Below:  The final moments of the 2008 Marching Band Show

A Brief History of the Harbor Springs Band Program

“This year for the first time in its history, the Harbor Springs School can boast of having a band which was organized in October by Aldie C. Long. The band, composed of about thirty members at the beginning of the year, included pupils from both the grades and high school.  Due to the increasing interest in the band work and eager enthusiasm of the pupils and director, it was necessary to organize two groups and at present there are over fifty pupils being instructed in band work.

The first formal appearance of the High School Band was in the high school auditorium on Thursday evening, January 29, 1931, when a most well received concert was given before a large audience. Since that time the band has willingly assisted in pep meetings, at the physical training exhibit, and at various other functions. The Harbor Springs School is indeed fortunate in having secured Mr. Long who has untiringly devoted much time and effort toward making the band a most worthy addition to the school.”

Thus, was the beginning of the Harbor Springs Band Program.  Since 1930 the band program has grown in many ways under several band directors.  The chronology as currently known is below:

1930-38 – Mr. Aldie Long
1938-40 – Mr. Clute
1940-43 – Mr. Buck Ojala
1943-48 – Mr. Hopkins
1948-51 – Mr. Lloyd Conley
1951-74 – Mr. Joe Jezisek
1974-87 – Mr. Doug White
1987-2000 – Mr. Derik Stansell (performed at the conference in 1993 with the Harbor Band)
2000-2008 – Mr. Jeffrey Bennett

2009-present - Mr. Patrick Ruddy

Each of these directors had a profound effect on the band program during their tenure at Harbor Springs. 

View larger image of above photo.
©Calloway Photography

Currently, 2009-10, the band program (grades 5-12) has over two hundred-forty students participating.  Performing class A/AA music at the middle and high school levels, the band has consistently earned superior ratings.  The marching band has won every competition it has entered since it began competing in 2002 (they only compete once a year).  In addition, they also perform at the District 2 Marching Exposition in Traverse City, home football games, and their own ‘Bands Around The Bay’ non-competitive invitational. 

The Jazz Band was established in 2001.  With a repertoire base of 30-40 selections featuring styles from the old standards, Latin, rock and holiday music, the band also performs grade 4-6 music at various jazz festivals.

Harbor Springs High School has just over three hundred students, thus, students in band are involved in everything - a philosophy we strongly believe in while a student is in our school system.  Therefore, there are virtually no after school rehearsals/sectionals for concert or marching.  All rehearsals must be done during regular class time.  Special meetings with the Athletic Director and the Performing Arts Committee help to ensure no conflicts between various school activities.

Of course, no band program is complete without a wonderful and supportive community.  The band (MS/HS combined) annually performs at the Memorial Day Parade, the Fourth of July Parade (25-30,000 spectators) and the Halloween Parade.  The reason for positive results of the band program is quite simple – cooperation, communication and commitment.  The Board of Education and the Administration are determined to provide students in their charge with excellent artistic opportunities. Thus, they fund the program sufficiently, employ a dedicated staff, and assist in the scheduling process to avoid course selection conflicts and provide an effective and productive time for the bands to rehearse within the daily schedule. 

Harbor Springs also has a Community Band which rehearses and performs throughout the year and is a valuable asset to the school band program and the community at large.  One of the most important supporters are the Band Parents (Instrumental Music Partnership) who selflessly dedicate hundreds of hours overseeing uniforms, chaperones, first aid and fund-raising.  Without them, this program would not be possible. 

Harbor Springs Bands 

Mr. Patrick Ruddy

Director of Bands

Great Job 2009 High School Jazz Band

at the 13th Annual NMU Jazz Festival - winners of the "Outstanding Jazz Band Award" as well as to Thomas Caminito, Jamison Cronk, and Joe Dart for receiving awards for "Outstanding Soloist."

Above:  The wind section of the Jazz Band plays for the opening of the evening concert at NMU, an honor given to the winner of the "Outstanding Jazz Band" award. 

Middle:  Thomas Caminito plays one of his many memorable solos.

Below:  The rhythm section shows off their skills at the evening concert at NMU. 

Students:

YOU ARE IN ONE OF THE MICHIGAN'S FINEST BAND PROGRAMS! BE PROUD!! RAM PRIDE!!

Band Points of Pride

Excellence from our Award Winning Band Program Producing Leaders for the Future

• Over 240 students participate in the band program grades 5-12.
• The High School Jazz Band has been awarded "Outstanding Jazz Band" at the NMU Jazz Festival in 2008 and 2009. 
• High School Concert Band was selected as one of seven bands in the state to perform at the Michigan Music Conference in January 2007. This is the highest honor a band can receive in Michigan.
• High School and Middle School Concert Bands have consistently produced superior performances at festivals, competitions and within the community, thus, a positive example of the excellence of music in a small school.

• Marching Band has received accolades from around the state for their performances and the excitement they produce.
• Jazz Band has become a local and state example of excellence performing at festivals and within the community with a strong following.
• Performs at all local events such as Memorial Day and 4th of July Parades