Coloma’s Music Program Launches Young Musicians Early
A Unique Opportunity for Young Musicians in Southwest Michigan
A group of young musicians in Southwest Michigan is seizing a rare chance to jumpstart their musical careers. At Coloma Community Schools, 5th graders are beginning their music education a year earlier than most students in other programs. While many schools introduce instruments in 6th grade, Coloma’s program gives its students an extra year to refine their skills and understand the conductor’s guidance.
Marc Hartman, the Band Director at Coloma Community Schools, highlights that this early start is quite unique compared to surrounding districts. “The only two that I know of are us and another district in Berrien County. There’s only a handful in Southwest Michigan that do this. So it’s a really unique opportunity that our kids get to experience, not only band but general music and STEM, art, PE,” he explains.
Students who express interest in band begin the process at the end of their 4th grade year. By the time they see their first music sheet, they have already tried every instrument to find the best fit for them. In Hartman’s class, students learn the fundamentals of reading sheet music, following the rhythm of the group, and mastering their chosen instrument.
Hartman has only been directing the program for two years, yet he has already enrolled nearly half of the 5th grade class in band. “It’s just fun to watch them learn every single day, you know, going through, ‘okay this is how you play this note, this is how you play this note, this is slide here, you know, move the mouthpiece here,’ and seeing the rapid advancement in their musical journeys from the first day all the way to the last day of 5th grade band. And then I get the special treat of seeing them all the way ’till they graduate,” he says.
In his short time as band director, Hartman has already seen the high school program reach historic heights. Most notably, the program has earned a bid for a state title this year. “We are first time that Coloma has ever participated in the Michigan Competing Bands Association. That’s the high level marching arts association in Michigan. So we are our first season in right now, and we’re competing for a spot at state finals at Ford Field on November 1st,” he adds.
While older students compete for gold, Hartman notes that the younger ones are just picking up their instruments for the first time. He believes this head start can make a significant difference in their overall development, both in and out of the music room.
“They get a leg up not only with playing their instruments but, you know, academically. Starting instruments at a younger age is tested and proven to help them with their reading scores or math scores and everything else that they’re working on,” he explains.
Coloma is also participating in the first state preliminary qualifier at Okemos High School this weekend. The school hopes to be one of the top 10 qualifying for the state competition. Meanwhile, the 5th grade class will perform at the holiday concert on December 4 at the Coloma School Auditorium.
- Bukayo Saka Capai 100 Kontribusi Gol untuk Arsenal, Dibanggakan oleh Thierry Henry - November 14, 2025
- Coloma’s Music Program Launches Young Musicians Early - November 14, 2025
- Max Scherzer’s Eye Condition Revealed as Blue Jays Star Takes the Mound in World Series Game 7 - November 14, 2025
Leave a Reply