WHO:  EMS and PIC 6th Grade Band, 7th and 8th Grade Band.  

WHAT:  2026 Spring "Pops" Concert

WHERE:  Grand Blanc East Middle School Gym

COST:  FREE

Reece Basgall

Alexander Jolley

Sawyer Lang

Jax Robinson

Lexi Ahola has played the flute for two years and has grown tremendously as a musician during her time in band. She enjoys reading and babysitting outside of school and takes pride in overcoming challenging music through hard work and practice. Lexi’s favorite part of band is learning a wide variety of music and watching herself improve each year. Her favorite piece this year was Cayuga Lake Overture.

Rowen Ayers has spent three years in the percussion section, bringing a steady beat to the ensemble. Rowen appreciates that band provides a creative break from the typical classroom routine and takes great pride in the skill of memorizing complex music. Outside of the band room, Rowen enjoys spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking. This year, Rowen’s favorite musical highlight was performing the high-energy themes from Pirates of the Caribbean.

Jadon Bell has spent the past two years in the saxophone section, where he has enjoyed learning exciting music and improving his skills as a performer. Outside of band, Jadon enjoys skateboarding and playing video games. He is proud of how much he has improved as a musician and especially enjoyed performing The Avengers this year.

Mackenzie Blust is a dedicated member of the trombone section with three years of experience in the band program. She finds the most excitement in the culmination of her hard work: the live concert performance. Mackenzie is particularly proud of the perseverance she has shown in mastering new and difficult music, citing the intricate piece Gadget as her favorite song from this year’s repertoire. When she is away from her instrument, Mackenzie enjoys staying active through swimming, expressing her creativity through art, and spending time with animals.

Parker Candela has been a member of the trumpet section for three years and finds great joy in both the music and the social side of the ensemble. For Parker, the best parts of band are the fun of playing his instrument and the chance to collaborate with his friends every day. He takes immense pride in his growth as a musician, specifically in mastering the year's more difficult compositions like Gadget and Pirates of the Caribbean. Parker stays very active outside of the music department, competing in baseball and soccer, as well as representing West on the Smash Bros. e-sports team.

Abigail Cole has played the French Horn for three years and is incredibly proud of the significant progress she has made on her instrument during that time. A dedicated musician, she even spent a portion of her break participating in summer band to keep her skills sharp. For Abigail, the best part of band is the social connection—getting to talk and perform alongside her friends every day. Her favorite musical highlight this year was the fast-paced energy of Toboggan Run. When she isn't in the band room, Abigail stays active through karate and enjoys spending her free time gaming.

Anna Conquest has been a member of the trumpet section for three years and has enjoyed the challenge of learning and performing new music alongside her classmates. She takes pride in how far she has come as a musician, especially while performing difficult pieces like “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Outside of band, Anna enjoys painting and relaxing with friends and family. Her favorite piece performed this year was España Cañi.

Wyatt Heckmann is an experienced member of the trumpet section with four years of playing under his belt. He has built a stellar musical track record, notably earning a Division I rating at Solo and Ensemble in 7th grade and contributing to the band's "Straight I" superior ratings at festivals. For Wyatt, the best part of band is the time spent hanging out with his friends in the ensemble. His favorite musical highlight this year was performing the adventurous themes of Pirates of the Caribbean. When he isn't playing his trumpet, Wyatt is usually active with soccer and football or enjoying time with video games.

Natalie Henderson has played flute for three years and has enjoyed the many opportunities band has given her to grow as a musician. She is especially proud of how much she has learned in such a short time and of participating in marching band during eighth grade. Natalie’s favorite part of band is continuing to improve while making music with others. Her favorite piece this year was Cayuga Lake Overture.

Mason Heyworth has been a vital part of the trumpet section for three years, a journey highlighted by his exciting achievement of performing at the homecoming game. Mason’s favorite aspect of band is simply the joy of playing his instrument, and he takes immense pride in the dedication it took to truly master the trumpet. A true sports enthusiast and gamer, Mason stays busy outside of school with hobbies ranging from baseball and basketball to playing video games. Whether he is on the field, on the court, or performing the upbeat rhythms of Happy—his favorite piece this year—Mason brings a unique spark of energy and dedication to everything he does. 

Chloe Howd has been a dedicated member of the clarinet section for three years and has shown tremendous growth as a performer during her time in advanced band. She enjoys running, reading, and making music, and is especially proud of performing solos this year alongside another clarinet player. Chloe’s favorite part of band is playing recognizable music and having opportunities to stand out as a soloist. Her favorite selection this year was Cayuga Lake Overture.

Aydin Howe has brought his energy to the percussion section for the past three years. A highlight of his middle school career was participating in the Grand Blanc exhibition, where he had the chance to showcase his skills on a larger stage. For Aydin, the best part of band is the simple, powerful experience of hitting the drums, and he takes great pride in the discipline required to play a song exactly as it should be performed. His favorite musical moment this year was playing the iconic themes of Pirates of the Caribbean. When he isn't behind the percussion kit, Aydin is an avid fan of video games.

Violet Martin has been a dedicated member of the trombone section for three years, during which she has seen immense personal growth in her instrumental skills. A passionate musician and artist, Violet has already stepped up to perform with the high school marching band and looks forward to continuing her marching career in the years to come. For her, the most rewarding part of band is the powerful feeling of being part of something bigger than herself. Her favorite musical highlight from this year was the performance of the song Gadget.

Emmaline Matheson has been a vital part of the flute section for three years, a journey highlighted by her impressive achievement of dedicating her last two summers to summer band and performing a standout flute solo at band festival this year. Emmaline’s favorite aspect of band is the joy of playing alongside her friends and diving into new music, and she takes special pride in exploring and practicing unique pieces outside of the classroom that aren't even performed in concerts. A true creator and learner, Emmaline stays busy outside of school with her passion for art and independent musical study. Whether she is collaborating with her peers or mastering the intricate parts of Gadget—her favorite piece this year—Emmaline brings a unique spark of curiosity and artistic dedication to everything she does. 

Ethan has been a member of the trumpet section for three years and has built an impressive list of musical memories. He is particularly proud of the ensemble's hard work paying off with a Division I rating at band festival, as well as the unique experience of marching on the football field for Homecoming. For Ethan, the social side of band is the best part, providing a great environment to hang out with friends while making music. His favorite piece from this year’s repertoire is the adventurous music from Pirates of the Caribbean. When he’s not behind the trumpet, Ethan is an avid fan of video games.

Evan Nowakowski has been a member of the baritone section for the past year and a half, contributing to the ensemble's strong performances and success at band festival over the last two years. He takes great pride in the hard work the band puts in for festival season and values the opportunity to hang out and make music with his friends every day. His favorite musical highlight from this year’s repertoire is the upbeat and energetic song Happy. Outside of the band room, Evan is an avid fan of e-sports, where he enjoys following and participating in competitive gaming.

Fischer Patterson has been a vital part of the percussion section for three years, a journey highlighted by his proud achievement of mastering "the thing" and simply being good at what he does. Fischer’s favorite aspect of band is the close-knit sense of community it provides, and he is particularly proud of the rhythm and precision he brings to the section. A true creator and builder, Fischer stays busy outside of school with hands-on hobbies ranging from painting to the detailed world of Warhammer 40,000. Whether he is working on his latest miniature or locking in the groove on Gadget—his favorite piece this year—Fischer brings a unique spark of focus and creativity to everything he does. 

Josie Philipp has spent three years in the percussion section and has become known for her strong musicianship and positive energy. She enjoys reading and theater and is especially proud of how much she has improved in memorizing music and mastering complex rhythms. Josie’s favorite part of band is the memorable experiences and friendships created throughout rehearsals and performances. Her favorite selections this were When Summer Takes Flight and Cayuga Lake.

Elliot Shuck has been a dedicated member of the trombone section throughout his three years in the band program. He takes great pride in the ensemble's collective achievements, specifically the hard work and preparation that led to their successful performance at band festival. For Elliot, the best part of the band experience is the time spent with his friends, building memories together while making music. His favorite piece from this year’s repertoire was the adventurous Pirates of the Caribbean. When he isn’t in the band room, Elliot stays active on the field through his love for soccer.

Hudson Sylvester has brought his energy to the percussion section for the past three years, a tenure highlighted by his impressive achievement of earning a Division I rating at Solo and Ensemble. While he is a dedicated musician, Hudson finds the true heart of the band program in the support system it provides; he is most proud of the strong connections he has built, knowing he always has someone to talk to when facing a challenge. For Hudson, band is about making music alongside friends and enjoying upbeat pieces like his favorite song this year, Happy. Outside of the band room, he stays focused and active as a goalie for his lacrosse team.

TBA

Luke Wambaugh has been a vital part of the percussion section for three years, a journey highlighted by his impressive personal progress and dedication to mastering his craft in school. Luke’s favorite aspect of band is the combination of hanging out with his friends and the excitement of learning new percussion techniques, and he is deeply proud of how far his skills have come. A true explorer and competitor, Luke stays busy outside of school with a wide range of hobbies from lacrosse and golf to cooking and exploring the wonders of space. Whether he is out on the field, trying a new recipe, or driving the rhythm on Gadget—his favorite piece this year—Luke brings a unique spark of curiosity and athleticism to everything he does. 

Benjamin Welch has been a member of the trumpet section for three years and has been a part of many memorable band moments, from performing on the field during Homecoming to representing the ensemble at festival. He takes immense pride in the band’s consistent success, specifically their achievements at festival over the past two years. For Ben, the best part of band is the opportunity to hang out with his friends while playing energetic music like his favorite song from this year, Happy. When he isn’t playing the trumpet, Ben stays busy on the ice playing hockey and enjoys spending quality time with his family.

Mr. Corbin Hutchison was the Director of Bands at Grand Blanc High School from August 2003 through July of 2023.  Mr. Hutchison is a graduate from Michigan State University where he received his Bachelor Degree in Music Education, and his Masters Degree from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago Ill.  Mr. Hutchison was the Assistant Band Director for the Durand Area Schools in Durand, Michigan for four years before coming to Grand Blanc.  He has been an active percussion instructor since 1991, where he has worked with several ensembles, including th​e Colts Drum and Bugle Corps, Michigan State Comp. Line, and the Plymouth Canton Educational Park Marching Band.  While at MSU, he performed with the MSU Symphonic Orchestra, MSU Wind Symphony, various MSU Percussion Ensembles, and the MSU Competitive Drumline.  Mr. Hutchison is also a 1989 Grand Blanc High School Alumni.

In 2005 the GBCS Board of Education honored Mr. Hutchison for his work with the music program, and in 2010 and 2018 was named the GBHS Elective Teacher of the Year.  

In March of 2013 he received the high school “Student Advocate” Award for his continued work to help students with special needs thrive in the music program.   In 2013, MSBOA District 3 voted Mr. Hutchison “Teacher of the Year”.  

In 2014, Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce named Mr. Hutchison as “Educator of the Year”.

In 2023, Mr. Hutchison was named "Teacher of the Year" by the Saginaw Valley High School Association.

This is Mr. Hutchison's second year as EMS Band Director.

Mr. Wagner holds a Bachelor's of Music Education from Grand Valley State University and a Masters of Music from Arizona State University. His past work experiences include Allendale (Allendale, MI), Godwin Heights (Wyoming, MI), and Maricopa (Maricopa, AZ), along with teaching graduate pedagogy classes at Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ). His teaching responsibilities have included Band 6-12, Choir 6-12, Orchestra 6-8, and Popular Music 6-8.

Mr. Wagner has a proven track record of success in Arizona (ABODA & AzMBA) and Michigan (MAPA, MCBA, & MSBOA) as a teacher, presenter, and clinician. He previously served as the Vice President for Marching Band in MSBOA District X, as a member of the NAFME pilot committee for Model Cornerstone Assessments, and was the Music Chair for ADE's (AZ) new Academic Standards in the Arts.

Mr. Wagner has presented for the Arizona Music Education Association, Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association, and Arizona Society for General Music.

As a musician, Mr. Wagner enjoys an active performing life with jazz and pop gigs on saxophone, along with arranging music for a variety of ensembles. Outside of school, Mr. Wagner likes to be outdoors, make things, and spend time with his pets.