State strikes up band for centennial events

By Jennifer Jackson

Published: July 30, 2006

NORMAN - For the Wilhelm family, the Oklahoma All*Star Centennial Band is a family affair.

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Each family member has a part to play in the band, which the Oklahoma Centennial Commission created.

The band will perform at events across the state and nation to celebrate the Oklahoma Centennial.

Joe Wilhelm, band director at Grove High School, and his wife, Patsy, will serve as band sponsors the next 18 months as the band travels to performances.

Their sons Joseph, 17, and Jordan, 15, will play trombone. Their son Joshua, 14, is a banner carrier.

“I’ve been traveling with music my whole life, and this is another opportunity to travel,” Joseph Wilhelm said. “And to march better and to play better.”

The centennial band is made up of 150 students from across the state who auditioned in April.

Band members practiced at the University of Oklahoma last week to prepare for their coming performances, which include their appearance as the lead band in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

“Oklahoma and the world will be watching on New Year’s Day as these talented high schoolers take the stage on our state’s behalf,” said Lee Allan Smith, chairman of Centennial Projects and Events.

“They are putting on a big production, and they’re just high school students,” Patsy Wilhelm said. “It kind of choked me up the first time I saw it.”

Joe Wilhelm said he decided to be a sponsor because of the chance to work with some of the best band directors in the country.

“It’s always helpful to see something new you can bring to your band,” he said. “A teaching tool.”

Michael Davis, who recently retired as band and orchestra director for the Walt Disney World Resort, is leading the centennial band.

Davis said that in just five days, the students learned all the music, the marching and the performance for the Tournament of Roses Parade.

He said band members had a great attitude and spirit even in the 100-degree temperatures.

“We’re not just worried about the show itself but the educational experience, as well,” he said.

Shaelynn Morefield, 15, of Oklahoma City said she is excited because marching band isn’t offered at Classen School of Advanced Studies, where she attends school.

“It’s awesome that I’ll get the experience of marching band,” the piccolo player said.

Terri Bernard, 15, of Noble said playing the trumpet in the band is an honor because more than 400 people auditioned and only 150 were chosen.

“After this I get to go back to my high school band with new enthusiasm and energy,” she said.

Robyn Hilger, assistant band director, said the band will be a significant part of the centennial celebration.

“It’s an opportunity to show how great music education is in Oklahoma,” said Hilger, who is band and orchestra director at Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School and state teacher of the year.

She said the students chosen for the band are the top band students in the state.

“They have an awesome work ethic, and super attitudes and are ready to give a great show for the next 18 months,” Hilger said.

“Oklahoma’s All*Star Centennial Band is an example of the Centennial Commission’s goal to involve Oklahomans of all ages in our state celebration,” said Blake Wade, executive director of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission.

Native Oklahoman Charles Jones II will serve as producer of the band. He was founder and superintendent of the State Fair of Oklahoma High School Honor Band and has worked in the live entertainment division at the Walt Disney World Resort.