SWARTZ CREEK COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAMS

For more information
 email John Michailo and/or Jean Murdock, Band Directors
 

Marching Band Performance Schedule

The Dragon Marching Band performs at all home Varsity Football games, as well as participating in parades, pep assemblies and other performances.  During the Fall marching season (approx. September through late November), the full band will rehearse on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.   Sectionals will also be held at various times, with the sectional schedule being up to the section leaders and section members. 

Full Band Rehearsals are mandatory, with students earning points toward their marking period grade.  Doing a three-page typed report on any musical subject of the student’s choice can be done to make up excused absences.   Student athletes who experience conflicts with school sports practice schedules can be given athletic waivers if information is provided to the Band Director, in writing.  After the marching season ends, the full band then splits into the Wind Ensemble and the Concert Band.  Placement into these groups is determined by audition held twice each year.

The Marching Band season begins right after Band Camp concludes, and continues throughout the Fall. 


HIGH SCHOOL BANDS

The Wind Ensemble   
This ensemble includes students who place into the highest categories during auditions.  The Wind Ensemble provides students with the skills to master difficult musical compositions, and entertains audiences at all concerts and band activities.

The Concert Band  
The Concert Band allows students to continue in the process of learning musical skills such as reading and performing challenging musical numbers and refining individual playing and performing abilities.  They also perform at all concerts and other band activities.

The Jazz Band  
This lively group of musicians meets after the regular school day, as an official class, and must pass rigorous auditions twice per year to join the group.  The Jazz Band consistently impresses audiences with their talent and enthusiasm.

The Pep Band  
The Pep Band performs at all home Basketball Games (athletics link), and help cheer our teams on to victory!  This is an optional group which students sign up to play in, and students who are not able to participate have the opportunity to do reports to earn credit for these events.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BANDS

Swartz Creek Schools provides the opportunity for students to become involved in the instrumental music program beginning in the Sixth grade.  Most students have the chance to be assessed for instrument selection at the end of the Fifth grade.  All students in the Sixth grade band learn basic music concepts, how to read music, and how to use and care for their instruments.  Seventh and Eighth grade students build on their skills, and learn more advanced playing and performing techniques.

Middle school band students participate in three concerts during the school year.  Participation in District Band Festivals and Solo and Ensemble events is part of the Seventh and Eighth grade band experience.  Eighth graders also march in the Homecoming Parade to gain experience before they join the Dragon Marching Band in High School

The Middle School Jazz Band is a dynamic group of young musicians who practice after school, and learn some of the more “non-traditional” music styles.  This group is a talented and fun ensemble, and they also participate in concert performances.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE BAND BOOSTERS WEBSITE
    The above site is not a part of the Swartz Creek Schools web site.