For the second time in school history, the Scripps Cadet Band has been chosen to perform at the Michigan Music Conference.
The 59-member band, made up of seventh and eighth graders, will perform at DeVos Hall in Grand Rapids on Jan. 26.
‘We’re one of only two middle school bands chosen in the state,? Director Eric Crimmins said. ‘It’s a big honor.?
To help in preparation, the band had a day-long rehearsal earlier this month, with aid from guest conductor Joe Dobos.
Dobos, a retired music instructor from Lapeer East (who now teaches at Oakland Christian), actually suggested to Crimmins that the band submit an application.
‘He has a national reputation,? Crimmins said of Dobos, who has worked with his bands before.
Crimmins has been in the district since 1994 and at Scripps since 1997. The band was selected to perform at the conference in 2001.
Among other things, the application includes a recording of the band, which was the Cadet Band from last year.
‘Last year’s group was really good,? Crimmins said. ‘What’s sad about it is the eighth graders from last year don’t get to play.?
The director said it’s hard to compare groups from year to year, but noted that he has a solid band this year, too.
‘They’re very dedicated. They practice all the time,? Crimmins said, noting many go above and beyond his expectations in their private lessons and performing in solo and ensemble.
As a result, seven Scripps students were selected from thousands of auditioners from across the state to join the 2008 All-State Middle School Band.
The students are: Joshua B., bari sax (1st chair); Alex R., trombone (2nd chair); Michael R, euphonium (2nd chair); Danielle F., alto sax ; Shawn H., clarinet ; Allison C., clarinet; Chelsea S., clarinet
These students will head to Grand Rapids early, rehearse all day for two days, then perform at the conference the same day that their band from Scripps will.
‘That might be the most in the state from any one school,? Crimmins said, noting that it is certainly the most ever to be chosen from Scripps.
The annual conference is for music educators, ranging from band directors to choir leaders.
‘It’s pretty stressful,? Crimmins said. ‘I told them that they’ll be sitting in front of 500 me-s.?
The band will play six or seven selections at the conference, half of which will be high school-level selections. At the end of the day, Crimmins said he would remind them that it’s ‘just another concert.?
Crimmins said there are many reasons for the band’s success over the years, noting that it’s not just the students who have been dedicated to the program.
‘The parent support is phenomenal and that has a lot to do with why these kids are so successful,? he said.