Newsletter Archive

Who We Are

The Ypsilanti Band Association, also known as the YBA, is a parent support group for the bands of the Ypsilanti Public Schools. We are a nonprofit corporation. We meet the second Tuesday of every month, September through May, at 7 p.m. in the band room at YHS. The band directors from the middle schools and high school usually attend and talk about what is going on with their bands. We plan activities and fundraisers for the bands. The YBA is run by a board of parents who have students enrolled in any of the district band programs. We have an annual meeting which includes election of the board at the high school Band Banquet in late May or early June every year.
Every parent or guardian who has a band student in Ypsilanti Public Schools is automatically a member of the YBA. There are no dues. It’s a great place to meet other parents who are also interested in the bands, and perhaps get any questions answered. The band program is growing so quickly, it is sometimes hard to keep up with all the changes, performances and activities!

If you would like to be matched up with an "experienced" high school band parent to answer your questions and provide guidance (much like the seniors "adopt" new marching band students for band camp), please contact Donna Schwartz at 484-0348 or dls409@aol.com.

Philosophy

OUR PHILOSOPHY:
It should be an honor and a privilege to be a member of the Bands of Ypsilanti High School. As a member of our organization, each individual must assume responsibility to maintain our reputation for reliability, efficiency, and a superior standard in musical performance. You should take pride in our accomplishments and seek to improve yourself, your school, the reputation of our community, and help keep the success of our bands an ongoing experience.

OUR OBJECTIVE:

1. To develop and maintain the highest standards of musical excellence in instrumental music, and to maintain a well-rounded education of our students.
2. To encourage band students to broaden their musical knowledge by performing music from various periods, eras, and styles.
3. To provide an opportunity for development for those students who may wish to pursue music as a possible profession.
4. To develop a sense of feeling satisfaction and enjoyment in the students who participate in the Bands of Ypsilanti High School.
5. To encourage parents to actively participate and support our musical activities, thus increasing the enjoyment of their child’s experience in instrumental music.