Welcome To
East Lansing Bands
East Lansing Bands
The East Lansing Band Program is part of the East Lansing Public Schools. The program is located in the wonderful City of East Lansing, Michigan, the home of Michigan State University. The primary objective of the program is to provide students the opportunity to perform, create, and learn about music while having fun and building friendships. The program currently serves over 250 students in grades 6-12.
Students begin in 6th grade and receive instruction five times a week. This fundamental instruction continues throughout the 6th grade year. The 6th bands perform 3-4 concerts a year. After the beginning year of instruction, the 7th and 8th grade bands meet separately five days a week. The middle school bands perform 4-5 concerts a year including the Michigan School Band and Orchestra (MSBOA) district and state festivals. Seventh and eighth grade students are eligible and encouraged to participate in the MSBOA Solo and Ensemble festival. At times, the 8th grade band students will join with 8th grade orchestra members to create a true full orchestra experience!
The High School Band Department offers several ensembles in which the students may participate. The Concert Band is an entry-level band for freshman and sophomore students. The Symphonic Band is an upper-level band for sophomore, junior, and senior students. The Wind Ensemble is the most advanced performing ensemble in the program. While this group is primarily made up of juniors and seniors, all students are considered for membership regardless of grade. The Symphonic Orchestra also provides a full orchestra experience by combining with the Symphonic Winds and Percussion class.
Outside of the school day, students may also participate in Jazz Band. This is an audition-only ensemble for students seeking to enhance their band experience. Students in the high school orchestra program will perform between 6-12 concerts a year including: MSBOA Festivals, Collage, Baccalaureate, Pit Orchestra, and other community performances.
Furthermore, students in the program will have the opportunity to travel with the band. Recent trip destinations include; Washington D.C., Florida, Chicago, New York, Cleveland, and Toronto.
Teachers
Mr. David Larzelere - ELHS Band and 6th Grade MMS Band
Mrs. Holly Thornton - MMS 6th-8th Grade Band
Ms. Natalie Paiz - MMS 6th Grade Band, 8th Grade Band, and MMS Orchestra
Students begin in 6th grade and receive instruction five times a week. This fundamental instruction continues throughout the 6th grade year. The 6th bands perform 3-4 concerts a year. After the beginning year of instruction, the 7th and 8th grade bands meet separately five days a week. The middle school bands perform 4-5 concerts a year including the Michigan School Band and Orchestra (MSBOA) district and state festivals. Seventh and eighth grade students are eligible and encouraged to participate in the MSBOA Solo and Ensemble festival. At times, the 8th grade band students will join with 8th grade orchestra members to create a true full orchestra experience!
The High School Band Department offers several ensembles in which the students may participate. The Concert Band is an entry-level band for freshman and sophomore students. The Symphonic Band is an upper-level band for sophomore, junior, and senior students. The Wind Ensemble is the most advanced performing ensemble in the program. While this group is primarily made up of juniors and seniors, all students are considered for membership regardless of grade. The Symphonic Orchestra also provides a full orchestra experience by combining with the Symphonic Winds and Percussion class.
Outside of the school day, students may also participate in Jazz Band. This is an audition-only ensemble for students seeking to enhance their band experience. Students in the high school orchestra program will perform between 6-12 concerts a year including: MSBOA Festivals, Collage, Baccalaureate, Pit Orchestra, and other community performances.
Furthermore, students in the program will have the opportunity to travel with the band. Recent trip destinations include; Washington D.C., Florida, Chicago, New York, Cleveland, and Toronto.
Teachers
Mr. David Larzelere - ELHS Band and 6th Grade MMS Band
Mrs. Holly Thornton - MMS 6th-8th Grade Band
Ms. Natalie Paiz - MMS 6th Grade Band, 8th Grade Band, and MMS Orchestra