• Amnesty International
• Concert Band
• Dramatics
• Jazz Band
• Show Choir

Roger Powers, Moderator
Amnesty International is a worldwide voluntary movement which is independent of any government, political faction, ideology, economic interest, or religious creed that works to prevent some of the gravest violations by governments of people's fundamental human rights. Through educating people and writing letters to those denying people of their human rights, this group works toward freeing prisoners of conscience, ensuring fair and prompt trials for political prisoners, abolishing the death penalty-torture-and executions and "disappearances". This group works with other city Amnesty International groups as well as the national organization. It meets at least one time per month to organize educational opportunities and promote letter writing. Overall, this group has written hundreds of letters and participated in several informational programs to advance the protection of human rights for all.

Concert Band offers a four-year course of study. The course is designed to give students a wide variety of musical experiences including marching band, pep band, and the wind ensemble. The curriculum is organized to offer exposure to music from important historic style periods. Students of all ability levels are encouraged to achieve their full potential and lessons are given to each student to aid in their musical development. The marching band performs at all home football games, the pep band performs at ten home basketball games, and the wind ensemble performs at 3 major concerts each year, as well as Masses, festivals and a possible annual tour. As an adjunct to the concert band program, students are encouraged to participate in festival honor bands, All-State auditions, and solo and ensemble contests.

Virginia Darby, Moderator
Each year Wahlert produces two major shows - a fall play in the R. C. & Celeste Wahlert Theatre and a spring musical at Five Flags Theatre. All students are welcome to audition for these shows. In addition to these productions, students in intermediate/advanced theater arts classes perform a winter play and a spring play as culminating assessments. Enrollment in these theater arts classes is open to all students in grades 9-12. Crew calls (open to all students) are posted on the Room 113 Call-board. Students may earn backstage crew assignments through scenery and properties work at crew calls. Stagecraft class is open to all students in grades 10-12. Students who earn at least ten points by involvement with at least two shows are eligible for membership in the International Thespian Society.

Jazz Band is open to all students who wish to experience music in the jazz area. The curriculum offers an emphasis on performance, improvisation, listening, and appreciation through the area of jazz music. Participation includes community events, concerts, festivals, and tours. Members must be a member of the concert band.

“We are what we repeatedly do, excellence, therefore, it’s not an act, but a habit.”

Wahlert Catholic High School’s award winning Impulse Varsity Show Choir is in its 10th year of existence. Comprised of 42 singers and 11 instrumentalists, the ensemble rehearses twice a week outside of the school day beginning in September.  Through the years Impulse has won 1st place in their division and has been named Grand Champions.  They also have several caption awards to their credit including: Best Vocals, Best Choreography, Best Male Vocalist, and Best Costumes.  They have competed in Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. 

Auditions for Impulse take place in the Spring. A nationally known choreographer works with the group during camp for a week in August as they learn the choreography for their show.  Impulse’s season opens with a show for the Dubuque Community in January at the Wahlert gymnasium followed by a month of rigorous practice and competitions.  Impulse is directed by Pamela Mumm who has been directing the group since its beginning.   The Wahlert prep group, Impact is directed by Mandy Brant. The prep group consists of 27 women, 12 men, and 5 instrumentalists in grades 9-11. Telegraph Herald feature article 3 08