February 24-28

MONDAY: JV Winter Guard Practice 5:00-8:00
TUESDAY: Winter Drumline Rehearsal 6:30-9:30 | Varsity Winter Guard Rehearsal 6:00-9:00
WEDNESDAY: Parent Teacher Conferences 5:30-8:00 | Varsity Winter Guard Rehearsal 6:00-9:00
THURSDAY: Vertical Raise Fundraiser Begins! | Parent Teacher Conferences 5:30-8:00 | Winter Drumline Rehearsal 6:30-9:30

JV Winter Guard Practice 5:00-8:00
FRIDAY: 1/2 Day of School - Speed Schedule - No instruments
SATURDAY: Winter Drumline Competition @ Bloomfield | Winter Guard Competition @ Troy-Athens
SUNDAY: Nothing!

March 3 - Concert Band Rehearsal 2:30-3:30

March 4 - Concert Band Rehearsal 2:30-3:30

March 5 - Marching Band Informational Meeting 6:30

March 7 - District Band and Orchestra Festival

March 8 - Winter Drumline Competition @ Lakeland

March 10 - Marching Band Leadership Meeting 2:30-4

March 15 - State Solo and Ensemble @ Stoney Creek

March 16 - Winter Guard Competition @ Stoney Creek

March 21 - Last Day before Spring Break

This Thursday will kick off our annual Vertical Raise Band Program Fundraiser during class! Our goal is to raise $30,000 to support our incredible band program, which includes exciting events, talented staff, essential equipment, and captivating music. Every contribution helps us continue offering these enriching experiences. Thank you for your support! See below for informational documents.

Our Winter Guards and Drumline are in full swing! Both Varsity and JV Guards have delivered great shows in two competitions, showing impressive progress. The Winter Drumline is gearing up to kick off their competitive season with a performance next weekend at Lakeshore. We are incredibly proud of the tremendous parent support, staff dedication, and student commitment that have made these achievements possible. We encourage everyone to experience these wonderful shows, which your donations help support. Best of luck for the rest of the season!

In preparation for festival next week, the Concert Band will rehearse as a full group on Monday and Tuesday of next week after school from 2:30-3:30 pm. Please communicate any conflicts in advance!

Next Friday is our performance at District Band and Orchestra Festival. All bands will perform at the times below.

3:30 PM - Concert Band

5:55 PM - Symphonic Band

8:25 PM - Wind Ensemble

Because all bands will perform on the same day at the same location, we will be taking a bus to the location immediately after school. All Concert Band members are required to take the bus to Anchor Bay. However, students must be picked up from Anchor Bay following their performance as we will NOT be taking a bus back to Dakota.

Students in Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble are welcome to take the bus with us to Anchor Bay, but I will need to know that information ASAP! If students in Symphonic Band and WInd Ensemble do not take the bus, they will need to arrive at the times listed below.

4:45 PM - Symphonic Band Arrival (no later)

7:15 PM - Wind Ensemble Arrival (no later)

Information related to percussion and instrument transportation will be discussed and planned in class. Please rely on your students to accurately retain information!

Auditions for next school year ensembles will take place after MSBOA Festival in March! Please see attached information to mentally prepare yourself.

Click HERE to register for the 2025 season! To your left is your final clue to the show! The informational meeting for our upcoming season is next Wednesday, March 5th @ 6:30 pm in the auditorium.

There are still 10 spots available for our 2026 trip to Disney! See the attached documents below for information on signing up! Please contact me with any questions you may have.

Here are the proper ways to report a conflict with Mr. Makarewicz prior to rehearsals or events.

1. Check the weekly schedule and upcoming events.

2. Cross check any conflicts you may have with appointments, events, etc.

3. Parents Email Mr. M immediately to REQUEST an excused absence with enough information related to the nature of the absence.

4. Mr. M replies with a decision or further questions.

Many absences with prior communication are excused, unless they fall in our unexcused category.

Please see the attached Dakota Bands Attendance Policy

Email: dhsbandassistants@gmail.com

Welcome back, students and parents!

We're excited to kick off the spring...ish season with our annual Band Program Fundraiser, Vertical Raise. Your support is crucial in helping us maintain the high quality of our programs. We also invite you to join us next Friday for our festival performances at Anchor Bay High School. It's a wonderful opportunity to showcase the hard work and talent of our students. Your presence and contributions make all the difference. Let's make this a memorable season together!

Take Care,

Mr. M