Band Program

On this page you'll find information about the Stanwood High School Concert Wind Bands, Percussion Studio, Jazz Big Band, and Spartan Athletic Bands.

Make sure to check the Calendar of Events for performances and key dates. Information, links, and resources on each ensemble appears below.

Band Policy Packet & Syllabi

• Band Policy Packet & Syllabus
• Wind Bands Syllabus
• Percussion Syllabus
• Jazz Syllabus 

Ensembles

Wind Ensemble

The Wind Ensemble is the elite auditioned wind band of the program, drawing members by audition from grades 10-12. This group performs with the highest expectations for musicianship and leadership of the program. The Wind Ensemble performs in the Q1 athletic band for football, the three main concert cycles, and graduation performance cycle each year. Wind Ensemble members are expected to contribute leadership in all seasons of band performance and are encouraged to take private lessons on their instrument(s).

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band is the upperclassman band open to all in grades 10-12, with high expectations for musicianship. Freshmen may be asked to join based on instrumentation needs and Middle School Director recommendation. This group performs for Q1 athletic band for football, the three main concert cycles, competes at MPMEA Festival, and graduation performance cycle each year. Symphonic Band currently explores wind repertoire at the intermediate high school level.

Concert Band

Concert Band is the dedicated freshman ensemble, focusing on a successful transition into the Spartan Band Program. Students perform in Q1 athletic band for football, the three main concert cycles, and graduation performance cycle each year. The Concert Band explores repertoire at the beginning high school level. At the end of the year, students progress to Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble based on their development and instrumentation needs.

Percussion Studio

The Percussion Studio is a comprehensive lab-style course for all percussionists in 9-12th grades. All percussion performing groups and percussion parts for other ensembles are sourced from this group of musicians. We study all major percussion instrument families (Snare, Mallets, Timpani, and Auxiliary Percussion) and perform in multiple styles and sizes of ensemble (athletic percussion, concert band percussion, large-small mixed percussion ensembles and solo performance). Performances for this group include Q1 athletic band for football, the three main concert cycles, and graduation performance cycle each year. We attend Festivals as part of other ensembles and our own Percussion Festival.

Jazz Band

The Spartan Marching Band performs at game day activities for the fall football season. All Stanwood HS Band students perform as part of the game day performances. These performances include: The Spartan Band Pregame Show, in-game band shout outs and songs, and some halftime entertainment when the field show is not performed. All Stanwood band students start the year at a short (1 day) band camp in August to prepare for these general game day performances.

Students may register in spring to participate in the "drum corps style" Field Show each year to be performed at games. This is a powerful artistic showpiece for the band featuring dance, drill, music, props, and theatre elements. This group will attend camp for a longer timeframe in August (2 weeks) and have 2 rehearsals per week through marching season to prepare this show for performance at games and competitions.

Regular season football band typically runs until the end of October or early November. Post season appearances may be arranged, if the Spartans qualify.

Pep Bands (Basketball)

During basketball season, students perform with the Spartan Pep Band. Selected games are required performances and others are on a volunteer basis. Students will be sorted into one of multiple bands for assignment of specific games for basketball season. Typically we will have different game assignments for the Red Band and the Grey Band in order to cover a larger segment of the basketball season. Playoff appearances may be added and it is generally a select group of those who have attended the most games in the regular season that are selected for the basketball travel band for playoffs.

Solo Performance and Chamber Groups

Students are offered regular opportunities in class to explore accompanied solos or chamber ensemble repertoire to expand their musicianship skills. All students are encouraged (not required) to register for the MPMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival (February). At this event, students may qualify for the State Solo & Ensemble Festival (April). Stanwood is developing a tradition of sending students to compete at this prestigious event.

Additional opportunities include ad-hoc chamber groups based on student interest and leadership,  and All-State honor bands (auditions typically Sept–Oct).

Band Staff

• Director of Bands: Mr. AJ Brodin
• Assistant Director, Spartan Marching Band: Mr. Jonathan Bletscher
• Color Guard Caption Head / Choreographer: Ms. Anjali Prakash
• Music Caption Head & Chamber Group Coach: Mr. Rick Flores
• Visual Caption Head & Chamber Group Coach: Ms. Gabby Berquist
• Percussion Caption Head: (TBD) Recruiting now!
• Tech Staff: Andy Nygard, Justin Nygard, Connor Tayon, Bella Terpening
• SMB Field Show Drill Writer: Dr. Jonathan Sweet (Sweet Marching)

Interested in working or volunteering with Stanwood Bands? Email abrodin@stanwood.wednet.edu. All volunteers must complete SCSD volunteer paperwork and onboarding.

SHS Band Boosters

The Stanwood Band Boosters provide moral, social, and financial support to SHS band ensembles, directors, and staff. All parents, legal guardians, family members, and community fans are welcome to join. The Boosters support the program through promotion, attendance, and fundraising.

Affiliation: The SHS Band Boosters are part of the Stanwood AAAA Boosters, a registered 501(c)(3).

What Fundraising Supports

• Instrument and equipment purchase/maintenance
• Student travel to performances, concerts, and tours
• Shared uniform costs
• Guest clinicians and accompanists
• Grants for educational needs of students (private lessons, summer camps)

Booster Board Officers

• President: Mandy Whitaker
• Vice Presidents: Wendy Coleman
• Secretary: Lindsay Spoor
• Treasurer: Adrianna McDowell
• Volunteer Coordinator: Sabrina Guilliaume

Questions? Email abrodin@stanwood.wednet.edu.

Contact

Stanwood High School Bands
Director of Bands: Mr. AJ Brodin
abrodin@stanwood.wednet.edu