The Waverly Community School's music department has enjoyed a long tradition of quality and excellence. In addition to the distinctive choir and orchestra programs, the band program strives to offer quality and creative performing opportunities for its students.

Mission Statement

The Waverly Bands are dedicated to Musical excellence, personal enjoyment, and communal pride. We believe in Discipline, Honesty, and Respect for our leaders and each other. With a positive attitude, personal dedication and a unified spirit, we will develop a collective responsibility to one another, our school community, and the world around us

Starting Band at Waverly

Waverly Band students begin in 5th grade, meeting two days a week and starting only on Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, and Bells. We begin by using solfege (Do Re Mi) to learn songs by ear with two part harmony by the second month, and gradually add note reading by the end of the year. The students continue in 6th grade, meeting three days a week, with some students then transferring to other instruments, such as Saxophone, Oboe, Tuba, Bassoon, French Horn, and Percussion. They begin to play more arrangements for full band and continue to improve their skills in performance and note reading.

Band in the Middle School

Middle School Band students are given the opportunity to expand their musical experiences with extras like Jazz Band and Solo and Ensemble. They also begin to attend Band Festival as a yearly event and even learn to march and play, eventually performing in the Homecoming parade and with the HS marching band during the football game. The Jazz Band also performs in the surrounding community in places like the Lansing Mall and Potter Park Zoo.

High School Bands

High School students audition for placement into either the Concert or Symphonic Bands. Both bands perform several concerts throughout the year, attend Band Festivals, and together form the Waverly High School Marching Band. Students may also audition for the Jazz Band, which performs throughout the community and is also featured at Waverly's annual Jazz Night. Every four years the High School Marching Band travels to Disney World to perform. In addition, the High School Bands also have smaller trips, most recently, the Symphonic Band traveled to Chicago to attend the Dixie Classic - National Adjudicator Invitational, and the High School Marching Band marched in the 2008 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC.

Band Course Objectives

· To provide each band member with a workable knowledge of music so she/he may enjoy, understand, and participate in the aesthetic experience relayed through music making.
· To help students mature socially as individuals, become good citizens, and ensure that all students are provided a rewarding experience.
· To provide the highest degree of music performance at school, community functions, and special events, enabling the group to be a symbol of excellence and pride in both our school and the Waverly community.
· To continually broaden the musical tastes of the students and the community through the performance of fine wind band literature.
· To promote the growth of the student through creativity, excellence and camaraderie.

Awards and Recognitions

The Waverly Band Program has received both local and nationwide recognition for its commitment to quality performance and individual student growth. The Waverly Warrior Marching Band has performed at local marching festivals, District VIII Marching Festival, MSU Spartan Invitational, America's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the 2008 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC, and at Disney World's Epcot Center. In Spring 2007 the Waverly Symphonic Band attended the Dixie Classic - National Adjudicator Invitational in Chicago, IL where they received a Superior rating.