(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bob Milbrodt for the information in this story.)
On Monday, March 9, the Chelsea Kiwanis Club welcomed Rick Catherman, director of bands, Chelsea School District and his wife Susie, from the Chelsea Band Boosters.
There are many opportunities for students to pursue interests in music in Chelsea schools. In addition to orchestra and choir, there are many band ensembles: marching band, wind symphony, concert band, jazz ensemble, percussion ensemble, wind chamber ensemble, and pep band.
The marching band is featured in three of Chelsea’s parades, Memorial Day Parade, Fair Parade, and Hometown Holiday Parade. Band members also take part in the library’s concert series.
Instruction emphasizes respect for each other, and working together as a group. Practices begin at 7 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Student leadership is essential for so many groups. Several alumni return to work with current students. Also, professional clinicians come in to work with students.
Alumni have continued in music like Rob Knopper who plays for the New York Metropolitan Opera, and Katy Steklac, who has returned to direct the middle school band. Two members of the middle school band join three members of the high school band who have been selected to the All State Band.
Support for the band program comes from the Band Boosters. The popular Band Exhibition held the last Wednesday in September was originally not to be a fundraiser, but has turned in between $8,000 and $10,000 each year. The Boosters use our Kiwanis food concession trailer for the event which feeds the high school and college bands playing at the event.
Rick Catherman will be retiring this year, and he and Susie will be moving to South Haven. Coincidentally, they are returning to the same house they left to move to Chelsea 20 years ago.
Monday, we will not meet at the hospital dining room as they are taking precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Again this year the Community Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the Chelsea Retirement Community on Saturday, April 11, at 10 a.m., sponsored by the Key Club at Chelsea High School and Kiwanis.
Normally, Chelsea Kiwanis meets each Monday at 6:15 p.m. in the St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital cafeteria, and the speakers begin at about 6:45 p.m.
Everyone is invited to the club’s meetings to enjoy our speakers and learn about Kiwanis.
Go to www.kiwanisclubofchelsea.org for more information.
