The Manistee Mariner Band Program serves over 300 students, nearly 38 percent of the student population, across multiple grade levels and ensembles, including 5th and 6th Grade Bands, Middle School Concert Band and Wind Symphony, High School Symphonic Band, the Mariner Marching Band, Jazz Band, and various small ensembles. These students not only perform at concerts, athletic events, parades, and community gatherings, but also give back by participating in the Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Sleighbell Parades, as well as holiday caroling at local nursing homes, demonstrating pride, service, and commitment to the Manistee community.
Participation in band helps students develop discipline, teamwork, leadership, and confidence, skills that extend far beyond music. We are proud to offer a program that is welcoming and accessible. The Band Boosters not only ensure all students can participate regardless of financial need, but also enhance the band experience through scholarships, enrichment opportunities, guest clinicians, travel support, and other ways to take music to the next level.
Manistee Area Public Schools provides strong support, including the program's yearly operational budget (Music, Registration Fees, Classroom Supplies, etc) and recently purchasing a set of 100 new marching band uniforms to debut next fall. The school budget cannot fully cover specialized instruments, travel, financial aid, repairs, or new performance technology. That is where the Band Boosters step in, ensuring every student has access to the tools and experiences that allow them to thrive and grow as musicians.
Current Fundraising Goals
This year, the Band Boosters are focusing on two key priorities that will have a lasting impact on our students and community:
Live Streaming & Performance Technology — $5,000
This funding will allow us to purchase live-streaming and recording equipment so concerts can be shared with family members who do not live in Manistee or are unable to attend in person. This technology also enables students and directors to record performances for reflection, assessment, and continued musical growth.- Instrument & Equipment Upgrades — $10,000
Much of our current instrument and equipment inventory was purchased before or when the school was built and is now reaching the end of its usable life. As our program continues to grow, these funds will help us update, maintain, and repair instruments and equipment to ensure students have safe, reliable, and high-quality tools for learning and performance.
Your contribution goes directly to the Band Boosters and has a positive, immediate impact on hundreds of students in our community. Donors are recognized through concert programs, social media, and other band communications as a token of appreciation for their support. To make a donation, please see our Band Boosters Donation Sheet, which provides all the information needed to support the program.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about supporting our Band Boosters, please contact mapsbandboosters@gmail.com.
