About Us:
The Band and Orchestra programs have been in existence for over sixty years and have a long history of excellence in performance.
Currently there are around 300 students involved in the orchestra program and 450 in the band program. Middle School and High School ensembles meet five times a week and perform in concerts throughout the year. We also have extra curricular music ensembles t
hat meet before and after school at the middle and high school levels.
Offerings-
The Orchestra Program offers instruction in violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
The Band Program offers instruction in woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Students will study the techniques involved in playing these instruments while learning about music history, theory, composition, and improvisation. The students will perform quality and exciting literature appropriate for each ensemble. This will include: classical, folk, pop, jazz, and other genres of music.
Music Teachers:
Mrs. Holly Thornton
6th-8th grade bands
Ms. Natalie Paiz
6th-7th grade orchestras
6th/8th grade bands
Mr. David Larzelere
High School bands
6th grade band
Mr. David Rosin
7th-12th grade orchestras
Macdonald MS Ensembles:
6th Grade Band
6th Grade Orchestra
7th Grade Band
7th Grade Orchestra
8th Grade Band
8th Grade Orchestra
7th Grade Jazz Band
8th Grade Jazz Band
Ovation Strings (7th-8th)
Facilities-
We are fortunate in East Lansing to have one of the best Performing Art s Facilities in the State of Michigan. Students in the program will get the opportunity to perform and rehearse in these state-of-the-art facilities on a regular basis . Concert Schedule-
The Middle School ensembles give between three and five performances each year. The High School ensembles give between six and twelve concerts a year. These performances are for family and friends to attend.
Students in the program will also have the opportunity to participate in MSBOA District Festival, MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival, All- State Festival, Chamber Ensembles, Pit Orchestra, Honor Band, Marching Band, Encore Strings, Ovation Strings, Middle and High School Jazz Bands, Collage, Battle of the Bands, Talent Shows, Senior Solo Recital, and many other fun musical activities. Furthermore, as students progress though the program, they will have the opportunity to travel with the ensembles. Recent trips include: Grand Rapids, Detroit, Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Washington D.C., and Florida.
