By Erin Albanese
The music is rising to a crescendo at Godwin Heights High School, where Band Director Jake Castillo is building off the excitement of the Marching Band’s first-place state championship by launching new opportunities for his musicians.
Castillo is extending opportunities past the marching band season by starting an after-school jazz band, which Godwin hasn’t had in several years, along with wind and percussion ensembles. He also recently led an All-Wyoming Honors Band concert with students from Godwin Heights, Godfrey-Lee, Wyoming and Kelloggsville high schools.
“I’m passionate about it and I want the students to have the opportunity to play jazz outside of school,” said Castillo, who manages one of the most rigorous marching band schedules in the area, including a two-week band camp onsite at the school.
Godwin Heights’ 80-member Marching Band earned a score of 91.35 to take first place in Flight IV at the State Finals at Detroit’s Ford Field on Nov. 4. The show, Sideshow, incorporates elements for a circus, with students performing stunts, while playing Big Top-themed songs. Other first place finishes this year took place in competitions at Grant, Belding, Jenison and Reeths-Puffer schools.
The state championship is Godwin’s first under Castillo, who is in his third year as director. The band has won seven state titles since 2004.
In Godwin Heights, nearly 90 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch. The district pays for all students’ instruments, and allocated $80,000 to the band program from the bond issue voters approved in May.
Senior Eyvin Miranda, conductor, said it’s the culture of the program that creates success. “It’s the family aspect. It brings us together and inspires us to keep going.”
Senior marimba player Adriel Vera-Soto echoed that sentiment. “One thing that makes us really successful is we are committed and united as a family. Blood, sweat and tears has made this season so worth it.”
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