Area Schools Showcase Talent at Chelsea Marching Band Exhibition

The Chelsea High School football stadium came alive with music on Wednesday as 11 local high school marching bands took to the field for the fourth annual Chelsea Marching Band Exhibition.

The bands performed four songs each during their 15-minute allotment at the event. Bands from Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Manchester, Grass Lake, Quincy, Tecumseh, Concord, Stockbridge, Jackson and Williamston received adjudications for their performances.

"This is a great opportunity for the community," Rick Catherman, Chelsea band director said. "(Usually) they just see marching bands perform at the Friday night football games."

He said that 100 parent volunteers helped put the competition together.

"I did this because I want to support ... a phenomenal band program," parent Joel Craig of Chelsea said. "It is truly an awesome program."

performed at 7:30 p.m. under the direction of Kenneth Moore. The band opened with the Bee Gees' hit "Stayin' Alive", and continued its disco theme through their version of Van McCoy's "The Hustle," which involved all but a core group of musicians dropping their instruments and boogeying to the beat. Afterward student Carrie Wolfe stepped up to play a solo tune on her trumpet. The band's last song, "YMCA," featured spontaneous audience participation, as a sea of arms created the familiar letters while the Dreadnaughts marched across the field in shape after shifting shape.

"It's one of Dexter's (best) nights of the year," Moore said. "I like to see so many bands. It's a great mix. We've been here all four years, and we'll continue to come back as long as Chelsea hosts (the event.)"

Ann Holman of Dexter, whose daughter Shea is a junior percussionist in the DHS band, said she loves the band exhibition.

"We love seeing all the bands, from the smallest to the biggest. Seeing Eastern Michigan University's band is neat because it is a different level, and (kids) can see what they can aspire to if they want," she said. "In this area, kids should be in band. Even the smaller schools like Manchester have exceptional band programs. And everybody gets a great work out by marching."

Saline came next, under the direction of Nate Lampman, with a tribute to superheroes — from DC Comics' Superman to Disney's The Incredibles — crossing the field in formation. Soloists Kim Stokes, Jessie Opaleski, Ryan Brophy, Gabe Ellis and Nick Omichinski opened the set.

"This is the highlight of the season. It's fun the first time you try it out in front of an audience, and this audience knows more than the normal football crowd," Lampman said.

Ron Elliott of Saline also enjoyed the program.

"It's a nice show," said Elliott, whose son Brett, a freshman, plays the saxophone, and his daughter, Paige, a junior, is a member of the color guard.

To close the exhibition, bands were treated to a performance by the Eastern Michigan University Marching Band.

"They do a good job, and it's nice to see the university show what students can attain if they want to," Deb Elliott of Saline said.

Proceeds from Wednesday's event benefit the Chelsea High School band program.