The Adrian Marching Band made school history October 21st at the 2017 Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District 8 Marching Band Festival. The Marching Maples earned the highest rating of 1, marking the first time an Adrian band has received the top score at a marching band festival. (Watch the highlights in the video above.) “Terrific band sound, balance, articulation, attacks, etc. Bravo!” wrote one judge. “Excellent drumline! Superb band. Awesome show. Congratulations!” “Great energy,” noted the second judge. And the third judge agreed. “Great creativity and variety! Strong performance. Strong design. [It's] apparent that highly effective teaching is happening. Thank you!” (Support Maple Music! Click here to reserve your Music Booster apple pies.) Director of Bands Dan Kesterke envisioned this higher level of performance several years ago, making the decision to enter the band into marching competitions in 2012. The drum corps style of marching the band now emulates requires more effort, focus and discipline, says Kesterke, but it's an investment that's paying off, not only in higher festival scores, but in the group's camaraderie and individual growth. Mr. Kesterke also noted that contributions from the Elizabeth Wilson Foundation have been important to the success of the band. Their recent donations made it possible to purchase four marching tubas, three euphoniums, and several drum harnesses. The higher quality horns have helped our young musicians produce a better sound. The Maple Marching Band is the largest in Lenawee County. In the average high school, only 10% of students participate in all available music groups. An impressive 13% of Adrian High School students play in band alone, according to Kesterke. Factor in our many choirs and orchestras, and it's clear that Adrian students are more musically active. It was an exciting night in Jackson and, hopefully, only the first of many more achievements to come. From all of us at the Adrian Music Boosters, congratulations Mr. Kesterke, Mrs. Powers, and the entire Adrian High School Marching Band! The number one shaving experience is waiting for you at MaggardRazors.com, proud supporter of Adrian music.
15 Comments
Amy Slupe
10/22/2017 08:23:15 am
Crying tears of joy at your AMAZING SOUND!!! So incredibly proud. GO MAPLES!!!!!
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Lori Gardner
10/22/2017 09:01:30 am
Maple Proud.....Congratulations. You have all obviously worked very hard. You look and sound beautiful!
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MUSIC BOOSTERS
10/22/2017 10:38:23 am
It is, indeed, an emotional experience watching these young musicians commit, work, develop and grow over the course of a season and the years. We understand your joy. Thanks, Amy.
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Marne Davies
10/22/2017 10:05:35 am
So incredibly proud of these kids!
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MUSIC BOOSTERS
10/22/2017 10:40:00 am
We share your pride, Marne. Thank you for commenting.
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Dan Kesterke
10/22/2017 12:51:59 pm
The students performed great! Their success was dependent on the great work of our staff: Sheri Powers, Lindsey Parker, Megan Carson, Katy Caris, Jon Crayne; our lead chaperone and nurse Cori Walworth; logistics and transportation specialist Jeff Caris; our volunteers: Gary and Angie Grimes, Matt Armentrout, Bryan Bott, Jordan Pelphrey and Taylor Suydam; our band camp staff: Drew Whiting, Shelby Becker, and Dominic DiPietro, and our Drill Designer Wes King.
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MUSIC BOOSTERS
10/22/2017 04:21:07 pm
Thank you, Dan, not only for your leadership and vision, but for all of your acknowledgments. As you've said, "it takes a village." Yet, as much as the people on your list may deserve recognition, none of them seek it. We're truly grateful for the many hours they invest, the gifts they share freely, and their genuine, humble support of the marching band and its mission. Thank you all.
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Theresa Powers
10/22/2017 03:06:58 pm
Great job Adrian Maples! Thank you for the mention of the Elizabeth Wilson Foundation! Elizabeth would have been very very proud of you! Keep up the great job you all are doing!
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MUSIC BOOSTERS
10/22/2017 04:09:19 pm
Thank YOU, Theresa! We truly value our partnership and appreciate the Wilson Foundation's generosity. You and your team make such a positive difference.
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Tracie Willett
10/22/2017 03:55:21 pm
Way to go Maples.... Congratulations on a number 1 rating...hard work pays off .... so proud of all of you
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MUSIC BOOSTERS
10/22/2017 04:10:51 pm
Thanks, Tracie! Hard work does indeed pay off, in more ways than one. We appreciate your support.
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Patricia Gray
10/23/2017 07:57:32 pm
These young people worked so hard. I’m so proud of them. Great job! Great work Mr. K.!
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MUSIC BOOSTERS
10/23/2017 11:25:07 pm
Thank you for your support, Patricia, and for taking the time to share your comments.
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Keetha Warner Schaeffer
10/23/2017 09:07:32 pm
Congratulations from a proud Alumni, and majorette! (Class of 1969)
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MUSIC BOOSTERS
10/23/2017 11:28:52 pm
Hi Keetha - Thank you for showing your Maple Pride!
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