March 2, 2025 — Over 270 students in grades 5-12 are gearing up for the biggest band event of the year. The Westonka All-District Band Concert, under the direction of Gretchen Chilson and Emily Oberdeck, will be held on Sunday, March 9, at 2 p.m. in the Mound Westonka High School gym. 

The program will include fifth grade band, sixth grade band, seventh grade band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. At this special concert, the audience will get to hear the music progress from the simplicity of first-year band students' notes to a challenging and inspiring Wind Ensemble performance.

“We will end the program with all the bands performing at once,” said Chilson. “If you haven't witnessed this phenomenon, you're in for a treat!”

The doors open at 12:30 p.m. for a silent auction featuring a wide variety of items for the entire family. Musicians will provide entertainment as attendees look through the auction items, including a performance by the MWHS Jazz Band at 1:30 p.m.

Joining the high school bands for their performances will be Mike Levine, director of the Dallas Brass, who will perform a special concert with Westonka band students on March 17 at the Westonka Performing Arts Center.

"Each year this huge event is a success, and a new group of fifth-grade families becomes a part of this wonderful tradition,” said Chilson. “We owe a huge thanks to our band boosters and to business donors who make the silent auction possible. We are thrilled to have so much support from our local community!"