​Thank You from Dan Kesterke

Following the Huron Valley Invitational in White Lake, Michigan, AHS Director of Bands Dan Kesterke sent a thoughtful and inspiring email to the staff, students, parents and others who support the Adrian Schools music programs. 

Although the band didn't score as well as we'd hoped, Mr. Kesterke wrote that “it was our best performance to date, and I could not be more proud of our students and their performance.” He added that “learning to cope with loss is an important aspect of competition, and how we all handle loss is a reflection of our character.”

Mr. Kesterke thanked many people for their dedication to the program, including: 

Staff instructors: Drew, Katy, Chris, Zach, Patrick, Christie, Lindsey, and Aimee. He saved a special thank you for fellow band director Sheri Powers.  

Volunteers: Jeff, Cori, Bryan, Laura, Lisa, Stacy, Darren, the Grimes family, and AHS Director of Choirs Steve Antalek for serving as the band's announcer.  

Adrian Public Schools officials: Superintendent Bob Behnke, Principal Kevin Ohrman, and Assistant Principals Mike Perez and John Roberts. 

He then listed many ways that you can help strengthen the band program and your child's skills. 

• Support the annual Apple Pie Sale and the Fruit Sale.

• Encourage your child to practice every day, even if it's music that they're not playing in band. 

• Percussionists - sign up for the after-school clinics.

• Encourage your child to attend a drum corps audition. Legends Drum and Bugle Corps is in Kalamazoo, and the Bluecoats are located in Canton Ohio. 

• Take your child to a band or orchestra concert. The music is so much different than what they'll hear at a rock or pop concert.

• Find a private music teacher for your child. They'll get so much more out of their instruments and the experience of playing.

• Make sure your child has fresh reeds, good ligatures, valve oil, etc.

• Advocate for your child’s schedule. If they're removed from band, that is an accident! Make sure they are always on the roster. We need them.

• Sign up to play with the Siena Band, Siena Heights Youth Symphony, Adrian College Band, Adrian College Jazz Band, or any other community ensemble. More playing is the key to success. Let me know if you need help getting in touch with their directors.

• Donate some time to work on our music library. 

• And please ask how you can help! There's always someone in the music program who needs your assistance.

Mr. Kesterke closed with his vision for the marching band program:

​"Our band program is blooming and growing into a beautiful activity. It can continue to grow with patience, resources, and direction. I envision our Band Program to be something more than just a class; it is a safe laboratory for self-expression, skill development, and social interaction. Competitive marching is changing our focus in rehearsal, refining our playing, and improving our marching. Our next season begins now through how we as the band community handle our transition to concert season and the rest of the year. I plan to keep working and pushing your child to reach higher and play better, and I ask you to do the same for your child."

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