Courses & Ensembles

SYMPHONIC BAND

The Wilmington High School Symphonic Band is open to any student who plays a wind band instrument. The Symphonic Band is a year long course comprised of 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students. The Symphonic Band focuses on playing quality concert literature, gives 5-6 performances during the school year and participated in OMEA events. Students in Symphonic Band also have the opportunity to participate in Honor Bands, Marching Band, Basketball Pep Band, and Solo & Ensemble Contests.

WIND ENSEMBLE

The Wilmington High School Wind Ensemble is comprised of the finest wind and percussion instruments in the High School. The select group of 45-50 members focuses on the finest quality wind band literature while refining musical skills. The Wind Ensemble meets as a year long class and is open to 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students by audition. The Winds Ensemble performs 6-7 performances during the school year and participates in OMEA events. Students in the Wind Ensemble will also play in a chamber ensemble and have the opportunity to play in Marching Band, Basketball Pep Band, Honor Bands, and Solo & Ensemble contests. In addition to school performances, the Wind Ensemble will perform in musical events as the opportunities are presented. The Wind Ensemble consistently performs at State Contest and have been selected as performing ensemble during the 2009, 2011, and 2016 OMEA Professional Development conferences. Members of the WHS Wind Ensemble may take the course at the honors level as a junior and/or senior.

JAZZ BAND

The Wilmington High School Jazz Band is an extra-curricular ensemble that meets during the Spring semester. Members of the Jazz Band are chosen by auditions. The Jazz Band focuses on playing in various styles and improvisational solos. The Jazz band will perform ins 2-3 concerts during the Spring semester on and off campus.

The PRIDE of WILMINGTON MARCHING BAND

The PRIDE of Wilmington Marching Band is an all extra-curricular ensemble that meets during the summer and fall semester. Enrollment is open to all instrumental musicians grades 9-12 and by audition to 8th grade instrumentalists and guard members. The Marching Band performs at Varsity Football Games, Marching Band competitions, and community events throughout the fall.

PEP BAND

The Pep Band consist of members of the WHS Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and the PRIDE of Wilmington Marching Band who, through service to the school and community, perform at various school and community events throughout the Winter season.

WINTERGUARD

The Wilmington High School Winterguard is an extra curricular activity that is open, by audition, to any WHS student. The Winterguard season is Novmeber through early April. The group participates in competitions throughout the tri-state area.

MUSIC APPRECIATION - COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS

Music Appreciation is a survey of music from the 18th century to the present. It includes the Classical, Romantic, and Impressionistic periods as well as musical styles from the 20th and 21st centuries. This course can be taken for CCP Credit or non-CCP Credit.

HISTORY OF ROCK

This course will enhance the understanding, development, and significance of Rock and Roll in its historical and social settings. Through listening, analysis, discussion, film, and various assignments students will explore the music and the culture and society of the day The course begins with an overview of ancestors and influences of Rock and Roll followed by the musical and social trends of the 1960s, including the influence of the British Invasion, the rock explosion, social upheaval of the late 1960’s, and the changes in Rock and Roll music during the 1970s through the 1990s.