The 8th grade Band, under the direction of Mr. French and Mr. Walters, meets every day in the high school band room. The 8th graders participate in one halftime show with the HS marching band, and perform several concerts throughout the year. Select students will perform in honor bands, solo and ensemble, and the ensemble may participate in a large group adjudicated activity.
At the conclusion of the Marching Band season, the Freshman Band is one of the three concert bands that meet during the school day. The ensemble, directed by Mr. Fleischaker, will play in several second semester concerts, in addition to the OMEA Large Group Adjudicated Festival. The group primarily plays music equivalent to or straight off of the OMEA Class C list.
At the conclusion of the Marching Band season, the Concert Band is one of the three concert bands that meet during the school day. Additionally, students attend at least one sectional per week with the director, Mr. Walters, outside of the academic school day. The ensemble will play in several second semester concerts, in addition to the OMEA Large Group Adjudicated Festival. The group primarily plays music equivalent to or straight off of the OMEA Class B list. The Concert Band also hosts a concert band festival every spring at Wooster High School.
Directed by Mr. French, the Symphonic Band is made up of the finest wind players at Wooster High School. This ensemble meets every day for a full ensemble rehearsal, in addition to weekly sectionals outside of the normal academic school day. The ensemble will play in several second semester concerts, in addition to the OMEA Large Group Adjudicated Festival. The group primarily plays music equivalent to or straight off of the OMEA Class AA list.
The Jazz Band is an auditioned ensemble that meets daily with Mr. French during the second semester as a scheduled class. The band will explore many forms of popular instrumental music such as rock, latin, fusion, swing, etc. Students will learn popular musical notation, and explore improvisation, comping, and even a bit of orchestration and arranging. They will perform in concerts throughout the semester, jazz festivals, and even put on their very own "Big Band Dance" for the Wooster Community!
The 8th Grade Jazz Band is comprised of students in the 8th grade, with some select 7th grade students, and meet once per week after school. The purpose of this ensemble is to introduce jazz style and harmonies to younger musicians and to prepare them for the high school jazz band. This group is directed by Mr. Walters.
The Wooster High School Marching band performs at all home and away football games throughout the fall, and also performs at a season-ending indoor Marching Band concert. Comprised of every student in the band program, in addition to a flag and majorette corps, the Marching Band has its roots in the "Big 10" style of marching bands, but isn't afraid to dabble in more contemporary styles as well. Band camp begins 3-4 weeks before school starts for all students. Throughout the season, students will memorize over 20 selections to perform for the Wooster community. The Marching Band has also traveled to many regional and national venues to participate in parades, exhibitions, and other special performances.
The Pep Band, directed by Mr. Walters, performs at select HS Boys and Girls varsity basketball games. The HS pep band performs at 6 games throughout the season.
