Springfield High debuts curricular "Modern Band," students plan May 5 concert

Michael Tricecki introduced Springfield High School’s inaugural Modern Band at the start of the April 23 board meeting, telling the board the auditioned class meets during the school day and is designed for students already advanced on their instruments to develop performance, technique and music‑technology skills. He said the group will present its first Modern Band concert on Tuesday, May 5 at 7 p.m.

"Modern band provides an opportunity for students who otherwise may not have done so," Tricecki said, describing the class as both "engaging and highly student centered" and noting students collaborate daily to select repertoire, arrange songs and rehearse. He said the program may expand to two bands next school year and the district is planning a beginner level to include more students.

Students who performed and answered questions told the board the class lets them play music they and their peers listen to outside school. "The thing I've enjoyed most about modern band was being able to perform songs that people our age... actually like to listen to," a student performer said, adding the course has helped build confidence as a singer and performer.

Board members asked about auditions and enrollment; Tricecki said auditions were already held for next year and staff expect "a little over 20 students across two bands." Several board members and administrators praised the students’ musicianship and the program’s role in offering new pathways into music education.

The band’s introductory remarks and the students’ testimony framed the district’s new offering as both an academic course and a performance opportunity. The group’s first public concert is scheduled for May 5 at 7 p.m. in the SHS auditorium.