It’s Been Quite the Year for the Bands in Dexter Community Schools

From marching at Ford Field during the State Football Championship to the high school and middle school bands all receiving high ratings, this school year so far has seen the Dexter Bands continue to demonstrate excellence in and out of the classroom.

Some highlights from this year include:

• Marching Band second annual Glow Show/Marching at Ford Field for state football finals.
• High School and Middle School, sending 121 events of nearly 200 students and 98 percent medal rate.
• High school sent 15 events to state solo and ensemble with 20 students attending, all receiving a medal
• All five High School and Middle School bands received straight division 1 ratings at the district band festival this year. 
• Completed their 46th annual Band Extravaganza with a packed gymnasium. 
• Middle School All state honorable mention – 8th grade student.
• 7 Middle School students selected to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Middle School Honors Band Days.

Looking over these highlights, the Sun Times News (STN) posed a question to Andrew Damman, the Director of Bands for Dexter Community Schools.

What’s behind the success?

“It really begins with how we start our students in beginning band in fifth grade,” Damman said. “Like instruments in the same class makes a big difference. Aside from that, a standard dating back to the 1970’s of consistent excellence in the program and the support of the families and community!”

At the core of the bands is education and the classroom, with students taking instruction, learning to play an instrument and being part of a team as just a few of the important things that make it all come together and happen.

STN asked Damman why band education continues to be important.

“I would say that band isn’t just about playing music or an instrument, but it contours how people feel, think and connect with others,” he said. “It develops creativity, gives people a way to process emotions, strengthens our mind, and builds a community of social skills and teamwork within a program.”

Photo 1: Dexter Band students perform during the festival. Photo: DCS

Photo 2: Marching Band at Ford Field. Photo: DCS

Photo 3: Performing during the Extravaganza. Photo: DCS