Wind Ensemble

The Millbrook Wind Ensemble is the premier performing instrumental ensemble at Millbrook High School. Comprised of auditioned students in 9th-12th grade, the Wind Ensemble has received straight Superior ratings for the past eleven years at North Carolina Music Performance Adjudication at the Grade VI and Masterworks level. The Millbrook Wind Ensemble was a featured performing ensemble at the 2022 North Carolina Music Educators Association In-Service Conference and winner of the 2023 President’s Cup National Concert Band Festival in Washington DC. Students in this ensemble are expected to regularly practice outside of class and encouraged to take private lessons when possible.

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Special Performances

2024 Music For All

Music For All Invite

2024 USC Band Clinic

USC Band Clinic

2023 President’s Cup

Mr. Payne receiving an award at The President's Cup in DC

Winner 2023 President’s Cup National Concert Band Festival in Washington DC

2022 NCMEA

Wind Ensemble performing for NC Bandmasters Association

2022 North Carolina Music Educators Association In-Service Conference Featured Performer

Academic Ensembles

Symphonic Band

Comprised of 9th-12th Grade students, Symphonic Band performs level three and four literature, performs at MPA, and is audition based.

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Curricular Percussion Ensemble

This small standalone ensemble is the place for young percussionists to develop their skills independently of the traditional concert band setting. This group performs Percussion Ensemble Chamber Literature and performs as the percussion section for the Symphonic Band at concerts and MPA.

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Extracurricular Groups

Marching Wildcats

Marchers lining up to enter the football stadium

Millbrook’s most visual ensemble, the Marching Wildcats are a competitive group that performs at all home football games, regional marching band shows, and select community events including the Raleigh Christmas Parade. All members (with the exception of color guard) must be enrolled in a band class.

Jazz Band

The Jazz Ensemble is an extra curricular ensemble that meets after school once Marching Season concludes. They perform annually at local school functions, the UNC Jazz Festival, and Jazz Music Performance Adjudication.

Musical Pit Orchestra

Two advanced band students playing Saxophones

The Musical Pit Orchestra performs at the Millbrook Theater Department’s Spring musical production, and is audition based.

Winter Percussion

Winter percussion competition

Winter Percussion is a competitive group that rehearses and performs at AIA events from December through March.

Winter Guard

Winter guard performance three flags

Winter Color Guard is a competitive group that rehearses and performs at AIA events from December through March.

Pep Band

First football game band stands

The Pep Band is student-run and plays at basketball games during the Winter.

Our History

Band Directors

Mabel Rabb (1947-1954)

AP Carpparrella (1954-1956)

Harold B Burt (1956-1962)

John Olvera (1962-1964)

Mrs. Newman (1964-1965)

Jean Willett (1965-1969)

Ray Wood (1970-1971)

William S. Van Atta (1971-1972)

James Williams (1972-1973)

Winston Hodges (1974-1977)

Hal Link (1979-1980)

Richard McMahon (1982-2006)

Jason Heard (2006-2007)

Natalie Kerr (2007-2014)

Tom Jenner (2014-2018)

Avery Payne (2018-Present)

© 2023 | Millbrook High School Bands