The bands at Portage Central High School have received national as well as international acclaim over the past twenty five (25) years. The program has excelled in all facets during the past two and a half decades. The bands have traveled to Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, England, Florida, and twice to Hawaii. Most recently the band traveled to northern Italy in June of 2000 and is planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands during the 2004-05 school year.

The Marching Band does extensive traveling throughout Michigan and the Midwest during the Fall competitive season, as does the Symphonic Band in the winter and spring months. The current program enrolls 200 students in grades 9-12, and consists of the following:

Freshman Band: Membership in the Freshman Band will consist of students in grade 9. This band develops, strengthens and prepares the individual musician for future high school ensembles by utilizing a comprehensive array of music literature while offering a variety of experiences. These include full band, small ensembles, sectionals and private lessons for all woodwind, brass and percussion students throughout the year. Freshman Band does not have any marching band responsibilities. KAMSC students should contact the director for special scheduling information.

Symphonic & Concert Band: Membership in the Symphonic/Concert Bands consists of students in grades 10-12. Students will participate in the marching band in the fall and will audition with the director for placement in the Symphonic Band or Concert Band. These ensembles will meet immediately following the marching band season. The Symphonic Band will enroll students who demonstrate superior ability, dedication and proficiency on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument. Selected Symphonic Band students will also participate in orchestra. The Concert Band enrolls students demonstrating quality ability, dedication and proficiency on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument but who do not meet the criteria for membership in the Symphonic Band. Performance opportunities for all woodwind, brass and percussion students throughout the year include full band, small ensembles, private lessons, marching band, “Legends” brass & percussion ensemble, theater orchestra and jazz band.

Chamber Music: A curricular class that is open to all students who have a musical background (vocal or instrumental). Class focuses on individual performance and development in small ensembles (trios, quartets, quintets, jazz combo, woodwind or brass choir, percussion ensembles, etc.)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Music: Portage Central High School is one of very few high schools in the Midwest that has been accredited to offer the complete International Baccalaureate advanced curriculum in all subject areas. The 1999-2000 school year represented the inaugural offering of the lB Music curriculum. Students are exposed to music history (Baroque through 2Oth Century), non-western music and composition through an extensive research library and midi computer lab featuring Finale 2001 software.

Marching Band: Available to students in grades 10-12. This band performs at all home football games and travels throughout the fall season competing and performing. The band also attends the Bands of America National Championships every November. The band is known for its innovative music, drill design, color guard choreography and quality show productions. Shows over the past years included the music of Winter Games & Russian Christmas Music, Carlos Santana, Titus Andronicus & The Gladiator, The Who, composer John Williams, West Side Story, All that Jazz, and the music from The Hunt for Red October and the music of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev.

Legends Winter Brass & Percussion Ensemble: Inaugural season was in 2001 and had recently grown to over 72 members for the 2003 winter months. Completely staffed by percussion and brass specialists, it develops the technical and performance levels of the students. Several performances are scheduled throughout the season which begins in January and ends with the spring concert in May.

Jazz Band: Jazz band is available to any band student in grades 9-12 with prior jazz experience. The band’s trademark is “Big Band” music. The band sponsors the “Big Band Bash” dinner/dance each March. The Jazz Band begins in Mid-November and ends just prior to Spring Break. Rehearsals are Monday & Wednesdays 3-4:3Opm.

Winter Guard: The Winter Guard was premiered in the 2002-03 school year and was a competitive guard that featured dance, flag and rifle work. The show was designed around the music from the movie “Charlie's Angels”. The Winter Guard placed 9th at the MCGC State Finals. The guard rehearses two evening per week beginning in late December thru April 1. Several performances and competitions are scheduled during the season.