Wasilla High’s Band Program is Making Some Noise!
Contributed by Lesa Thomas
From the football stadium to the gymnasium, the halls and in-between, Wasilla High School’s band program is getting out and making noise! The program is growing and flourishing in its second year under its new director, Tyler Martin. In addition to the Marching and Pep Bands visible at football, basketball & sometimes hockey games, the program has so much offer.
It boasts a large symphonic band, an orchestra, a percussion class, jazz band, a new AP Music Theory course as well as a concert band for new students. On top of that, Marching Band and Pep Bands take place outside of the school day. There is a place for every level of musician at WHS!
Martin, recipient of the Mat-Su region music band director of the year award, shares that there are 65 students in the program this year between bands, percussion and classes. He is excited about the increased participation, “we are continuing with the growth the program has seen over the last several years,” noting that enrollment is up twenty students from last year alone.
“Growing in numbers and scope, we are able to be present in more places. There are events we are present at such as large group adjudication and we doubled our students at All State this year, the highest level of competition in the state. Recently we collaborated for the Wasilla City Christmas tree lighting with the middle school band and the community band.”
An important part of music education is having the opportunity to perform. Wasilla High Bands get out into the community whenever possible. They have been in the Wasilla 4th of July Parade, Wasilla City Tree Lighting, Senior Centers and at satellite schools. Additionally, the band is planning a trip to New York this summer to include workshops and performances, the highlight of which is a performance on the USS Intrepid. WHS band classes produce fantastic music with two end of semester concerts and their annual Mardi Gras Dinner Fundraiser.
The Mardi Gras Dinner is a big event for the program and its booster club. The gymnasium is transformed into a New Orleans dining hall, filled with amazing food and music! There is a live auction where the Senior Band members take on a role with the live auction and tables are lined with silent auction items. This event is only successful because of the community support.
Students request sponsorships and auction items directly from local businesses. Band members have been pleasantly surprised to hear that many of the community members they speak to had played instruments and are eager to support band kids.
This year’s Mardi Gras Dinner is January 25th at 6:00 PM at Wasilla High. For anyone wanting to join the fun, tickets are available to purchase from any band member, online, or at the door. They are actively looking for auction donations, as well as program sponsors. They always welcome new community partnerships and support.
With all of the wonderful growth, the band program has some needs arising. Mr. Martin shared, “a need right now is instrument repair and replacement. Some instruments are sixty plus years old and are not going to get a lot more use.” Some students have their own instruments, but many students borrow from the program. Repair costs add up quickly, and older instruments are wearing out and will have to be completely replaced. “Growth in marching band is putting more instruments on our (purchase) list. Such as marching brass instruments that we don't own and are unique to marching band, and percussion for outdoor use.” Martin adds, “New York is an upcoming need as well,” referring to the Band’s upcoming summer travel plans.
Wasilla’s Band and its booster club work throughout the school year to raise money for the program by running a coffee cart at football and basketball games, hosting multiple bake sales, with the Mardi Gras Dinner and through direct sponsorships to the nonprofit. The January 25th Mardi Gras Dinner is a community event, and tickets are available from any band member, or online. https://warrior-music-booster-inc.square.site/ For those looking to support the Wasilla Band through auction donations, personal donations, or business sponsorships, please reach out to Tyler Martin at Wasilla High School, 907-352-8200 or tyler.martin@matsuk12.us.