The Rising Rhythm of Wasilla High School Band
Contributed by Tyler Martin
The Wasilla High School Band program is growing and flourishing in its third year under director Tyler Martin. In addition to the Marching and Pep Bands visible at football, basketball and sometimes hockey games, the program has so much offer.
It boasts a large symphonic band, multiple percussion classes, and 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 NFHS Outstanding Music Educator Award for the State of Alaska in 2025, shares that there are around 60 students in the program this year between bands, percussion and classes. He is excited about the increased participation and musicianship, “We have met the challenge of replacing graduates with new talented freshmen. We have a lot of young students in our bands this year but they are playing just as strong as previously, if not even stronger!”
“Growing in numbers and scope, we are able to be present in more places. This year we performed at two different marching invitationals, one in Kenai and one at Colony High School. We also now have had multiple students place in the Alaska All-State Band for three years in a row. Multiple WHS band students have also participated with the Mat-Su Concert band in performances throughout the summer and school year.”
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. The band program is currently raising funds for travel expenses, supplies, and an equipment trailer to help them move instruments between the school and the various performance locations they use throughout the year. 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 February 7th 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, “With how often we are performing outside the school, we really could benefit from owning our own enclosed equipment trailer, and we have decided we are going to be raising funds to purchase one as soon as possible. As always, we will continue to raise funds to repair and replace instruments in our aging inventory. It is imperative that our students always have a quality instrument for practice and performances. In addition to those needs, this year we borrowed multiple marching brass instruments from other schools so that we had enough for our marching band. We would love to be able to purchase enough to not have to do that anymore.”
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 February 7th 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.