Columbia Central High School Band
In high school, a student’s musical career is greatly enhanced through competitive marching band, color guard, concert band, and drumline. Each student is also able to participate in pit band during the spring musical. At this stage of their musical career, students are presented with more difficult music and a more demanding schedule, but they immediately find themselves surrounded by supportive peers and staff eager to help them succeed.
The Columbia Central High School Marching Band competes each year in Michigan Competing Bands Association (MCBA). Due to the fierce competition guaranteed to arise each year, full band rehearsals start in mid-summer once a week. During these rehearsals, the marching band practices marching technique music. Students are told to bring tennis shoes, water, and their music to these sessions. The summer rehearsals are critical for establishing a proper attitude for the rest of the marching season, so students are required to attend unless CMA staff is notified in advance of student’s absence. Students must also attend pre-camp and band camp near the end of the summer.
Once the academic year begins, the marching band practices once a week as well as during the school day. Being part of the student body, the marching band attends every home football game in order to play in the stands and during half-time. These half-time perfomances are regarded as direct parallels to competition shows, so it is necessary for all band members to attend. Band members must bring black shoes, black socks, and their music to these home games. Students are also encouraged to bring water and bug spray.
During the fall marching season, the marching band will take part in a number of competitions, usually three, in order to qualify for States. Columbia Central has attended state competition for many consecutive years and hopes to maintain this level of excellence for many years to come. State competition is a thrilling event for band members, staff, and parents, but it cannot be attained without self-discipline, hard-work, and a large amount of support from parents.
After concert season the high school band practices shifts gears to concert season in preparation for the winter concert, spring concert, and Solo & Ensemble Festival.
The Columbia Central High School Marching Band also takes part in the annual Tulip Festival in Holland, Michigan, the Memorial Day Parade, and Homecoming Parade.
Current Marching Season Music
First Piece: Carmen Number One
MIDI Recording: Carmen Number One
Drill: Carmen Number One
Second Piece: Carmen Number Two
MIDI Recording: Carmen Number Two
Third Piece: Carmen Number Three
MIDI Recording: Carmen Number Three
Important Forms and Downloadable Files