Ashley High School Bands · North Carolina
From Wilmington
to Carnegie Hall.
Both the Concert Band and the Wind Ensemble have been selected for the National Band & Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall. Twenty years of Ashley students built the program that earned the invitation.
New York City March 25, 2027
Recognized statewideProgram of DistinctionInaugural class · 2025–2026North Carolina Bandmasters Association
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.
Getting the band to New York
Help get the band
to New York.
The fundraisers below are the easiest place to start. Businesses and anyone considering a larger gift can contact Mr. Parker directly.
How to help
Current trip informationTravel 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.
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.
Donations and sponsors