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At Willis High School, we have three UIL competitive bands, and all members of the individual bands are simultaneously members of the Willis High School Wildkat Marching Band. The students are a cohesive group who refer to themselves as a band family. 
Our program also has other performing opportunities for our students that allow them to develop their skills in specialized areas.
While each ensemble has a primary director, the Willis Band program has a strong foundation of collaborative teaching. This means that all ensembles are receiving instruction and feedback from all directors. The directors work as a strong team, both at the high school and throughout the vertical team, to ensure students are receiving high-level instruction daily.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is one of the UIL competitive bands at Willis and is our premier varsity ensemble in the program. The ensemble is comprised of students of all grade levels, but mostly juniors and seniors, many of whom participate in private lessons. The Wind Ensemble typically performs grade IV and grade V literature. The students in this ensemble are required to participate in the All-State audition process, the Solo and Ensemble process, and in weekly sectionals. 
The Willis High School Wind Ensemble is under 
the direction of Mr. Joe Dittfurth.
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band is our UIL non-varsity ensemble. This ensemble is comprised of an even mix of classifications. The Symphonic Band is a group of students that performs a wide variety of standard high school wind band literature. The Symphonic Band typically performs grade III and grade IV literature. The students in this ensemble are required to participate in the All-State audition process, the Solo and Ensemble process, and in weekly sectionals.
The Symphonic Band is under the direction of Mrs. Haylie Cooperman
Concert Band
The Concert Band is our UIL sub-non-varsity ensemble. This ensemble is comprised mainly of freshmen and sophomores, but is a mix of all classifications. This ensemble performs a wide variety of wind band literature and typically performs grade II and grade III pieces. Students in the Concert Band have the opportunity to participate in the All-State process, the Solo and Ensemble process, and in weekly sectionals. 
The Concert Band is under the direction of Mr. Jarrett Jones.
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band explores a wide variety of musical genres: swing, funk, fusion, Latin, etc. The group is rooted in the principle of exploring the foundation of American music. This band is a mix of all classifications and skill levels. The Jazz Band is a great group to travel around the district, given its size, to be an excellent recruiting tool when asked to perform a various events. Students are encouraged to participate in the All-State  Jazz Band audition process.
The Jazz Band is under the direction of Mr. Joe Dittfurth.

Chamber Ensembles

Within each of our concert ensembles, our students will be divided into smaller groups. This could be duets, trios, quartets, etc., or it can be their family of instruments. For example, a woodwind or brass choir. These will depend on the individual strengths and weaknesses of the ensemble each year and/or semester. This allows students to grow their musicianship and experience a non-traditional concert ensemble setting.
The percussion section of our program is heavily reliant on chamber music ensembles. From the Willis High School Drumline to the various percussion ensembles, our percussionists are trained to be musically diverse and balanced performers. For more information about our percussion program, please visit the percussion page.