Hello Huskies, I'm Charles Bicigo!

Hello Hemlock, my name is Charles Bicigo! As your new band director, I look forward to continuing and expanding on the services that the band has provided to your community. I grew up in Freeland, and as a member of the band there I learned what a great impact band could have on a small, tight knit community. From late Friday night football games to early spring parades, the band was a major part of providing a positive experience for everyone in the town. After graduating from Freeland, I attended Saginaw Valley State University, where I majored in Music Education. I was in the marching band every season, and served as Low Brass Section Leader, twice earning the award for Most Spirited Band Member. While there, I also started the Death Valley Brass, the pep band that plays at SVSU Hockey games. The experiences I had at SVSU only reinforced my belief that school spirit is one of the most valuable things in bringing together students. I saw that in practice again when I student taught here in Hemlock under the previous director, Joshua Chase. The band is made up of all types of students; football players, cheerleaders, robotics engineers, theater kids, etc. Everyone is welcome, and is treated as a valuable asset to the group. When I was in high school, I played Football, Baseball, and Wrestled. I was a theater kid, a member of NHS, and an Eagle Scout. I built a kayak as a senior project and fundraiser for the shop program, and spent my summers with scratched up legs because I was so allergic to hay, but too stubborn about the heat to wear jeans. These experiences give me a unique insight into the experience of the students in your community. I am very excited to work alongside your students to build the program, and offer new experiences and opportunities to expand their playing abilities, musical knowledge, and school spirit.

On a more personal note, I have a wife (Rebecca) and daughter (Emma) who I love to spend time with exploring everything life has to offer. We love the outdoors; fishing, hunting, volleyball (beach and indoor, disc golf, and just randomly exploring the natural beauty of Michigan. I love to cook, and am preparing to do a couple Ramen pup-ups whenever life goes back to normal. I also enjoy movies, with favorites being Star Wars, Ghost Busters, and anything made by Christopher Nolan. Finally, my favorite activity is learning. I love to pick up new things and figure them out; a challenge is always a welcome thing. I appreciate your time and look forward to learning more about you and your community!