The student news website of Omaha Central High School

Band instructor to retire at end of school year

December 11, 2017

Band instructor Peter Wilger announced to the students of the Central High Band on Oct. 20 that he will retire at the conclusion of the school year.
Wilger has served primarily as a concert band and marching band director, but is also an orchestral conductor, jazz band instructor, and guitar teacher, on top of his service as the head of the Central High Performing Arts Department.
Although many would conclude that the Performing Arts Department has always been prestigious, they are most likely unaware of the evolution that Wilger oversaw during his time at Central. He noted that, at the start of his career, “…I was the only band director; I did orchestra and I did jazz band… it was just me.”
That has changed significantly over time, though, because now, there are many members of the instrumental music faculty. Since the beginning of Wilger’s career, the department has developed to include Mr. Brad Rauch, the orchestra director, and Mrs. Sarah Stratton-Babb, a band director, along with student teachers and volunteers. Thus, the department has expanded significantly while under his wing.
Many people at Central have agreed that a significant number of the positive aspects in the Performing Arts Department can be attributed to Wilger. Principal Edward Bennett stated that “Mr. Wilger has established and cultivated a culture of excellence in our instrumental music courses.”
Many of Wilger’s students would agree with Bennett’s statement. For example, sophomore Savannah Short said, “his lighthearted joking manner and ‘can-do’ attitude allows students to flourish and grow under his supervision.”
In addition, sophomore Jasmine Palmer, a violinist and bassist in the orchestra and jazz band, respectively, remarked that, “I have definitely become more musically-inclined between freshman and sophomore year, and Wilger has helped me come out of my shell…”
Over the years, Wilger has “been a large influence in creating the vision of performing arts [that] the department strives for today,” according to colleague and Central band director, Sarah Stratton-Babb.
Although Wilger’s announcement of retirement proved to be bittersweet amongst members in the band, “overall, though, everyone is really happy for Mr. Wilger and we are glad that he is doing what’s best for him,” an anonymous source said. They added that “we will definitely miss his ‘Wilger-esque’ jokes, though.”
After retirement, Wilger plans to utilize his free time by participating in multiple activities. He noted that he is currently “working with the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras right now, so [he]’d like to continue doing that and being assistant director…” as well as volunteering and hopefully revisiting Central.
After his departure, Wilger will continue to be remembered. Mrs. Sarah Stratton-Babb, one of Wilger’s colleagues, stated that “the new addition being added to the school is a great legacy to Mr. Wilger. He has worked to advocate for the performing arts programs at Central and the need to have updated facilities… it is because of his efforts that our department will benefit for years to come.”
Bennett added that, “Mr. Wilger’s legacy will be felt in many ways… high numbers [of students in musical ensembles] and the amazing talent of our students will help us attract a strong pool of candidates to replace him. He also started the guitar classes… Those students will use the lessons they learned [from him] throughout their lives.”
With Wilger’s impending retirement, the Central High Performing Arts Department will lack their daily ‘Wilger-jokes’ and science-fiction references, but as Bennett said, “His legacy of excellence will be passed on through Central grads to a whole new generation of musicians.”

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