into the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame, one of three to be in the Class of 2024.
The induction ceremony will happen at the 2024 OBA summer convention in Tulsa. The Hall of Fame banquet will be on Wednesday, July 24.
The selection committee consists of representatives from the four quadrants of the state of Oklahoma and a representative from the Oklahoma City metro area. Upon receiving nominees for each year, three candidates are selected and submitted the Executive Board for approval.
“Honestly, I’m really humbled by it,” Gregg said. “There are a lot of fine music educators in the state and I don’t really have words. I’m just kind of speechless of the whole deal.
“I’m really very appreciative. It’s just one of those things that I wouldn’t have expected.”
Gregg completed his 32nd year as an educator with the 2023-2024 school year. He spent 26 years in DISD, five years at Antlers and started his journey with a year at Fox.
He was a member of the Class of 1987 at Tecumseh High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education and Music Theory and then a master’s degree in Education with a Music Emphasis from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Gregg distributed the credit for the honor to someone who has been with him along the way.
“I really can’t accept this honor without my wife (Leslie Gregg), who has been right there beside me. I would be remiss if I didn’t bring her right along beside me.”
Leslie currently serves as the assistant band director for Durant.
“And this wouldn’t have happened without the kids,” Gregg said. “I’ve taught over 20,000 kids. I just think it’s as much about them as anything. I’ve been blessed to have had really great kids.”
Donny Longest is the Executive Secretary of the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association, a role he has served in for 12 years.
“I’ve known Chris a long time,” Longest said. “He’s a good guy and fabulous teacher. He is well respected around the state with what he has done with the program at Durant.
“He is well deserving of this honor.”