WELCOME
FROM OUR LEADERS
Aric Thomas
Principal
Worthington Kilbourne HS
On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff at Worthington Kilbourne High School we are honored to be selected to perform at the 2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference. The performing arts at WKHS are exceptional and the people charged with leading our students are accomplished educators. Mr. Alex Brough and Mr. James DeFrancesco direct our band program and we are excited for you to hear our Wind Symphony. These student musicians before you have devoted many hours to gain the opportunity to share their music with you and the participants of the OMEA conference. This collection of students before you are committed to our school, committed to the performing arts, and committed to one another. They are exceptional ambassadors of our PACK.
The growth and development of our program has blossomed under the direction of Mr. Brough and Mr. DeFrancesco. The two of them are talented musicians and teachers, and their attention to detail and their ability to communicate effectively has made this performance possible. Our students and families value their commitment to the band program and they are trusted adults to influence and lead our most valuable assets, our students. We thank the two of them for everything they do for them, our families and our school.
We hope you enjoy the performance.
Sincerely,
Aric Thomas
Emilie Greenwald
Director of Secondary Education
Worthington Schools
The Worthington Kilbourne High School band program represents a strong tradition of musical excellence, student leadership, and commitment to the arts. Being selected to perform at the Ohio Music Education Association Annual Conference is a reflection of the high standards upheld by both the student musicians and their directors.
Through focused rehearsal, collaboration, and a shared passion for music, our Wind Symphony I students have developed not only technical proficiency, but also a deep sense of responsibility to one another and to their craft. The band program emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and artistic expression, which are skills that extend well beyond the performance stage.
This opportunity is the result of the dedication of our students, the guidance of Alex Brough and James DeFrancesco, and the ongoing support of families and our school community. We are proud of the work represented in today’s performance and grateful to the Ohio Music Education Association for the opportunity to share it with colleagues from across the state.
Best Regards,
Emilie Greenwald
