Bandtastic

Today our 5th-8th grade students joined other schools from across the Diocese of Grand Rapids for Bandtastic rehearsal. Not only is this a unique opportunity for our students to practice with numerous other musicians from other local Catholic schools, it’s also a great way for our students to show off just a little.

"Your students are known for the musical talent" - Assistant Superintendent of Grand Rapids Catholic Schools, Jill Annable

Our band program is pretty unique in the diocese. It adds to a well-rounded education received here where our mission focuses on the spiritual, intellectual, moral, social, and physical development of our children. Participating in the band also provides leadership opportunities and a chance to develop life-long skills used beyond ASA.

"The band at ASA was a really great experience for me. I had fun in normal class time, and even more fun after school in the jazz band. Band at ASA inspired me to do band at CC.

Band at CC has changed my life. I barely knew anyone at CC, but at the end of summer band camp, I had a whole group of friends, and now most of my closest friends are in band. CC band has taught me discipline, respect, value of hard work. I strongly encourage students to stay in and enjoy band, and join the bands at whatever high school they go to. They won't regret it." - Matt Koss, ASA alumni & Junior at Catholic Central

"The music program at All Saints Academy and band instructor, Mr. Matt Palmieri, do an amazing job of preparing students for music at Catholic Central.  I am always impressed when I judge the 7th and 8th graders at their Pre-Festival concert on their amazing sound for the size of the ensemble!  Band is a great way to make connections in middle school and it continues into high school.  Band students perform at football games, marching competitions, concerts in the Cathedral, concerts in local auditoriums, the CC Gym, at solo and ensemble festivals, the school musical and even more!  They also have the chance to go on band trips as an ensemble, most recently to Walt Disney World in 2016 where they marched on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom! Music and playing in the band brings so many opportunities!! It is something that we can continue to be involved with throughout our lives and for me personally, it is a privilege to be able to work with students as they grow as musicians and as young adults." - Ann Reinhard Band Director at Catholic Central

“The expense of private lessons is not one my family could afford for all so to have this program not only offered but required at ASA is a huge benefit.  Were it not for band, I don't know that such in depth instrument experience would have been possible for my kids.” -ASA Parent

“Not all kids excel in athletics nor have an interest in them.  For Jack especially, ASA band changed him fundamentally.  He discovered a talent/interest that he felt confident with and took off running.  To this day Jack's free time is almost always spent playing, composing or singing.” - Jane Reeves, ASA Parent

Our students frequently play the National Anthem for our local sports teams.