Western Michigan University Spring Conference
Nomination forms for the 120-member Viet Cuong All-Star Band will be mailed in early February. Students available and interested may be nominated by Mr. M to attend and perform with the Band Directors at WMU and Viet Cuong - Guest Composer. Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 10, 2025 and let Mr. M know if you're interested! Check out some of Viet's music below -
Guitar Club
One of our students will be running a guitar club after school as an opportunity for those interested to play guitar and learn new techniques! This is completely student led with no requirement of being in the band program. They will usually take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 3- 4 pm. Bring your own guitar and amp if necessary.
Solo and Ensemble - Due November 1
Below is a document with all necessary information for Solo and Ensemble. Some things that are important to know -
- We fully expect that if a student submits a registration form, they will pay the fee, practice for the event, and professionally represent Dakota Bands when performing.
- This is not a requirement of the Band Program. However, when auditions come along for the 25-26 ensemble placements, it's impressive to see that students participate in other opportunities such as solo and ensemble.
- Dakota has a small music library for solo and ensemble. However, we are more than willing to grow that library by purchasing music students need for this event. If a student finds a piece of music they want to play for Solo and Ensemble, but Dakota doesn't have it, we MIGHT be willing to purchase it based on it's value and potential to be re-used in the future.
- ZERO class time will be used for solo and ensemble preparation. Therefore, students that need to practice must schedule after/before school times to practice either at school or at home. Any at school practice sessions, must be approved by Mr. M.
- Students can combine with any student within the band program.
- Students can choose any combination of instruments to perform at the festival. However, there are certain combinations that do not have music readily available. Please consult with Mr. M before registering if you think your instrumentation is unique.
Collage Concert Information
First, make sure to buy your tickets HERE.
Second, please read all points related to Concert Preparation.
- Students, practice. You only get one opportunity to perform this music in front of a large audience. Learning your part and feeling confident on your music is a necessary self discipline.
- Parents, check in with your student on how prepared they feel for the concert. Can they play their music for you? Is it good?
- Dresses are available for pick up.
- Tuxedos will be available after school on Tuesday for pick up.
- All students must arrive in uniform.
- Marching Band students must bring a change of clothes for the marching portion.
- All students NEED BLACK DRESS SHOES for the performance. Dress shoes can be flats, heels, laced, slip on, open toe, close toe, etc. However, they must be black and classified as a dress shoe. No business casual or casual footwear. Socks can be no show, or long (up to the mid calf). Students also don't need to wear socks if the shoe allows it. NO ANKLE SOCKS and...
- ALL SOCKS MUST BE BLACK.
- The 6:15 pm call time means that all Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble members must be in their seat, ready to play. We will start all together in the band room.
- Marching Band members not in a band class have a call time of 7:45 pm (no later).
- Students not in Marching Band can leave the concert immediately following their performance. However, we highly recommend they return to the auditorium to watch the rest of the concert. It's going to be great!
Thank you Parents!
Each and every week, these parents are here loading, fixing, pushing, organizing, and more! What an amazing show of support.
Congratulations Marching Band!
Another 1st place finish! You're having a great season! See you this Saturday for our final competition.
