Performing Arts
I credit a lot of my success in the music profession to the values I learned at Catholic Central.
Performing arts encompasses our robust offerings across band, orchestra, sacred music, and theater.
Concert & Symphony Bands
Catholic Central offers two full-sized bands, rehearsing daily during the school day. Concert Band ranges between 15-30 students, with previous instrument experience required. Symphony Band ranges between 50-70 students, with placement based on audition or exhibited skills in Concert Band. Students perform in three annual departamental concerts, marching band half-time shows, school spirit assemblies throughout the year, and MSBOA festival.
MSBOA Festival and Solo & Ensemble
Concert Band, Symphony Band, and String Orchestra compete annually at Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association's Band and Orchestra Festival, consistently winning top rankings (1s) and advancing to the state level. Students also have the opportunity to hone solo and chamber music skills through competing in MSBOA Solo and Ensemble, where they are adjudicated on scales, sight reading, technique, and overall musicianship.
Marching Band
Under the baton of Mr. Logan Bonathan '07, the band's third director in CC history, Catholic Central Marching Band dates back to 1938. The band marches at varsity football games and is comprised of Concert and Symphony Band members, many of who continue to march at the collegiate level.
International Tours
Music department students have the opportunity to participate in two international tours during their time at CC and immerse themselves in the rich musical history of the western world — from Handel's London to Debussy's Paris, or de Falla's Madrid— while performing in historic town squares and learning about the art and history of the area.
Jazz Band
Jazz band at Catholic Central meets daily before school. A group of 10-15 students based on audition, the ensemble consists of saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, guitar, and bass.
Careers in Music
Catholic Central continues to produce countless music educators and professional musicians, with students attending top music schools in the country. Recent graduates have continued onto programs at Wayne State, Michigan State, and University of North Texas.
Orchestra
Catholic Central offers a string ensemble with both string and full orchestra opportunities. The string ensemble meets daily, with previous instrument experience required. The string ensemble typically ranges between 6 and 20 players, depending on the year. Full orchestra pieces are performed during Catholic Central's three annual concerts.
Practice Rooms
Catholic Central offers several practice rooms in the music wing, available by appointment, for individual or chamber music rehearsal by music department students.
Sacred Music
"Your music and your song are a true instrument of evangelization insofar as you witness to the profoundness of the Word of God that touches the hearts of people, and allow a celebration of the sacraments, especially of the Holy Eucharist, which makes one sense the beauty of Paradise" - Pope Francis
Students from across school disciplines lead sacred music within all school Masses at Catholic Central, elevating worship through song.
Introduction to Music
Catholic Central offers several opportunities for students with no musical background to receive training. From semester-long courses in music theory or world drumming to beginning band, students quickly progress in theoretical and practical music skills.
Drama Club
The Drama Club at Detroit Catholic Central provides students an outlet for their creative and performance desires. The club meets regularly during the school year, attends field trips to performances at local colleges and other high schools, and stages a production every year at CC's annual Fine Arts Festival on the first weekend of May.
Throughout each production, students are guided through all parts of staging a successful show, including acting; stage, lighting, and sound design; and stage management.
Productions
2008: Any Number Can Die
2009: Usher
2010: Camp Paradise
2011: The Gentleman From Indiana
2012: The Odd Couple
2013: Get Smart
2014: The Importance of Being Earnest
2015: And Then There Were None
2016: Twelve Angry Men
2017: Harvey
2018: Arsenic and Old Lace
2019: Much Ado About Nothing
2022: The Odd Couple
2023: The Nerd
2024: Our Town
Drama Club Moderators
Nieko Ianni
English Teacher, Newspaper Adviser, & Drama Moderator, Asst. Varsity Wrestling Coach
In Case You Missed It...
Catholic Central’s Marching Band traveled to Rome from December 27, 2024 to January 4, 2025 over the holiday break where they participated in two musical performances.
Drama Club presented its production of Larry Shue’s outrageous comedy, The Nerd, in celebration of Fine Arts Week April 28 and April 29.
Robert Minnick '24 had never played trumpet until he came to Catholic Central where he found his passion for playing in the band and is now a drum major.