The Wootton High School Instrumental Music Program offers many opportunities for students: Chamber Winds, Symphonic Winds, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Pit Orchestra, North Potomac Indoor Guard, and Jazz Band. The Chamber Winds, Symphonic Winds, and Jazz Band consistently earn Superior ratings at the District Band Assessments. The WHS Bands and Orchestras have been invited to perform at the Maryland Music Educators Fall and Spring In-Service Conferences and are distinguished by the largest representation in the district honor groups and Maryland All-State. Students also participate in Solo and Ensemble Performance Assessments, the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra, the Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra, and the American Youth Philharmonic. The Marching Band is a frequent Maryland Marching Band Association competitor. This past season they won the Open West Region Championship and in 2021 placed third. While competing in the US Bands Competitions, Wootton won the 2018 group 3A National Championship and Maryland State Marching Band Championship. All Marching Band Members participate in the Summer Band Camp
Why play an instrument?
There is ample evidence that the arts help students develop the attitudes, characteristics, and intellectual skills required to participate in today’s society and economy. The arts teach self-discipline, reinforce self-esteem, and foster the thinking skills and creativity so valued in the workplace. They teach the importance of teamwork and cooperation. They demonstrate the direct connection between study, hard work, and high levels of achievement.National Standards for Arts Education
Wootton Band Students in their College Band!
Great to see former Wootton and La Plata band students in college band...
Congratulations to Jessica and Katie!
Congratulations to Jessica Zhu (12th grade) and Katie Hwang (10th grade)...
Assessment Results
On Tuesday, March 2, 2023, the Wootton Bands participated in the District...
MMEA Outstanding Music Educator
Mrs. Eckerle was awarded the MMEA Outstanding Music Educator Award. She...
WBDI Scroll of Excellence
Mrs. Eckerle was awarded the Women Band Directors International Scroll of...
56 Made MCPS Honor Band and All-State!
Congratulations to Wootton County and All-State Members. Wootton had 56...
2022 MMBA Open West Region Champions
On November 5, 2022, the Marching Band competed at the MMBA Urbana...
Instrumental Music Staff

Susan Eckerle
Director of Bands

Carolyn Herman
Director of Orchestras & Assistant Director of Bands