Staff - Wabash Valley Youth Symphony

Artistic Director

Chris Wild

Dr. Chris Wild is proud to serve the excellent music students of Indiana’s Wabash River Valley as Artistic Director of the Wabash Valley Youth Symphony. Before moving to Indianapolis with his wife, Chris worked in Chicago and southwest Michigan, spending four years as Orchestra Director of the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra and teaching cello at Andrews and the University of Notre Dame.

Many years prior, his musical studies began as a cellist in Vancouver, Canada. A dual citizen, he moved stateside to attend the University of Michigan, graduating with a BM and MM in cello performance and music education. Upon graduation, Chris moved to Chicago where he worked in parallel as an orchestra teacher and as cellist for Ensemble Dal Niente. Eventually, he returned to school to complete a DMA in Orchestral Conducting at Northwestern University. More info on Dr. Wild.

Executive Director

Christina Nemcik Mongold

Christina Nemcik Mongold is a classically trained musician originally from Bloomington, Indiana who through her love for worldwide travel, found her way into International Fine Arts Program Development and then Global Sales and Business Development. Christina left her career in 2018 to tackle her most challenging and rewarding position thus far, CEO of the Mongold Family. Day to day, Christina spends much of her time raising two bright and very energetic young boys together with her husband, Dr. Jonathan Mongold.

Recently, Christina has been busier than ever supporting her local community through volunteerism and philanthropic pursuits. In her various roles, Christina has raised funds for local organizations, garnered several impactful donations, and helped raise a substantial donation to the local YWCA. Many times throughout her terms, Christina has been invited as a panelist to give talks within the community. Christina has given presentations geared towards inspiring young people of color in her community to pursue the Arts. She serves on the PTO of her children’s school and is a member of the national organization, MOPS. Christina is an avid birdwatcher, fanatical supporter of PBS and public radio, and a prolific reader of the historical fiction genre. She plays Horn around the state of Indiana, taking local gigs in churches, universities, and with community/volunteer musical ensembles.

Winds Coordinator

Tyler Long

Mr. Tyler Long is excited to serve the students of the Wabash Valley Youth Symphony as Winds Coordinator. During the day, Tyler is Director of Bands and Performing Arts Department Chair at Lafayette Jefferson High School, and also guides the 6-12 band program of the Lafayette School Corporation. After graduating high school in Hilliard, OH, Tyler received his Bachelors degree in Music Education and Church Music from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IN, and his Masters degree in Music Education and Wind Conducting from Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. Prior to moving to Lafayette, Tyler taught band at Lewis Cass Jr/Sr High School in Walton, IN.

Tyler’s bands have received many state honors and ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) gold ratings, including a marching band state championship in 2019, an indoor winds state runner-up finish in 2021, and a trip to the ISSMA state jazz finals in 2026. Tyler is involved with ISSMA as high school jazz required list chair, and hosts many events for ISSMA, IJEA (Indiana Jazz Educators Association), and IBA (Indiana Bandmasters Association) each year. As a performer, Tyler has traveled and conducted all over the country with collegiate ensembles, Christian bands, and gospel quartets. His primary teachers are Dr. Todd Williams (saxophone), Prof. Michael Flanagin (conducting), Dr. Doug Spaniol (bassoon), and Col. Michael Colburn (conducting). He also performs with various local chamber ensembles and the Lafayette Citizens Band each summer. Tyler, his wife Abi, and daughter Sophia reside in West Lafayette and enjoy biking, skiing, reading great books, and serving at their local church together.

Operations Director

TBA