West Catholic Band Boosters

 Community Oriented

The West Catholic band motto is "Serving our Community One Note at a Time".  In the spirit of their motto, the band performs free concerts throughout the community every year for organizations and events like Veterans Day Parade, Pulaski Day Parade, JDRF, St. Ann's Home, St. Patrick's Day Parade, among others. 

Supporting Future Leaders

In addition to providing a Christ-centered education, West Catholic administration understands the importance of the arts including marching band in the development of a high school student.   While many schools cut the arts programs (including band), West Catholic is making plans for future capital campaigns for dedicated performance space for the band.

Marching band provides a great outlet to learn the importance of teamwork, leadership and dedication. In addition, the benefits of having these students challenge their physical endurance while being outdoors creating music provides immeasurable health benefits and competition responsibilities.

West Catholic band alumni performed in bands at an impressive list of colleges and universities: Aquinas College, Alma College, Central Michigan University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, University of Notre Dame, Purdue University and Western Michigan University.

 Robust Band Program

Since 1996, the West Catholic marching band has had the same band director, Darren Laprise.  Darren has been nominated twice for the Grammy of National Music Educator of the year. His Grand Rapids West Catholic bands have performed in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, Germany, Ireland, Montreal, Canada and in Italy twice. Mr. LaPrise is also a regular member of the Cathedral Brass at Saint Andrew’s Cathedral in Grand Rapids as a trombone player. 

The West Catholic band has earned medals in concert and marching band competitions every year since 1998 at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra (MSBOA) Festivals.