WRHS Bands Newsfeed

"The Sounds of Spring"
On April 28th, 2022, the bands of West Rowan Middle School and West Rowan High School presented their spring concert. We said goodbye to Mr. Bowman after he conducted his last concert with West Rowan, re-introduced the jazz band at West Rowan, had exciting lighting effects during one of the pieces, and closed out our year with a performance of "The Rowan Tree" with the 8th grade band students to welcome them into our Falcon Family!

2022 State Festival

For the first time since 2019, the West Rowan Wind Ensemble performed at the South Central District Band Masters Association Music Performance Assessment. In 2020, the band prepared for MPA but it was cancelled after the MPA Preview Concert due to COVID 19 and the event was cancelled again in 2021, but the band made a triumphant return in 2022. Check out our recordings!

RSS All County Video
Check out the RSS All County recording to relive such a great weekend of music making!

Rowan High School All County Band
Directed by Ed Kiefer

The Marching Falcons Unveil their 2022 Field Show

On March 2nd, the Marching Falcons revealed their 2022 Marching Band field show. Check out the trailer for more information!

Be on the lookout - marching band registration opens soon!

All County Band Returns!

On February 25th, nine West Rowan High School students attended the RSS All County Band Clinic. These students worked all day preparing a concert with composer and conductor, Ed Kiefer. This students prepared 5 pieces with band students from all over Rowan County: March of the Freedom Fighters, An Irish Legend, Haunting Old Mountain Melody, Soar High, and Chips and Salsa. Saturday afternoon, they put on their concert best and performed an incredible concert that they had only ~9 hours to prepare! Congratulations once again to our West Rowan students!

Patrice Cuthbertson, 1st Chair Flute
Kimber Loos, 4th Chair Flute
Jenna Roseman, 3rd Chair Clarinet
Ciara Cuthbertson, 4th Chair Clarinet
Jaritzi Elorza, 6th Chair Clarinet
Bella Summerall, 1st Chair Bass Clarinet
Charlie Young, 2nd Chair Tenor Saxophone
Jacob Moody, 4th Chair Trombone
Simon Wordsworth, 3rd Chair Mallets

2022 Marching Falcons Student Leadership

Congratulations to the following students on being selected to the 2022 Marching Falcons student Leadership Team! 

Drum Major
Alex Bouk
Bella Summerall

Woodwind Captain
Jenna Roseman

Brass Captain
Nick Sloop

Percussion Captain
Charles Menius

Colorguard Captain
Ciara Cuthbertson

WRHS Performing Arts Gets a New Look!

West Rowan High School Performing Arts revealed a new look on Friday! This logo encompasses Concert Bands, Marching Band, Colorguard, Winterguard, Choir, and Theater. Thank you to Jacob Lewis for you generosity when creating this new look for out band!

Marching Falcons in the Cleveland Parade

On December 4th, the Marching Falcons performed in the Cleveland Parade. Students decorated their instruments together and wore Santa hats and reindeer antlers to get the West community in the holiday spirit! This parade concluded the Marching Falcons' season - they worked hard throughout the entire season and while we look forward to a much deserved break, we cannot wait to start next season! Thank you to the families, friends and volunteers for helping make this season successful! 

Hurley All-Stars Meet the West Drumline
On December 1st, members of the Marching Falcons drumline performed at Hurley Elementary School. On Wednesday's, Hurley invites members of the community into the school to share what they do with the students. This semester, they have had firefighters, comedians, theatre students and chose our drumline to come and perform. Student listened to cadences, got to perform with the drumline, and even welcomed an alumni of the Marching Falcons that is a current Hurley teacher to come and play along. We made all the Hurley students honorary Falcons and showed them how to represent the U the next time they come to a football game!

Pfieffer Invitational Honor Band
On November 17th and 18th, several band students from West Rowan attended the first Pfieffer Invitational Honor Band festival. The students worked with Dr. Earp and renowned composer, Robert W Smith and band students from across the Piedmont region to put on an excellent concert. 

If you missed the concert, check out the playlist at the link below:

Marching Band Honors Veterans

On Thursday, November 11th, the Marching Falcons had several performances to celebrate the Veterans in the Rowan County community. First, they played for the residents of Trinity Oaks, the VA, and finally Downtown Salisbury! Thank you, Veterans!

Alumni Spotlight - Cassidy Nooner

Cassidy graduated from West Rowan HS in 2015 and Appalachian State University in 2019 with a Bachelors of Arts in Music Therapy and a minor in psychology.

While at West, she played French Horn and was drum major of the Marching Falcons for 2 years.

Now, she is a board certified music therapist working in memory care, hospice, and mental health!
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"My favorite memory was our very last marching band competition when we won grand champions at Porter Ridge!"

Let the Music Play!
It was a great day out at the U today - Wind Ensemble got to safely start playing in class today in the football stadium! We are all looking forward to what this semester has to bring! Look out for future concert dates!

Amazon Wishlist

Are you looking for a way to support our musicians and the success of the WRHS Bands? You can pick something off our Amazon Wishlist. All donations will be used in the classroom and for the marching band. Have any questions? Please contact Ms. Howard!

Friends and Family Night! - August 13, 2021
The Marching Falcons concluded a successful band camp with our Family and Friends night! The band and guard gave our fans a preview of some of the music we will play on Friday nights, performed the National Anthem and the opening movement to our show. Our favorite part was giant basics block where members taught their family and friends what it takes to be in the marching band!

Congratulations to our Marching Band Student Leadership!

Drum Major - Charlie Young
Colorguard Captain - Ciara Cuthbertson
Woodwind Section Leader - Chloe Lombard
Brass Section Leader - Jackson Harris
Percussion Section Leader - Charles Menius
Uniform Manager - Alex Bouk

Director of Bands - Katie Howard
Assistant Director - Nathan Bowman
Colorguard Tech - Linzi Johnson

🎊   🎊   Band Award Presentation   🎊   🎊
Congratulations to all of our students in the WRHS Band Program!

Please check back later if receiving a "Playback has been Exceeded" message from Google.

Stop by the Band Room to pickup your awards and senior gifts!

2020 All-County Jazz Ensemble
Congratulations to our following band members for earning a spot in the 2020 All-County Jazz Ensemble
​Click HERE for the Full Listing

Dylan - Trumpet 1
Johne - Trumpet 2

Clinic Information
March 13-14, Salisbury HS
Concert: 6pm (Saturday)
2020 All-County Concert Band
Congratulations to our following band members for earning a spot in the 2020 All-County Concert Band
***There is a $10 Clinic Fee - Make Checks out to West Rowan High School Band Boosters***
Click HERE for the Full Listing

Chloe - Clarinet 11
Jude - Alto Saxophone 4
​Johne - Trumpet 4
Daniel - Horn 3
JJ - Trombone 1
Tyler - Trombone 4
Nicholas - Trombone 5
Dylan - Euphonium 1
Mark - Euphonium 2
Kaden - Bass
Rayne - Mallets 1

Clinic Information:
February 28-29, Salisbury HS
Concert: 1pm (Saturday)
West Rowan High School Joins the Symphony!!!
Congratulations to all students from West Rowan Elementary and West Rowan High Schools for participating. 
2020 South Central All-District Band
Congratulations to  JJ for earning a spot in the 2020 Senior High School (11/12) All-District Band for the South Central District! This year's clinician for the Senior High School Band was Dr. Peter Loel Boonshaft from Hofstra University.

The FREE concert was Saturday, January 25 in the Stuart W. Cramer High School Auditorium.
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:  JJ (trombone), Emily (Clarinet), Jaden (Tuba), Tyler (trombone), Rayne (percussion), Johne (trumpet) and Dylan (euphonium).

​Students rehearsed under UNCW director Dr. Talanca and Mr. Sean Smith, director at AC Reynolds HS.  Congratulations to these students on a job well done!
"Senior Falcons Shine at Winthrop University"
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The 39th Annual Winthrop Invitational Band Clinic concluded  (Saturday, Nov. 23) with a concert  in the Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education, and Wellness Center. Congratulations to two of our seniors (JJ & Dylan) for being selected to represent WRHS this year!

Marching Falcons Honor 10 Students at Senior Night
On  Friday November 8th, West Rowan hosted their annual "Senior Night" recognizing senior athletes before the football game and marching band seniors during halftime.  There are 10 amazing students in 2019 "Marching Falcons" Senior Class and we hope your senior year is the best yet! 
​Best of luck in your future endeavors!
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!