About the ensemble
The Marching Pirates are Topsail High School's premier halftime entertainment group and the heartbeat of Friday night football in Hampstead and Surf City. This audition-only ensemble performs a full competitive field show each fall, travels to regional competitions, and represents THS in national parades — including the 2019 Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade and the 2022 Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration Parade. In 2024 the band was selected to perform in an instrumental recording soundtrack session at Walt Disney World.
The Marching Pirates also host the Pirate Classic, our annual regional marching band competition welcoming schools from across the Carolinas.
Season
- Summer band camp — required for all members before the school year begins
- Fall competitive season — Friday night football + Saturday competitions across the region
- Fall exhibition — Pirate Classic host performance
Who's in the ensemble
Winds, percussion (battery + front ensemble), and Color Guard perform together as one unit. Drumline and Color Guard have dedicated staff — see the Drumline and Color Guard pages.
How to join
Auditions are held in the spring. Contact Director of Bands Mr. Jake Wentzek to get on the interest list.
Student leadership
Our drum majors, section leaders, and guard captains — the students who set the standard every rehearsal.
Rehearsals & schedule
When and where this ensemble meets, season calendar highlights, and key dates. Add this to the program's description until a dedicated schedule field is added.
Photo gallery
Send photos to [email protected] to be added here.