It’s been a successful year for the Brandon Blackhawks bands.
Comprised of two concert bands in middle school as well as two concert bands and a marching band in high school, students have spent months preparing for competitions which has paid off.
The Blackhawks marching band participated in invitationals hosted by Trenton High School and Dewitt High School in addition to the fourth annual Brandon Invitational on Oct. 8. A total of 68 parent volunteers chaired by Jody Yettaw along with Corey and Jan Lawson, as well as more than 5,000 spectators and band members attended the event.
‘This was our biggest attendance since we started the invitational four years ago,? said Russ McMartin, Brandon band director. ‘I would like to thank the the sports boosters for their assistance with the consession stand. They run a class act.?
This year’s competitive show, centered around ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King? by Edvard Grieg, was not just about the music. Many parent volunteers helped to create a castle to add to the show, and also assisted in transporting some of the instruments.
‘The success is well-deserved by the students, staff, and parents,’said McMartin.
The BHS Marching Band finished in the top four at each of the three Michigan Scholastic Marching Band competitions this year.
‘A successful band program begins with the kids, but also takes parents, directors and a supportive community working together to continue these positive experiences for our kids,? said Brandon Music and Percussion Teacher Mike Medvinsky.
The band program is continuing to grow, this year with a gain of 40 percent over the previous year.
‘We have built something special here at Brandon that the community can be proud of,? said Medvinsky.
The Brandon band concerts are held at the High School Performing Arts Center and are of no charge to the public.
Details: www.brandonschooldistrict.org.