The Instrumental Music Program at Stoney Creek High School has its foundation in the three concert bands that meet every day, all school year. Students are placed into Concert Band, Symphony Band, or Wind Ensemble based on audition and level of experience. In addition to large ensemble study, concert ensemble students have the opportunity to be involved in small chamber ensembles and solo work. Students are regularly invited out into the greater Rochester community to share their talents with others through performance.
While the concert ensembles provide the core to our program, there are many other extra-curricular opportunities that SCHS instrumentalists enjoy. The SCHS Cougar Marching Band provides a fun, exciting, non-competitive marching band experience complete with all the challenges that arise when we take a concert band and add a third dimension to performing while on the field. The Cougar Jazz Band typically meets during second semester, and has enjoyed performing around our community and around the metro-Detroit area,. Other extra-curricular activities SCHS Instrumental Music Program students enjoy include studying privately, youth orchestra opportunities, our annual spring musical, and our Community Service Lessons program that helps to provide free private lessons to young instrumentalists, among many others.
The Instrumental Music Program places a high emphasis on excellence in performance, and has been recognized on many levels for both its commitment high caliber musicianship and dedication to community through musical service. Students in all ensembles work to perform at a high level through regular rehearsal, personal practice, individual ownership and large ensemble teamwork, while studying a wide variety of musical styles and repertoire. Through hard work and dedication, students have found success and enjoyment in a variety of different performance related activities, such as:
The Instrumental Music Program places a high emphasis on excellence in performance, and has been recognized on many levels for both its commitment high caliber musicianship and dedication to community through musical service. Students in all ensembles work to perform at a high level through regular rehearsal, personal practice, individual ownership and large ensemble teamwork, while studying a wide variety of musical styles and repertoire. Through hard work and dedication, students have found success and enjoyment in a variety of different performance related activities, such as:
- The SCHS Band Program has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City and Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.
- The Cougar Marching Band is a regularly featured ensemble of the Detroit Red Wings and performer at Jimmy John's Field with the USPBL.
- The Cougar Jazz Band has collaborated with professional jazz artists such as the Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra and Jesse Elder (Postmodern Jukebox).
- The SCHS Band students regularly earn top ratings at Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association events, such as Solo & Ensemble Festivals and Band Festivals.