Skip To Main Content

Band

The Dow High Band program is led by Stephen DeRees and assisted by Nicole Bruski.

During the past 19 years, the H.H. Dow High School band program has more than doubled in average yearly enrollment from eighty members to 200+. The Dow High band program provides musicians for 3 different concert bands, the Symphony Orchestra, 2-3 volunteer jazz bands that rehearse one night per week, a jazz combo, pep bands and the Charger Marching Band. The Symphonic Band, Gold Concert Band and the Green Concert Band consistently earn superior, 1st Division, ratings in MSBOA festivals. With an average of 60 events enrolled each year, many DHS students participate successfully in the MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festivals. The Symphonic Band was invited to participate in the Central Michigan University Concert Band Symposium in 1995 and 1999. The Symphonic Band was also invited to perform at the 2012 and 2014 Michigan Music Conferences. In 2006, the entire DHS band program received the American School Band Directors’ Association Michigan Chapter Award of Excellence.

2018-19 Band Schedule

DHS Band Handbook

Pre-Excuse Request

Charger Marching Band

Band Camp Details 2018

All 200+ band members are required to perform in the marching band and should plan to attend marching band activities at Dow High School in August before classes start. In September and October, the students practice marching skills during their band period and more on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-9:00pm.

The marching percussion section (drumline) has a very demanding schedule during the fall marching season. As the “heartbeat” of the band, you meet for several sectional rehearsals prior to the start of band camp and during the school year. You also attend all full band rehearsals that are scheduled. Positions in the marching drum line include 6-8 snares, 3-4 tenors, 4-5 tonal pitched bass drums and 4-7 crash cymbals. Assignments are determined during the summer sectional rehearsals.

Two Different Concert Bands for Concert Season

The Concert Band classes include students of all ages and skill levels. They meet during the same period, in the same room with two directors during marching season. Auditions will be held at the end of the marching season in the fall and placement in Gold Concert Band (2nd band Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Class C) or Green Concert Band (3rd band Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Class D) will be determined. Future members of concert bands do not need to audition prior to the start of school.

Purpose: This is a 9-12 program devoted to developing performance on brass, woodwind and percussion instruments in a Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Class C or D ensemble setting.

Activities: Concerts, Marching Band, MSBOA Festivals, community performances, parades

Recommended additional activities: Jazz Band 2/3, MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festivals, prepare and present a Symphonic Band audition, private lessons, summer music camps

Concert Dress code: black dress shirt, black slacks/skirt, black socks and black dress shoes

By the end of 12th grade, Concert Band students will:

  1. Study and perform grade 1.5 to 3 band music with a characteristic tone for the instrument
  2. Perform music in a wide variety of styles and keys
  3. Accurately sight-read grade 1.5 to 2.5 level band literature with proper regard to pitch, rhythm, dynamics, style and tempo
  4. Use proper listening skills (matching pitch, matching style, balance, blend, etc.)
  5. Demonstrate proper interpretation of conducting gestures with appropriate responses
  6. Find satisfaction in their music participation and seek out ways to supplement this experience through additional activities
  7. Recognize and adjust balance of individuals and sections when one’s part is melody, harmony, countermelody or accompaniment
  8. Study all major and minor scales as well as a chromatic scale over the complete practical range of the instrument
  9. Percussion students should have mastered most drumming rudiments, be able to perform at least one grade 3 snare solo, a grade 2 marimba solo and a grade 3 timpani solo
  10. Demonstrate leadership and proper respect for all school equipment, uniforms, sheet music and rehearsal etiquette.

Attendance at rehearsals and performances is required. Special arrangements for conflicts caused by other school sponsored activities or extreme family situations should be made well in advance.

Symphonic Band

Members of symphonic band

 

The H.H. Dow High School Symphonic Band has earned a reputation as one of the finest high school bands in the State of Michigan. The band was invited to perform at the 7th and 9th Michigan Music Conferences (twice in three years). In April, 2016 the band performed at the Western Michigan University Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music. The band also earned grades of A and A+ at District Band Festival and several individuals have earned honors and awards through solo and small ensemble performances.

Membership in the Symphonic Band is based on instrumentation requirements AND high scores on the audition. If there are no qualified candidates for a position, it may go unfilled. All Symphonic Band members need to show growth during their tenure in the band. Current members may be asked to re-audition if they are obviously “in over their heads.”

Dress Code: Concert uniform issued by the school, black socks, black dress shoes

Purpose: This is a 9-12 program devoted to developing and refining performance on brass, woodwind and percussion instruments in a Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Class A or AA ensemble setting.

Activities: Concerts, Marching Band, MSBOA Festivals, Music Conferences, community performances, parades

Recommended additional activities: Full Orchestra, Jazz Band 1, MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festivals, MSBOA All-State Band/Orchestra, University Honors Bands, Michigan Youth Arts Festival, private lessons, summer music camps, prepare a college audition

By the end of 12th grade, Symphonic Band students will:

  1. Study and perform grade 3-6 band music with a characteristic tone for the instrument
  2. Perform music in a wide variety of styles and keys
  3. Accurately sight-read grade 2.5 to 3.5 level band literature with proper regard to pitch, rhythm, dynamics, style and tempo
  4. Use proper listening skills (matching pitch, matching style, balance, blend, etc.)
  5. Demonstrate proper interpretation of conducting gestures with appropriate responses
  6. Find satisfaction in their music participation and seek out ways to supplement this experience through additional activities
  7. Recognize and adjust balance of individuals and sections when one’s part is melody, harmony, countermelody or accompaniment
  8. Study all major and minor scales as well as a chromatic scale over the complete practical range of the instrument
  9. Percussion students should have mastered most drumming rudiments, be able to perform at least one grade 3 snare solo, a grade 2 marimba solo and a grade 3 timpani solo
  10. Demonstrate leadership and proper respect for all school equipment, uniforms, sheet music
  11. Take personal responsibility for preparing the music in the folder

Hold oneself to the highest standards of proper rehearsal etiquette

Jazz Bands

Jazz Band 1, 2 and 3 are extra-curricular offerings for DHS music students (enrolled in a band, choir or orchestra class during the school-day). The jazz bands meet on Wednesday evenings once marching season has finished.