The bands in the Dexter Community Schools have a long tradition of musical excellence. The directors and students take great pride in their craft and strive toward making the best music possible.
Beginning instruction starts in the fifth grade and classes meet twice per week in like-instrument groups.
In the sixth grade, instruction is increased to three times per week. Instrumentation is increased, allowing some students to start studying more advanced instruments like the bassoon and tuba.
In grades 7-12, classes meet daily, with a focus on performance activities such as Solo and Ensemble Festival, District and State Band Festival, and several other concerts throughout the year. See our calendar from upcoming events.
Seventh and Eighth graders participate in grade level bands at Mill Creek Middle School. Outgoing eighth graders are expected to possess the basic skills necessary to participate in the high school bands.
At DHS, students participate in one of three bands based on the results of an audition each spring: Varsity Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band. These three outstanding groups combine to make up the Dreadnaught Marching Band. The Marching Band holds Band Camp at Hillsdale College each summer, performs at all home football games, participates in several annual parades, and marching band exhibitions/festivals.
Meet the Directors
Ms. Grace Wolfe is in her first year leading the DHS Band Program. Ms. Wolfe earned a Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting from Northwestern University and bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Trombone Performance from the University of Michigan. She also has extensive experience working with marching bands. In addition to several other civic music groups, she performed with the Dexter Community Orchestra for three years. Having grown up nearby in Saline, she has always admired the tradition of musical excellence in Dexter, and it is a place that is familiar and “feels like home”. Ms. Wolfe has been excited to start this new adventure with students, colleagues, and the community!
Superintendent, Chris Timmis adds, “The Dreadnaught Band Program is a point of pride for the entire Dexter community…the hiring of Grace Wolfe as the next DHS Band Director continues our legacy of outstanding leadership for the DHS Band and music programs.”
Mr. Andrew Damman is in his 15th year of teaching music at Dexter Schools. Born and raised in Fowlerville, Michigan, Mr. Damman spent two years as a Director of Bands for the Santa Fe Public Schools in Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, he received first division ratings for the district festival, qualifying for the State Band Festival and receiving excellent ratings. This was the first band to compete at the State Band Competition in the history of the Santa Fe Public Schools. Mr. Damman is the Director of Bands for the Dexter Mill Creek Middle School 7th& 8th grade bands, teaches 5th& 6th grade instrument classes, and assists with the Dreadnaught Marching Band and high school bands. Mr. Damman received his MA in Music Education from Michigan State University, East Lansing, and a BME from Grand Valley State University. Off the podium, Mr. Damman can also be found spending time with his wife, son Owen (soon to be baby girl) and dog Tank. Mr. Damman also enjoys a good movie, trying new foods and restaurants, and watching college football.
Mrs. Rachel Wilsonhas been teaching music in Michigan since 2008, and in Dexter since 2015. Mrs. Wilson teaches 5th grade Saxophone, French Horn, Trombone, and Baritone, and 6th grade Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba. She is also the Assistant Director at Mill Creek. Mrs. Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Michigan, and a master’s degree in Music Education from Michigan State University. She is a loyal Michigan football and basketball fan. Mrs. Wilson lives in Ann Arbor with her husband Steve, son Archer, and daughter Maya. In her free time she enjoys reading, running, and playing video games. She plays French horn in the University of Michigan Alumni Concert Band.
