'Tis the season to spruce up your home AND support our talented musicians! Our holiday greenery sale is now open until Nov 19, featuring gorgeous poinsettias, wreaths, and porch pots.

Every purchase puts money directly into your student's band account! Simply enter your student's name when ordering. Festive decorations will arrive just in time for holiday cheer - first week of December.

Share with friends, family, neighbors - the more your student sells, the more their account grows! Check out all the beautiful options at www.stevensonbands.org/holiday-decor

Your home looks fabulous AND supports music education - that's what we call a perfect harmony!

Pizza night for a good cause!

Thursday, November 20, grab a slice at Buddy's Pizza on Van Dyke at Old 13 Mile Road in Warren (across from the GM Tech Center) from 11-9 and support Stevenson Bands at the same time!

Just mention "Stevenson Bands" when dining in or picking up. Ordering online? Use promo code GIVEBACK!

Invite your friends and spread the word on social media. It's that simple - eat delicious pizza and help our talented musicians!

Who knew doing good could taste so good?

Visit the event web site at www.groupraise.com/events/315381 to RSVP and for full details!

This just in!!! Congrats, Titan Band!

     - Mr. Yaros

Congratulations!

The Parade Company is pleased to confirm the participation of the Titan Marching Band from Stevenson High School in the 99th America's Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White.

This year's parade celebrates Thanksgiving is better in Detroit, and we are delighted you were selected to join us!

Stay tuned to the Band app for details as we get closer to Thanksgiving.

Frank Marinello Memorial Scholarship

• Established in 2021 to honor the memory of Mr. Frank Marinello, a contributor and mentor to numerous Instrumental Music students, the Marinello Scholarship rewards students that share Frank's vision and passion for music and giving back to the community 
• Funded as partnership between the Marinello family and the Stevenson Band Boosters
• This $500 scholarship is open to Instrumental Music students in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades at Stevenson HS
• The deadline for 2025 applications is Thursday, May 1
• Online essay submission link: www.stevensonbands.org/marinello-scholarship

Frank Marinello was a man of unconditional love. He was a kind and humble soul that touched the lives of anyone that heard his music, tasted his cooking, or had the joy of sharing a laugh with him.

Frank cherished his beloved wife and son, was faithful to God and country, loyal to family and friends, and saw value and potential in every person. His humble and patient nature made him an extraordinary teacher, and his guitar was always plugged into his heart.

The memories Frank shared with the Stevenson High School Band will never be forgotten and his love of music will live on.

2025 Frank Marinello Memorial Scholarship Information

Eligibility & Requirements:

• This $500 scholarship is open to Stevenson Instrumental Music students in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade that are involved in the SHS Music program. You must be enrolled in Band classes in 2025-26 to accept this scholarship (excluding seniors)
• Applicant MUST be currently enrolled in an Instrumental Music class
• Scholarship will be eligible to use towards band expenses such as, private lessons, camps, music equipment etc or furthering your education classes in college
• Must not be a previous winner of an Ankawi, Copus, Marinello, Sekich, or Amma scholarship
• You are welcome to apply for but will not win multiple scholarships

Assignment & Applications:

• Complete a short one page (3-5 paragraphs) essay answering the question: How has the music you listened to growing up, the music you listen to now, music that has an influence on you, inspired you to play an instrument. And how does that music have an influence on your playing style?
• Due: May 1, 2025
• Complete the online form here, be sure to upload your essay as a pdf or Word document: www.stevensonbands.org/marinello-scholarship
• Late applications will not be accepted

Selection:

• The winner will be selected from eligible and fully completed applications by the Marinello family
• In addition to the application, the Committee will consider citizenship along with other criteria such as those that show a passion for music, those that practices because they love to rather than it being an obligation, those that are kind and patient with others, those who are willing to help and expect nothing in return, and those that bring out the best in others.

Dick Copus Memorial Scholarship

• Established in 2020 to honor Mr. Dick Copus, the long-time voice of the Stevenson Marching Band and former Utica Community Schools Board member, the Copus Scholarship rewards students that are fully engaged in the Stevenson Instrumental Music Program
• Funded as partnership with the Stevenson Band Boosters and the Austerman family
• This $500 scholarship is open to Instrumental Music students in 9th, 10th & 11th grades at Stevenson HS, Davis JHS, and Jeannette JHS
• 2025 application deadline: Thursday, May 1 
• Online application link: www.stevensonbands.org/copus-scholarship

2025 Dick Copus Scholarship Information

Eligibility & Requirements:

• Applicant must have participated in MSBOA District XVI Solo & Ensemble Festival (Chamber Ensemble participants welcome)
• In addition to District S&E, applicant must also have participated in at least ONE of the following events/activities during the current school year:
  • Marching Band Festival
  • District Band & Orchestra Festival
  • CMU Jazz Weekend
  • State Jazz Band Festival
  • Honors Band
  • All-State Band
  • State Solo & Ensemble
  • Musical Pit Band
• Applicant must be enrolled in an Instrumental Music class for the next upcoming school year (2025-26) at SHS
• Funds will be eligible to be used towards band expenses such as music camps, private lessons, music/equipment/supplies, and band trips. If a student leaves the Instrumental Music Program for any reason, including graduation, unused scholarship monies revert to the Stevenson Band Boosters
• Must not be a previous winner of an Ankawi, Copus, Marinello, Sekich, or Amma scholarship
• You are welcome to apply for but will not win multiple scholarships

Applications:

• Due: May 1, 2025
• Submit an online application at: www.stevensonbands.org/copus-scholarship
• Applicants will complete an online form, being certain to answer the short (no more than three sentences) essay questions on the form
• Late applications will not be accepted

Selection:

• The Austerman family will review the applications to choose the winner
• In addition to the online application, the committee will consider items such as citizenship, overall GPA, and attendance along with other contributions made to the program

Amy & Michael Sekich Educational Music Scholarship

• Established by Amy Sekich in 2024 to honor the career of her husband, long time Stevenson Band Director Mr. Michael D. Sekich upon his retirement 
• Funded as partnership between the Sekich family and the Stevenson Band Boosters
• This $500 scholarship is open to Instrumental Music students in 12th grade at Stevenson HS
• The deadline for 2025 applications is Thursday, May 1
• Submit to: sekichm@gmail.com

2025 Amy & Michael Educational Music Scholarship Information

Eligibility & Requirements:

• This $500 scholarship is open to Stevenson Instrumental Music students in 12th grade that have been accepted into college/university. Proof of admittance must be provided upon your selection for this scholarship
• Applicant must be pursuing either a degree in Musical Performance/Education or becoming a classroom teacher (K-12 or university)
• Must not be a previous winner of an Ankawi, Copus, Marinello, Sekich, or Amma scholarship
• You are welcome to apply for but will not win multiple scholarships

Assignment & Applications:

• Complete a one-page essay answering these questions: Please share your reasoning for selecting the instrument you play, why you chose to concentrate on music in your studies.  What are your future plans as a musician, and your thoughts on the role of music in benefiting society?
• Due: May 1, 2025
• Submit your essay (Word or PDF attachment preferred) to: sekichm@gmail.com
• Late applications will not be accepted

Selection:

• The winner will be selected by the Sekich family

Isabella Amma Memorial Scholarship

• Established in 2025 in memory of former Stevenson Instrumental Music student Isabella Amma and the dedication she had to the program. A 2022 SHS graduate, her life was tragically cut short in July, 2024 after her brave battle with cancer
• Funded as partnership between the Rourke family and the Stevenson Band Boosters
• This $500 scholarship is open to Instrumental Music students in 9th - 12th grades
• The deadline for 2025 applications is April 30
• Submit to: rourkew@gmail.com

Izzy Amma was a great friend and mentor to her younger classmates and low brass peers. Her joy and love for the band inspired so many people around her to be stronger and to be their true selves.

2025 Isabella Amma Scholarship Information

Eligibility & Requirements:

• This $500 scholarship is not based on financial needs, but for the dedicated student in the Instrumental Music Program
• All applicants must have been involved in the Instrumental Music Program throughout the 2024-25 school year
• This scholarship is for any students that participated in the Stevenson Marching Band that are currently in 9th-12th grades in 2024-25
• Any recipient in grades 9-11 must use the scholarship money for music educational purposes such as private lessons/band camps
• 12 grade applicants must provide proof of college/university admittance upon your selection for this scholarship
• Must not be a previous winner of an Ankawi, Copus, Marinello, Sekich, or Amma scholarship
• You are welcome to apply for but will not win multiple scholarships

Assignment & Applications:

• Write a one-page essay on the following topic:
  • Provide examples of positive mentor-mentee interactions you’ve witnessed or experienced in the Stevenson Marching Band program
  • How can these relationships benefit both the mentor and the mentee in a band setting?
  • What actions can you take to become a positive mentor for future students?
• Due: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
• Submit your essay via e-mail as a Word or PDF attachment with subject line “Amma Scholarship” to this address: rourkew@gmail.com. Please include your name and grade
• You will receive an e-mail back from the Rourke family letting you know that your application was received
• Late applications will not be accepted

Selection:

• Applications and essays are judged and the scholarship winner is chosen by the band booster president emeritus Sarah Rice and the Rourke family

Craig Ankawi Memorial Scholarship

• Established in 2011 in memory of the spirit former Stevenson Instrumental Music student Craig Ankawi had for the program. A 2009 SHS graduate, he was tragically taken from this life in June, 2010.
• Funded as partnership between the Ankawi family and the Stevenson Band Boosters
• Open to Instrumental Music students in 10th & 11th grades with a GPA of 3.0 or above
• 2025 application deadline: Thursday, May 1

2025 Craig Ankawi Scholarship Information

Rules & Eligibility:

• This $500 scholarship is not based on financial needs, but for the dedicated student in the Instrumental Music Program
• All applicants must have been involved in the Instrumental Music Program throughout the 2024-25 school year. The recipient must be returning to the program in 2025-26
• This scholarship is for Stevenson students that are in 10th and 11th grades in 2024-25
• Students must have at least a 3.00 GPA
• The scholarship money must be used for music educational purposes such as private lessons/band camps
• Must not be a previous winner of an Ankawi, Copus, Marinello, Sekich, or Amma scholarship
• You are welcome to apply for but will not win multiple scholarships
• Applications and essays are judged and the scholarship winner is chosen by the Ankawi family

Requirements:

1. Due: May 1, 2025
2. Write a two-page essay on the following topic:
   • The SHS Titan Band is a family all in its own. How do you feel about being a part of it and why?
3. Include a full resume in your e-mail
4. Send ALL requirements in ONE complete attachment to this e-mail address: vlankawi@yahoo.com
5. You will receive an e-mail back from the Ankawi family letting you know that your application was received

Louis Gonda Scholarship Auditions will take place after school on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 at Utica High School. More details below:

Utica Community Schools - Louis Gonda Scholarship Information 2025

1. Auditions will take place on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 from 3:00 – 5:00pm at Utica High School. Students should enter at Door 11 and follow the posted signs. Auditions will be held on a first come, first served basis. There will be a warm up room available for everyone to use prior to your audition. Auditioning students need to bring the Gonda Scholarship Letter of Intention filled out and signed to the audition.

2. There will be a $5.00 audition fee due at the time of your audition. This fee MUST be paid in CASH ONLY.

3. Each audition will be 3 minutes in length. Choose the best 3 minutes of your solo if your solo is longer than 3 minutes. Because of the short timeframe for each audition, do not expect any feedback from the adjudicator. This is not an indication of a poor audition.

4. Eligibility:
   a. Instrumental Music students in Grade 9 – 11 are eligible; see section C below.
   b. Students MUST continue playing their instrument in the UCS next school year.
   c. Students must have received a 1st Division rating on their solo at the 2024 High School Solo & Ensemble Festival and must be enrolled in a current Instrumental Music class for all of the 2024-25 school year.
   d. Previous Gonda scholarship winners are NOT eligible to audition for the Gonda scholarship.

5. Piano solos are NOT eligible for the Gonda scholarship.

6. You may perform with or without accompaniment. However, please keep in mind that your performance will be enhanced by the use of accompaniment.

7. Scholarships can be used for summer music camps, marching band camps, or private lessons.

8. The recipients of the scholarships will be notified the next school day by their directors.

9. Parents, friends, family members, etc. are NOT allowed in the audition room.

Students auditioning for the Gonda Scholarship represent all UCS high schools and their feeder junior highs.

Audition Info and Letter of Intention Form (downloadable pdf)