Tuscarawas Central Catholic adds band program

A growing enrollment in Tuscarawas Central Catholic Jr./Sr. High School has led to the creation of a band program. The new program will fill a void in the school's programs.

“We have many students who are interested in music, and we haven’t really had an outlet for them,” Lindsey Nicholson, band director, said.

The new program starts with the basics including how to read music.

“Our band program is designed to help students learn an instrument, develop musical skills and grow in confidence. Through regular practice, teamwork and performance opportunities, students build discipline, self-esteem and a sense of belonging,” Nicholson said. “Our goal is not only to create musicians, but to inspire personal growth, collaboration and a lifelong love of music.”

Nicholson is well qualified to head the program. She participated in the band in high school. She has a degree in music education and has been teaching for 13 years. Though she played the clarinet in college, she now plays the string bass with the Tuscarawas Philharmonic. She also plays in other bands including the Jericho Big Band, Dominic Greco Band, Jazz Society in Canton and the Cleveland Women’s Orchestra.

The majority of the students in the new program are new to learning a band instrument.

“We’re taking things slow and I’m breaking them up into small groups so I can better work with individuals,” Nicholson said. “Then on Fridays we put everything together we learned throughout the week for Full Band Friday.”

There is much excitement from the students and the community alike over the program.

Junior Emma Makepeace enjoys being a member of the new band and also sees it as a social activity – liking to gather with fellow musicians. She is in the percussion group at the school and has experience playing the cello.

“I like music, and I like playing instruments,” Makepeace said. “I think it's just fun and a good way to express that.”

Makepeace has joined the brass section and is learning to play a French horn.

Junior Abigail Angelini was excited to join the band after being part of the percussion group. 

“My mom was also a clarinet player, so I chose to play clarinet,” Angelini said. 

She is putting in some extra work, taking the instrument home to practice outside of class.

Nicholson put out a request for donations of instruments recently and was pleased it generated a huge response.

“Band programs are expensive, so we definitely won’t turn away any donations,” Nicholson said. 

The band will also have a fundraiser with the TCC Sausage Trailer at the Atwood Fall Festival the first weekend of October. They encourage everyone to come out and support them.

In the future, Nicholson hopes to see band activities expand.

“We have a percussion group that has been growing the last few years that will be playing at some home football games, but for now the band will be focusing on learning instruments and growing our confidence,” Nicholson said. “Maybe in a couple years you’ll see us on a football field.”

“I’m very thankful for this community for already supporting the program monetarily and for the number of instruments we’ve received as donations,” Nicholson said. “If you’re able, support your local music programs. Even just showing up and clapping for their hard work helps a lot.”

Principal Jennifer Calvo sees the addition of the band program as a big step forward.

“It has been a goal of mine, since I became principal, to bring back band and the arts in general. We are definitely working towards expanding our offerings here,” Calvo said.