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Performing Arts

student playing trumpet

 

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.

closeup on student playing euphonium

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.  

Marching Band Drum Majors proceed onto the field

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.

drummer at 2022 spring band concert

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.

string orchestra performs

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. 

Drama Club presents Harvey
student performs in play

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

Drama Club Moderators

Russell Facione

Teacher

Nieko Ianni

English Teacher & Asst. Varsity Wrestling Coach, Asst. Varsity Wrestling Coach

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