Davison Band & Orchestra Boosters
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Davison High School Ensembles:

strings

Davison High School Orchestra consists of all string students at the High School.  They meet 2nd hour, under the direction of Mr. James C. Schuster.  Often  they perform music for strings alone at the Fall concert.  For the other concerts, they perform a combination of string-only pieces and mixed pieces, inviting wind and percussion instrumentalists from the bands, forming the SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA. 

In order to include non-string instrumentalists in the Symphonic Orchestra, a Monday after school practice is held for much of the year.  Orchestra and/or Symphonic Orchestra typically perform at the Fall Concert, Winter Concert, pre-festival concert, MSBOA District Festival, (possibly qualifying for the MSBOA State Festival),  Musicathon and Alternative Ed Graduation.  See Schedules page for more information.

CONCERT BAND, directed by Mr. James C. Schuster, consists of band students from all four years of high school and is offered for credit.  It typically is offered 3rd hour and 5th hour, with the two groups meeting as a whole for after school practices prior to performances. 

Concert Band typically holds a Fall Concert, Winter Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, an MSBOA District Festival Concert, and  may qualify for MSBOA State Festival.  Concert Band also participates in Musicathon and performs with the Symphonic Band for the Davison High School Graduation ceremony.

bones

SYMPHONIC BAND, directed by Mr. James C. Schuster, is the high school's audition-based ensemble. A majority of Symphonic Band members are typically upperclassmen, but all eighth-grade through junior band students may audition each spring for any open positions for the following school year. 

Symphonic Band is typically offered 6th hour.  Symphonic band typically participates in the Fall Concert, Winter Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, an MSBOA District Festival Concert, and  may qualify for MSBOA State Festival.  Symphonic Band also participates in Musicathon and performs with the Concert Band for the Davison High School graduation ceremony.

Davison High School Marching Band, directed by Mr. James C. Schuster, is an extra curricular activity that is enjoyed by many students.  The Marching Band performs at all home football games, competes in MSBOA Marching Festival, and often will join an invitational competition.  Marching Band consists of many instrumental students, a color guard, and batons twirlers. 

The entire marching band is expected to participate in Marching Band pre-camp (3 days usually held at the High School) in June, Marching Band camp (a week long camp during which the show is learned) in late August, and in all practices, competitions and shows.  The Marching season begins with camp in August and runs through the end of football season.  If the football team goes to playoffs, the Marching Band season is also extended.
Parents:  You are likely to have many questions as your children grow in their musical experiences.  Involvement in the instrumental music program will enhance their school experience in so many ways.  If you have any questions or concerns, follow this link for information on how to contact the director of your child's ensemble.  If you would like to talk to a parent who's "been there", feel free to E mail one of the boosters or come to the Band and Orchestra Booster meetings, 2nd Tuesday of each month in the High School Instrumental Music room.
Private lessons:  are not required to participate in the program, but are an advantage for your student.  Though our directors try their best to give instruction to each student, it is difficult in the time allotted.  Instruction from an individual whose main instrument is the instrument your child is playing can be invaluable for learning techniques specific to your child's instrument.  There are many routes you can use, each having their own advantages and disadvantages.  These include private instruction at the FIM, or from private instructors known in the area for your child's instrument.  Sometimes tutoring can be set up with an older student, or a college student, which is helpful in the early years, but your student may eventually outgrow the usefulness.  Beginning with the summer before 7th grade there are summer band camps, during which your child can receive intense individual instruction and make a few friends.  (See Scholarships page.)  Discuss these options with your child's band director.  There may be an affordable option suited for your needs.


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