As student enrollment declines across the area, one of the downside’s is the reduction of participants in high school music programs. According to Crestwood’s Scarlet Guard Band Director Angela Adkins, “CHS’s marching band enrollment has gone down the past 4 years, but at 49 students (around 15% of enrollment), we’re still above the national average of 10%.”
She noted that the district currently has 142 band students in grades six, seven, and eight, and noted, “These growing numbers in band will help our high school program.” Furthermore, Adkins noted that Crestwood’s elementary music teacher, Michaela Brugmann, created the Band Aid program which pairs beginning 6th grade students with high school helpers. “They meet in small groups for music tutoring and to build the family feeling in our band program,” Adkins noted. “Having the rest of the students in the 7-12 building share the same band room also helps.”
As for encouraging the CHS musicians, Adkins notes, “We concentrate on creating excellent student leaders and musicians. Our quality performances have stayed strong throughout the pandemic and regardless of our band size.” She continued, “This is the second year of our Eighth-grade leadership program which allows future freshman to be part of the High School marching band. We have 10 students this year.” Adkins added, “I don’t let the circumstances we have affect the quality of our program and strive to keep the family atmosphere and high quality that is tradition in the Crestwood band program.”
She explained that the 49 students in marching band include color guard members and 8th graders; she noted that 37 students participate in the CHS concert band, with many also participating in after school jazz band. “During the school year we perform four concerts with the Symphonic band,” Adkins explained. “We also attend the OMEA Adjudication for Symphonic Band, participating in solo and ensemble categories, and play for pep rallies and Memorial day parades. “At Crestwood,” she noted, “there are also courses offered in choir, guitar/ukulele, piano, history of rock and roll, and music theory.”
Adkins also noted that several of her students participate in extra honors ensembles outside of school activities, with two in the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony at Cleveland State, and five students participating in the Stambaugh Youth Concert Band at Youngstown State University.
She was proud to noted that the Scarlet Guard Marching Band performed in mid-September at the OMEA Louisville adjudication earning an Excellent (2) rating and Best Color guard in class A. The band performed at the end of that month at OMEA Revere adjudication earning an Excellent (2) rating and Best Percussion in class A. In early October, they competed in the Bands of America Northwest Regional in Toledo earning Class A Champion, and in mid-October at OMEA Copley earning a Superior (1) rating that has qualified the band to perform at State Marching Band Finals at Medina this coming Saturday afternoon.
Adkins shared that the marching band show for this year is called ‘Boxed In’, which was arranged by Alex Thode. She explained, “The music portrays the boxes we are put in (stereotypes) and how to break free from those to be your own individual person.” A few of the songs include, ‘Bring Me to Life’ (Evanescence), ‘Aha’ (Imogean Heap), and ‘All’s Hell that Ends We’ (Bergersen). “We feature senior soloists Megan Autry on flugelhorn/trumpet, and Abigail Jordan on flute,” Adkins shared. “ Our drum majors this year are Mackaye Sanwald and Hannah Bainey.”
The Crestwood High School Band and Choir will travel to Disney World in mid-February 2024. Adkins noted that both groups will be participating in Soundtrack Sessions where they make a movie-soundtrack-like recording. While in Florida, the students will have the opportunity to go to each of the Disney parks.
If you’re moved to help support these hard-working, talented musicians, donations would be gladly accepted by the Crestwood Band Boosters, the 501(c)3 organization that supports them. Visit online at crestwoodbands.com or via mail at: PO Box 584 Mantua, Ohio 44255.
