Troy Colt Bands
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Troy Colt Bands' Yearly Events


- SUMMER -
Summer Sectionals
Marching Band Summer Sectionals run weekly (beginning in mid-June) and are run by designated student section leaders. At the sectionals, students rehearse the music arrangements the marching band will perform during the marching band season. Sectionals are also a great conduit for students bonding. Sectionals schedules (dates, times, locations) are provided to each section member in June. When a band member is not on vacation, he or she is expected to attend summer sectionals.
Jazz Camp
Jazz Camp is typically held during the first week of July at Troy High School. Led by Mr. Nutting and with the assitance of the (Jazz) Artist in Residence, this camp introduces the Jazz Ensemble members to everything from jazz improvisation to big band techniques.
New Member Clinics
Mandatory for New Marching Band members, New Member Clinics are run by Drum Majors and Squad Leaders under the direction of Mr. Nutting. During the three day clinics new members learn the basic marching techniques and commands.
Marching Band Camp
Each year during the month of August, the incoming marching band members assemble for a weeklong boot camp session at Camp Faholo in Grass Lake, MI. Students learn marching band steps, rehearse together the music practiced and memorized during summer sectionals, and learn the half-time choreography they will perform at football games, at marching band invitationals, and at MSBOA festivals. In addition, students bond as a band during fun daily activities.
Marching Band Sneak Preview
This showcase performance of what the marching band accomplished during the week long band camp is held on the Friday the Marching Band returns from band camp. Parents, relatives and friends are treated to this pre-season Marching Band performance.

- FIRST SEMESTER -
Marching Band Rehearsals and Sectionals
The Marching Band rehearses every Monday after school from 2:30 to 5 p.m. These rehearsals begin once the band returns from Band Camp and continue until the marching season is over - usually late October. Depending upon need, sections will hold additional weekly rehearsals before or after school.
Marching Band Invitationals
The Troy Colt Marching Band typically participates in two or three Invitationals each fall. These events give area marching bands the opportunity to present their half-time shows before friends and family while fine-tuning their performances in anticipation for MSBOA Marching Band Festival. Schools hosting the invitationals may provide host guest adjudicators to offer comments and suggestions to bands and their directors.
Tailgate Party
Band families gather in the Troy High School parking lot for this annual early-fall get-together before a home football game. Families bring a dessert or a side dish to pass and the Band Boosters sell hot dogs, burgers, and beverages.
Hayride/Bonfire
This annual fall event is for all Troy High School Band Members. This evening of fall festivities includes a hayride, petting zoo, bonfire mixed with dinner and doughnuts.
Marching Band End-of-Season Dance
The Marching Band takes to the dance floor after the last game of the year-usually the Troy v. Athens game-to celebrate the end of marching band season.
Colt Spectacular
This final "Spectacular" marching band performance of the year takes place in the Troy High gymnasium. The audience sees the student musicians up close and recognize them without the usual hats and plumes.
Laser Tag
Marching Band members are treated to a few lively games of laser tag with the band director. The evening includes pizza and pop/water for dinner.
Winter Concert
The Campus, Concert, Symphonic Bands and the Jazz Ensemble perform holiday favorites in the Troy High School Auditorium. The Winter Concert provides a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Admission is free.
Bowling for the Band!
This annual fundraiser is presented by The Jake Effect Fund which provides scholarships to worthy Troy Band students. The Fund was started by the family of TCMB member, Jacob Love, in remembrance of their son who passed way in 2009 from aplastic anemia. Bowling for the Band, which usually takes place on the Friday before December break, provides a great opportunity for alumni to get together while in town for the holidays.

- SECOND SEMESTER -
Festival Concert
The Festival Concert gives the bands the opportunity to share with the public the music they will be performing in state and national competitions. It is a great opportunity for parents to see their students perform on formal, off-site concert stages. Past venues include Max M. Fisher Orchestra Hall, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, and Oakland University.
Colt Celebration
The Troy High School Jazz Ensemble invites jazz lovers from the Troy High Band community and beyond to shake off the winter blues, put on some party clothes and attend this annual Dinner Dance. The musical menu ranges from today's hits to big band classics. A silent auction and dance follow the gourmet dinner.
Spring Trip - Fundraising Dinner
This fundraising event is held in support of the bands in their annual Spring trip.
Spring Trip
The Symphonic Band participates in an out-of-state music festival performance yearly. The Concert Band and Marching Band, as well as the Jazz Ensemble, may travel, too. These experiences provide exceptional opportunity to perform for the world's most renowned adjudicators and clinicians. The bands has participated in music festivals in Atlanta, New York, Orlando, Chattanooga, Chicago, Cincinnati, London, San Antonio, St. Louis, Virginia Beach and Gatlinburg.
Showcase of Bands
In the month of May, the Troy School District's band students gather in the Troy High School gym to perform for family and friends. The Symphonic Band is the only THS bands to perform at this event.
Music Marathon
All Troy bands perform in this 12-hour event with student and alumni soloists and ensembles entertaining during the rest of the time slots.
Spring Concert
The final "formal" concert of the year, the Spring Concert is a musical end-of-the concert season celebration. All bands participate. The Concert takes place in the THS Auditorium. As always, admission is free.
Senior Picnic
Hosted by Director of Bands, the Senior Picnic is Mr. Nutting's farewell gathering for graduating students only.
Band Banquet
The banquet takes place in early June. Band members and their families gather to celebrate the accomplishments of the bands and to honor our graduating seniors. The Banquet also gives the band director the opportunity to recognize outstanding band members and parent volunteers. The incoming-season Drum Major(s) are announced at this event and everyone has the opportunity to view the End-of-Year DVD Senior Slide Show.

- YEAR LONG EVENTS -
MSBOA Festivals
The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) sponsors all district and state festivals throughout the year. These festivals allow students the opportunity to perform for professional music adjudicators. Some events are for entire bands, while other events are for soloists or small ensembles.
  • Solo and Ensemble or "S&E" (Winter): Soloist with piano accompanist, small ensembles of up to eight players.
  • Chamber Ensemble Festival (Winter): Groups of at least 9 members but smaller than typical school band.
  • Regional Jazz Festival: Mandatory for the THS Jazz Ensemble members. The event is also referred as MSBOA State Jazz Festival.
  • District Honors Bands : Composed of students from all the District XVI area high schools. Students are nominated by their band directors and selected by a committee of MSBOA members. Two honors bands (9-10 and 11-12) get together for three days that culminate with the MSBOA Honors Bands Concert.
  • State Honors Bands: This band is comprised of students who are selected based from blind auditions. The State Honors Band rehearses and performs at the Michigan Music Conference (MMC) in Grand Rapids.
  • District Band Festival (Spring): Performance by Symphonic, Concert and Campus bands in front of MSBOA adjudicators. The bands perform three prepared musical selections and sight-read two pieces.
  • State Band Festival (Spring): Bands obtaining Division I rating at the District Band Festival are elligible to participate in the State Band Festival. Format of the festival is similar to the district, but more stringent adjudication.
Special Performances
The Bands are occasionally asked to perform at Special Events. For example, the Drum Line has entertained at the International Auto Show and welcomed Santa at the City of Troy Tree Lighting. The Marching Band helped the Troy Library celebrate the grand-reopening of Saturday hours with a flash mob. Most recently, the Symphonic Band was honored to play at the Western Michigan School of Music 100th Anniversary Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music.
Field Trips
Throughout the year, the bands attend special events to increase their well rounded education and exposure to the fine arts. Previous field trips have included performances such as STOMP, Drum Line Live, Blue Man Group, Martha Graham Dance Company, the Detroit Symphony and BLAST!
 
 
 
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