Ashley High School Bands · North Carolina
From Wilmington
to Carnegie Hall.
Six years ago, Ashley Bands was down to about 52 students, rehearsing outside in masks. In March, both concert bands play Carnegie Hall.
New York City March 25, 2027
Gifts are received by Ashley High School Band Boosters, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: 20-5605218.
Get the kids to Carnegie
Every gift lowers the cost for every student who goes.
Includes received family payments, donations and sponsorships designated for Carnegie, after payment fees and refunds. The full trip goal is an estimated $250,000 and will be updated when final prices are known.
Our story
The comeback.
- 2020
COVID nearly ended the program. About 52 students were left, rehearsing outside in masks. Mr. Parker said rebuilding would take seven years.
- The rebuild
Class after class learned the program, stayed, and taught the next group. Most of them graduated before the invitation came.
- Now
Superior ratings at MPA. The second highest enrollment in twenty years. This is the seventh season, and both concert bands are going to Carnegie Hall.
How to help
Help get the band
to New York.
Gifts go to the group trip, not to one student's account. Every dollar lowers the cost for everyone.
Gifts are received by Ashley High School Band Boosters, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: 20-5605218.
Travel plans, final participation, price, approvals, and funding remain subject to confirmation.
For students and families
Start here.
For participating families
Carnegie Hall 2027
Share your family’s response and deposit choice. Already completed the $50 deposit? Review your record in the portal.
Ways to help
Current fundraisers
Campaign dates, student-credit instructions, and links to share with friends and family.
- Perry's Popcorn FundraiserEnds midnight Wednesday, September 9
- Ashley Bands Mattress FundraiserSaturday, September 26 · 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Program news
AshleyBands Weekly
Student accomplishments, the week ahead, and what families need to know.
Band Assistant
Have a question? Ask.
Dates, attire, trips, marching band, and more. The assistant uses public Ashley Bands information only.
Program information
The pages families use most.
What is happening now
Current information
- FamiliesCarnegie Hall 2027Family response, conditional deposit, and current trip-planning information.
- Families2026-2027 Band InformationMajor dates, communication channels, materials, attire, and parent involvement.
- Families and studentsMarching Band 2026Fall participation, competitive marching band planning, working dates, and next steps.
- FamiliesCompetitive Marching Band FundingWorking cost estimates and fair-share funding approach for a competitive season.
About the program
Built in the band room.
Ready for a bigger stage.
Ashley students play in two concert bands, the marching band, percussion, jazz band, colorguard, and pep band. Mr. Parker took the job in 2006, fresh out of college, and has directed the program ever since.
In March 2026 the Wind Ensemble earned a Superior rating at Grade VI and the Concert Band earned a Superior at Grade IV. Ten students were selected for the Eastern District All-District Band. The North Carolina Bandmasters Association also named Ashley to its first class of Programs of Distinction.
The program fell to about 52 students after COVID. Enrollment this year is the second highest of Mr. Parker’s time at Ashley, and the Carnegie Hall invitation came out of that rebuild. Mr. Parker played there once himself, as a freshman with the Mount Tabor High School band.
Marching band
The Screaming Eagle Regiment.
The Regiment rehearses Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, plus Saturdays on non-competition weeks. Football games, competitions, and parades fill the rest of the fall.