WRHS "Marching Falcons" on   Homecoming Court!

The 2019 WRHS Homecoming was held on Friday, October 18th.  Congratulations to  Jude Smeltzer (Saxophone) and Brandon Richmond (Trombone) who were selected to be a part of the 2019 WRHS Homecoming Court.  Jude was a Junior representative while Brandon Richmond was a member of the senior court.  Special congratulations to Brandon who was elected as the 2019 WRHS Homecoming KING! 
"Absolutely Stunning"  Marching Falcons stun the crowd at the Preview Show!

On Saturday, September 21st, the "Marching Falcons" participated in the 2019 Rowan County Marching Band Preview.  The afternoon began with masterclasses from collegiate faculty and professional musicians working with students around campus.  The national anthem was performed by a mixed brass ensemble, each school performed their half-time show, and the evening concluded with a mass performance of "America."  Great job to ALL of our band students!

2019  " 8th Grade Invitational"   Was a Huge Success!
On Friday, September 29th, the "Marching Falcons" hosted their annual "8th Grade Invitational" drawing a large number of participants from West Rowan and Southeast Middle Schools!  The students rehearsed with student leaders after school, performed an opening fanfare, the national anthem and a tunnel for the team, as well as playing in the stands the first half of the game.  Students then got a front row seat to the halftime show!  Thanks to everyone for coming out!
 WRHS Performs Anthem for the 2019 Woodleaf Tomato Festival
    On Saturday, August 17th, Evelyn, Johne, Austin, Daniel, Brandon, JJ, Dylan, Jude, Charlie, Chloe and Madison provided the national anthem for the annual Woodleaf Tomato Festival held at Unity Presbyterian Church.  The festival features local music groups, dancers, arts, crafts, vendors, food and all manner of tomatoes, tomato recipes, tomato queens, tomato eating contests and much more!  If you missed it, be sure to come out next year!
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  2019 Band Camp Ends with a Successful Show!
  
​   The 2019 season began in mid July with  a week of sectionals and staff retreat and then
    a week of full band rehearsal. We wrapped up our two weeks of work with our annual
    Band Camp Preview where students showcased musical, ​visual techniques, and 
     samples from this years show!
​        It's going to be a great season!  Be sure to come check them out in person!

WRHS Brass Alumni and Friends Play for 2019 Graduation
The 2019 West Rowan Graduation was indoors due to weather, but the show must go on!  Music was provided by a unique group this year, WRHS Brass Alumni and Friends.  Members included: Corey Gaston (brother-in-law of West Rowan AP, Chris Walters), Mr. Trivette (Director of Bands), Jerry Goodnight ('10) and his wife Katherine, H.A. Hoffman ('12), Cassidy Nooner ('15),  JJ Giddings ('20), Dylan Lord ('20), Alex Day ('12) and Matthew Langford ('15).

Graduation Ceremony:  Congratulations Class of 2019!
Congratulations to our 2019 seniors as they walked the stage to receive their diplomas!  It was a unique ceremony this year as we were indoors due to weather, but kudos to everyone on making it work!  We are very proud of each and every one of you and know that you will all go on using your talents to make the world a better place.  Now, everyone can enjoy some time off... Summer is officially here!  Have fun and be safe!

WRHS Brass Quintet Performs for Rowan Arts & Ag Tour
On Saturday, June 1st, several of our West Rowan brass students got up early to come out and provide music for the Rowan Arts & Ag Tour stop at the West Rowan High School Agricultural Department, showcasing livestock, greenhouses, hydroponics, and more!  They performed a variety of works including Beethoven, Haydn, and Spirituals.

RSS Bands Provide Music for Armed Forces Day Ceremony
The third Saturday in May is known as Armed Forces Day, and is also the annual flag changing ceremony at the Patriot's Flag Concourse and Memorial in Salisbury City Park.  High school students from North, East, West and Salisbury combined to form a double brass quintet and provided prelude music and each of the service songs as new flags were hoisted on the concourse.  The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute in honor of our fallen service men and women.

WRHS Brass Quintet Performs for West Rowan Elementary
At WRES, the end of every week brings "Friday Morning Jams" in the hallway before the beginning of class.  Highlighting performers from within the school and throughout the West Rowan community, May 10th's performance was provided by a brass quintet from WRHS.  The group performed a rotation of Ode to Joy, Amazing Grace, and songs from each branch of the armed services.  It was early, but a great morning of music!  Great job guys!

WRHS Students Participate in NC Brass Band Masterclasses
Thanks to the Dr. Brian Meixner and the NC Brass Band for a fantastic morning of masterclasses and performances for our RSS brass students!  Special thanks to WRHS Alumnus Thomas Langford (who first envisioned this event months ago), Bob Foreman and The Band Attic for providing a step-up/demo table for our students, and Ms. Norton for being a great host at Salisbury HS.  It was a great day for music education!

Navitat & Mars Hill University!
On April 18th, 15 students had a fun and educational start to Spring Break with the Navitat Canopy Tour, followed by a tour of Mars Hill University, complete with instrumental masterclasses, college Q&A, and student performances!  It was a great day!

West Rowan Symphonic Band Earns "Excellent" at MPA
On Monday, April 1st, the combined Symphonic Band traveled to the district's Music Performance Adjudication event hosted in the brand new Mooresville High School Performing Arts Center.  The band earned three "Excellents" and one "Superior" for an overall rating of "Excellent."  A great job by everyone!  Congratulations on a great performance!

5 WRHS Students Perform with First All-County Jazz Band​
​On March 29-30, 2019 the first-ever All-County Jazz Band Clinic took place at Salisbury HS.  West had 5 students selected for this ensemble: Dylan and Johne (trumpet), Brandon (trombone), Jude (piano), and Kurt (bass).  Students rehearsed with Wally West, Co-Founder of the Piedmont Triad Jazz Orchestra.  Congrats to everyone on a great concert!

WRHS Students Perform with 2019 All-County Honor Band
​In February, West Rowan HS had 10 students perform in the All-County Honor Band: Jude (alto sax), Abe and Johne (trumpet), Daniel (horn), JJ, Tyler, and Samantha (trombone), Dylan (baritone), Rayne (mallets), and Kurt (string bass).  Students performed under Mr. Steve Sigmon, Director of Bands at North Henderson HS.   Congratulations everyone!

RSS Band Students Perform with UNCG Carolina Band Festival
On February 14-16, 2019 UNC-Greensboro hosted their 30th Annual Carolina Band Festival and Conductors Conference.  One of the premier honor bands in the area, students are selected by audition from across the southeastern US.  Rowan-Salisbury was represented by 7 students from across the county, including JJ Giddings on trombone.  He had the opportunity to perform under the direction of Col. Michael Colburn, formerly the director of the US Marine Band!

West Rowan Students Featured with Salisbury Symphony
On January 27th, three WRHS students had the opportunity to perform with the Salisbury Symphony on their "Stars!" Concert.  Abe Long, JJ Giddings and Dylan Lord performed on the concert opener - music from the new Star Trek.  Later, JJ and Dylan performed as featured soloists on Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Horns.  They are pictured here with the three soloists from East Rowan along with Dr. David Hagy, Conductor of the Salisbury Symphony!  Great job by everyone!

WRHS Students Selected for UNC-Charlotte Honor Band
The second weekend in December always plays host to the UNC-Charlotte Honor Band Clinic.  This year, West Rowan had 7 students accepted to perform:  Jude (saxophone), Abe (trumpet), JJ (trombone), Dylan (euphonium), Kurt (string bass), Rayne (percussion) and Sean (percussion).  Students rehearsed under UNCC directors Dr. Shawn Smith and Dr. Jennifer Whitaker.  Congratulations to these students on a job well done!

WRHS Students Selected for UNC-Wilmington Honor Band
The first weekend in December always plays host to the UNCW Honor Band Clinic.  This year, RSS had 21 students selected from 4 different schools, including 7 from West Rowan:  Jude (saxophone), Abe (trumpet), JJ (trombone), Eric (euphonium), Dylan (euphonium), Kurt (string bass) and Sean (percussion).  Students rehearsed under UNCW director Dr. Talanca and David Robinson, director at Panther Creek HS.  Congratulations to these students on a job well done!

"Marching Falcons" March in 2018 'Tis the Season Parade
On Wednesday, Nov. 21st - the day before Thanksgiving - the "Marching Falcons" are thankful for their surrounding communities and helped to ring in the holiday season with the 'Tis the Season Spectacular Parade through Spencer and Salisbury.  Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays to all of our West Rowan family and friends!

"Marching Falcons" Small Ensemble Honors Veterans!
On Monday, November 12th, all the Rowan County bands prepared to participate in our Veterans Day Ceremonies... but the weather had other plans, delivering a cold, rainy day.  However, that didn't stop the bands from honoring our veterans!  Each band put together a small ensemble and performed their parade music and then combined for a joint performance of "America" for residents at both the Lutheran Home and the Retirement Community at Trinity Oaks!

"Marching Falcons" at Porter Ridge Pirate Cove Classic!
On Saturday, October 27th, the "Marching Falcons" performed their last competitive show of the 2018 season at the Porter Ridge High School Pirate Cove Classic in Indian Trail, NC.  Against solid competition, the "Marching Falcons" ended the day with awards for 2nd Place Music, 3rd Place General Effect, 2nd Place Percussion and 2nd Place Colorguard.  It was a great performance (and a beautiful sunset!) to wrap up the 2018 competition season!

"Marching Falcons" Honor 13 Students at "Senior Night"
On Thursday (due to weather) October 25th, West Rowan hosted their annual "Senior Night" recognizing senior athletes before the football game and marching band seniors during halftime.  There are 13 wonderful students in 2018 "Marching Falcons" Senior Class and we hope your senior year is the best yet!  Best of luck in your future endeavors!

"Marching Falcons" Perform at North Lincoln "Roundtable"
On Saturday, October 6th, the "Marching Falcons" traveled to the North Lincoln High School "Roundtable Tournament of Bands" for their competitive season opener.  After a long (and hot!) day, the band played a great show earning 2nd Place Music Performance, 2nd Place General Effect, 2nd Place Percussion and 2nd Place Overall in Class 1A.  Great job!

2018 "8th Grade Invitational" Draws Largest Crowd Ever!
On Friday, October 5th, the "Marching Falcons" hosted their annual "8th Grade Invitational" drawing a record number of participants from West Rowan and Southeast Middle Schools!  The students rehearsed with student leaders after school, performed an opening fanfare, the national anthem and a tunnel for the team, as well as playing in the stands the first half of the game.  Students then got a front row seat to the halftime show!  Thanks to everyone for coming out!

"Marching Falcons" Wow the Crowd at 2018 Preview Show!
On Saturday, September 22nd, the "Marching Falcons" participated in the 2018 Rowan County Marching Band Preview.  The afternoon began with masterclasses from collegiate faculty and professional musicians working with students around campus.  The national anthem was performed by a mixed brass ensemble, each school performed their half-time show, and the evening concluded with a mass performance of "America."  Great job to ALL of our band students!

"Marching Falcons" Perform at Oak Park Tailgate Party
On Tuesday, September 18th, the WRHS Marching Band gave up their usual day of practice to visit our friends at Oak Park Retirement Community.  Activities director, Karen Leonard, was hosting a Carolina Panthers Tailgate Party and the band provided entertainment with all of their Friday night stands tunes and a standstill performance of the halftime show.  Thanks to all who were able to participate in bringing the band experience to Oak Park's Tailgate Party!

WRHS Performs Anthem for the Woodleaf Tomato Festival
On Saturday, August 18th, Abe, Johne, Sammy, JJ, Dylan and Jaden provided the national anthem for the annual Woodleaf Tomato Festival held at Unity Presbyterian Church.  The festival features local music groups, dancers, arts, crafts, vendors, food and all manner of tomatoes, tomato recipes, tomato queens, tomato eating contests and much more!  If you missed it, be sure to come out next year!

2018 Band Camp Ends with Successful Preview Show!
The 2018 season began in mid July with staff retreat, a week of sectionals and then a week of full band rehearsal.  This year, we battled rain off and on for weeks but still wrapped up with our annual Band Camp Preview where students showcased musical and visual techniques, pre-game for Friday night and about 4 minutes of their 2018 production entitled, "The Sounds of Silence."  It's going to be a great season!  Be sure to come check them out in person!

West Rowan Alum Performs with Phantom Regiment
On July 29th, the Marching Falcons traveled to Wake Forest's BB&T Field to watch the 31st edition of NightBeat, a Drum & Bugle Corps competition.  This year, we had the privilege of  watching WRHS Alum, Matthew Langford (Class of 2015), in his second season with Phantom Regiment.  Matthew is among the growing number of West Rowan graduates to join the ranks of Drum Corps International, and also serves as the head drum major at ASU.  We're proud of all our students, both current and former, and wish the best of luck to those auditioning for the 2019 season of DCI!

2018 West Rowan Student Leadership Staff Retreat
For several days prior to band camp, the student leadership team for the "Marching Falcons" participated in their annual "staff retreat" focusing on team-building, problem-solving, character-development, conflict-resolution, planning for the upcoming season and more!  There were a lot of difficult tasks and conversations, but the group did a great job and enjoyed a healthy dose of fun and bonding.  We're already excited for the 2018 season!  :-D

See more history of the West Rowan High School Band HERE!