Band
There are five full-year bands at CC, in addition to two part-year bands. The full-year bands are Beginning Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra, while the part-year bands are Marching Band and Full Orchestra. All bands are currently under the direction of Gregory Normandin (alumnus, 1978), who has been the music instructor since 1982 and was a student of his predecessor, William Watts, who had served at CC from 1950–1982.
The bands travel every other year to perform in overseas events. In the past, they have performed and won awards in London, Hawaii, and Paris. It currently considers Rome and Sydney in addition to London, Hawaii, and Paris. The Shamrock Band was invited to and performed in the New Year's Day Parade in London, England on January 1, 2011.
- Beginning Band
Beginning Band is for those first starting an instrument and is strictly designed for members to improve their playing abilities. Beginning Band does not take part in Michigan Solo and Ensemble Festival nor play at any games or events.
- Concert Band
Concert Band is mostly for freshmen who have played their instrument for at least 6 months. Concert Band is required for all freshmen who do not audition for Symphonic Band, though it is optional for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The Concert Band performs in the Michigan High School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) festivals. Additionally, each member is required to take part in the Michigan Solo and Ensemble Festival, the Christmas and Spring Concerts, and take part in Marching Band during the football season.
- Symphonic Band
Symphonic Band mostly consists of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Symphonic Band is optional without audition for all bandsmen who have played with the band for at least a year. The CC Symphonic Band has a record of consistently receiving perfect "I" ratings at the MSBOA festival. Each member is required to take part in the Michigan Solo and Ensemble Festival. The Symphonic Band performs at the Christmas and Spring Concerts, and takes part in Marching Band during football season.
- Jazz Band
Jazz band is open to any student at Catholic Central. Jazz band does not perform at the MSBOA band festival, though it does take part in the Christmas and Spring Concert every year. Students wishing to join the jazz band must audition for the band director. The spaces are limited, so there are only a few students accepted. The students also perform at various school events such as alumni gatherings, the CC Family Fest, and Night On The Town (a band benefit dinner-dance).
- Orchestra
Orchestra, a relatively new addition (created in the 2007–08 school year), is open to all string instruments. They do not take part in Marching Band. The orchestra plays at the Spring and Christmas Concert, the MSBOA band festival, and performs individually at the Michigan Solo and Ensemble festival.
- Full Orchestra
Full Orchestra, also new to CC, consists of the Orchestra, in addition to a select few Symphonic Band musicians. They do not perform at the MSBOA band festival, though they do play at the Christmas and Spring Concert every year.
- Marching Band
The Concert band and Symphonic band combine as a Marching Band to play at all home football games, Boys' Bowl, and Prep Bowl. Also, a smaller, pep band is sent to support the football team at away games as well as selective games in other sports.
Catholic Central has two fight songs: The "School Song", played at key points during sporting events and written by Father Ned Donoher, and the "Spirit Song", played after touchdowns at varsity football games. The spirit song's tune may be familiar to those from Texas as the Aggie War Hymn of Texas A&M University.
Familiar formations to the Marching Band are "Block Formation", in which the band is arranged in a block for marching forward normally, and "The Double 'C's", in which the band is arranged into two interlocked "C"s, a school symbol.
In addition to the Marching Band, the CC drum line performs a drum feature each year, revealed at the annual Boy's Bowl assembly. This solo performance is an exciting display of talent, but also one more of the many traditions of Catholic Central.
Read more about this topic: Detroit Catholic Central High School
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