Growth in Suttons Bay instrumental music program was a topic of discussion this week by the Suttons Bay Board of Education.
Band director Dante Belleci appeared before the Board of Education Monday, providing an update on the program he has built since his hiring in the fall of 2023.
Prior to his hiring, low enrollment and COVID had taken its toll on the school program.
Belleci said growth can be measured in the number of student performances; student awards and honors; news and media; and community engagement and extracurriculars.
Since September 2023 student musicians have performed winter and spring concerts; at the homecoming parade; high school prep band; Michigan State University Jazz Orchestras; Band and Orchestra Festival; Solo and Ensemble competitions and 5th grade band night.
“On 5th grade band night, our parents were invited and students gave them a lesson on their instruments,” Belleci said.
In the area of student awards and honors, during his first school year, 30 students were awarded scholarships for music study and camps; four students participated in middle school honor band; two high school students earned Division II rating at Solo and Ensemble; and four middle school musicians earned Division I ratings at Solo and Ensemble.
During the current school years, Belleci reported that five students were awarded scholarships for private lessons and three high school students earned Division II ratings at Solo and Ensemble.
In the area of community engagement, the school has had students perform with the Northport Community Band and several students are taking private after-school lessons with professional musicians.
To expose students to live music, Belleci arranged to bring in Grammy-nominated pianist Bobby Floyd; the Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra; Grammy-nominated guitarist Don Wilson with the MSU Jazz Nonets and the Dave Sharp World’s Quartet.
Belleci explained why band is important to schools.
“Students with music programs have an estimated 90.2% graduation rate and 93.9% attendance rate compared to schools without music education, which average 72.9% graduation rate and 84.9% attendance,” he said.
In terms of cognitive development, Belleci said learning an instrument enhances fine motor and auditory skills in children. There is also a correlation between musical achievement and math performance. He also said being in band enhances students ability to work in teams and chance of staying school.
Student testimonials were also part of the presentation.
“Being in band gave me a second family that I didn’t know I even needed,” a middle school alto saxophone player said. “Some of my favorite people I have met have been through band.”
A tenor sax player also had great things to say about participating in the band program.
“I used to be terrified of going on stage and doing anything, but along the way with all the concerts we have had, I learned I love the stage and I love playing my saxophone for people.”
“I’m glad to hear about our band,” Trustee Lee Grant said. “COVID just stopped us in our tracks. It’s exciting to see this success.”
In other business during the less-than-an-hour meeting the board approved this spring’s senior class trip to Mackinac Island set for May 19-21.
