Catholic Central is proud to welcome back Alex Toth ’17 as the school’s new Band Director. A gifted musician, educator, and proud Shamrock, Alex’s journey began right here in the CC band room under the mentorship of longtime director Greg Normandin. 

From his early days on the saxophone to earning a master’s degree in multiple woodwinds, Alex has built an impressive career as both a performer and teacher, appearing on stages from the Kerry Town Concert House to professional musical theatre productions.

Now, after years of honing his craft and inspiring students elsewhere, Alex returns to his alma mater with a vision to grow the program, create more performance opportunities, and build a collaborative, family-oriented band culture. 

In this conversation, Alex shares his musical background, his goals for the band’s future, and why he believes every Shamrock can find a home in the music program.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and what led you to Catholic Central?

Alex: My musical background began at Catholic Central. My band director, Greg Normandin, afforded me and my classmates countless performance opportunities. He expected excellence and supported us in every way possible. 

While at CC, I began taking private lessons with professionals and was encouraged to learn other instruments besides my primary instrument, the saxophone. This led me to my first professional gigs as a pit orchestra musician in high school (and later led me to a master’s degree in multiple woodwinds). 

During my time at Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan, I was very active as a soloist and chamber musician, gaining recognition in both state and national level competitions. Opportunities such as my graduate assistantship at the University of Michigan and teaching fellowship at the Interlochen Center for the Arts helped solidify my desire to be a music educator. 

At my former position at Highlander Way Middle School in Howell, I developed a love for teaching and fostering relationships with my students. As an educator, I still enjoy performing at venues such as the Kerry Town Concert House, the Encore Theatre, and in various university and professional musical theatre productions. 

I credit a great deal of my musical success to the goodness, discipline, and knowledge I learned while at Catholic Central, and when the opportunity arose to come back to my alma mater, it was an easy decision. 

Q: What excites you most about leading the band program here? What is your vision for the program in the coming years?

Alex: I am most excited to lead the music program at Catholic Central because there is so much potential for this program to be exemplary. The young men at this school are respectful, focused, and want to learn. 

My vision for the program over the next few years is to grow in participation, attend, and have success at district and state MSBOA festivals, continue overseas trips, grant more performance opportunities to students, and to develop a culture in the music program that is collaborative, family-oriented, and inclusive to all students with flexibility for those involved in other activities. 

Q: What does a typical week look like for a student in the band?

Alex: There really isn’t a typical week in the band at Catholic Central; we are an integral part of the school, being involved in everything that goes on here. One week we will play at numerous sporting events, another at an all-school mass, another will have a concert for the student body, one week we will be overseas in Europe, and another we will be playing at every drive assembly. 

A typical week in the band will vary depending on the time of the year. During the fall, students will participate in marching band. A typical week in marching band will involve learning and memorization of music and marching drill, attention to fundamentals of marching and playing, and learning from student leaders. 

At Catholic Central, the students in the marching band have the opportunity to write marching drill, write a drum feature, and have a large part in the selection and creation of what their performance will be. There is one weekly after-school rehearsal, students are required to attend all home games, and away games are optional as a part of the pep band. 

The marching band performs all throughout the year as an integral part of school assemblies such as the wrestling assembly match, boys bowl, the drive, and any sports, activities, or state championship assemblies. 

During the winter and spring, a typical week will focus on the preparation of concert literature with one weekly after-school rehearsal and required attendance at all concerts. 

Q: One of the biggest misconceptions is that band students can’t play sports or do other activities. What would you say to a student (or parent) who’s hesitant to join band for that reason? 

Alex: Join the band! I would love to have you be a part of the group. We are extremely flexible, as many band students are involved in numerous sports and activities. 

Q: How flexible is the band schedule when it comes to students who want to balance music with athletics or other extracurriculars?

Alex: The band’s schedule is very flexible for those who are involved in other sports or activities. All coaches and activity moderators work together to find a way to make sure that students are able to be involved with as many activities as possible at Catholic Central. 

A student might have to miss band rehearsal one week and a different practice the next week to attend rehearsal. If a student has a game or competition on the day of a rehearsal, it is expected that they attend the game or competition. If a student has a practice on the day of a concert, it is expected that they attend the concert. 

Q: What are some upcoming performances, trips, or events that you’re looking forward to?

Alex: I am very excited for the upcoming marching band season with our performances at every home game. This group of young men has the potential to be an excellent band, and I look forward to watching their success. I am looking forward to getting the band out to perform at some local middle schools. 

If you have a school that would be interested in having the band come visit and perform, please let me know! I am looking forward to all of our performances through the year, especially being able to utilize the new STEM wing for a jazz band and orchestra concert in the new immersion Theatre, and hosting our annual night on the town fundraiser in the great hall. 

Q: If you could tell every incoming freshman one thing about joining the band at Catholic Central, what would it be?

Alex: You will be joining the band family as a freshman at Catholic Central. You will immediately have friends of all ages involved in all different activities. They will help you find your way at Catholic Central, and you will get to be immersed in the culture of the school, as the band is involved in everything. 

Q: How can students or parents get in touch with you if they’re interested or have questions?

Alex: You can reach out to me at atoth@catholiccentral.net or call my office phone at 248-596-3816. I would love to answer any questions you may have! Go Shamrocks!