South Lake High School Band Boosters

A note from Andrew Rousselo,
Principal

Good evening,

It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you the new band director of South Lake High School, Christopher Cook.

Mr. Cook comes to us with an impressive background in music education and a passion for developing young musicians. With a Master's in Music Education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and 14 years of experience leading successful high school band programs, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our school.

Mr. Cook is committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to excel. He looks forward to working closely with students, parents, and staff to build on the traditions of excellence that have long been a hallmark of our band program.

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Christopher Cook. We are excited to have him as part of the South Lake High School family and look forward to an amazing year of music and growth under his direction.

Thank you.

On behalf of the band boosters, I would like to thank Mr. AJ Pratt for his time with us as interim band director. He's been an integral part of the South Lake School district for the last two years. In addition to serving us as the long term substitute band director and marching band assistant, he's been a substitute at Elmwood, a long term substitute choir director at both SLMS & SLHS, he's run the bucket drum club at Elmwood, has been the culinary assistant at the high school's student run restaurant, The Bistro, and could always be found at any event supporting his wife, Mrs. Chelsey Pratt, our beloved elementary music teacher. He has numerous positive relationships with so many families throughout our district and it's been a pleasure to witness his passion, dedication and commitment to our students and community.

Despite having the support of students, parents, alumni, teachers, support staff, administrators, community members and local government officials, our district has chosen another candidate as our new band director.

Mr. & Mrs. Pratt have left a lifelong impact on so many families. They will be greatly missed but we wish them lots of love and happiness in whatever lies ahead for them.

We are in DESPERATE need of people to help clean up after JuneFest.

If any students or parents are able to be here at 4:45-about 6, I am willing to give you DOUBLE service hours. Please meet Mrs. Rushlow in front of the post office on Greater Mac in downtown St Clair Shores.

-Mr. Pratt

Tonight we bid farewell to our beloved band director, Mr. Kubinski.

He had me all choked up before I had the opportunity to thank him for all he's done for our students and music program during his time here at South Lake. In the 10 years I've known him, his passion for helping students develop their skills and love for music has been evident. He's done so with unending kindness, some friendly ribbing, and maybe more than a few cuss words along the way but always with profound respect for each individual. I know that my oldest son was ready to drop out of band altogether until Mr Kubinski came along. Tonight we heard from other students that shared similar feelings. He spends more time with our children throughout the year than any other teacher and has built relationships with each of them by cultivating an environment where everyone feels welcome.

For more than half of his time here, I've had the privilege of working closely with him on a number of band things. That time together provided me a glimpse of the many hats he wears. He's a teacher, mentor, coach, leader, mediator, secretary, travel agent, bookkeeper, therapist - at least for me anyway! - and so much more. He works harder than any of us can fathom.

It also didn't take long until we began sharing bits of information about our personal lives. He manages all the chaos of the band room while also being a husband, father, musician, and serving others in the community as a dedicated member of the Michigan Knights on Bikes. Our time spent together developed our relationship from teacher and parent to friends. We can easily talk for an hour or more about any of our common interests for cooking, traveling, our faith, community service or any other topic. We've attended church together, served alongside one another, swapped recipes and shared countless memories together. I have no doubt that choosing to leave South Lake was one of the most difficult decisions he's had to make in his professional career. James Kubinski , I'm going to miss the friendship that came so easily but I'm truly happy for this incredible opportunity for you. I wish you all the best in this next chapter. I'm confident that Algonac will love you just as much as we have.

Congratulations to all our student musicians!

Share your own pictures from the evening in the comments

We're getting ready to celebrate our musicians at our annual band banquet. Who still has their senior banner? Share a picture or the year you graduated so we can see how long so this tradition began!

A special thank you to our Spring Festival guest conductors, Mrs. Koppy, Mrs. Kraft & Mrs. DeRonne. All three of these amazing teachers were nominated as South Lake's Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

We are excited to announce that the South Lake High School Alumni Band will once again be performing at homecoming! All former band members are welcome to sign up. Use the QR code on the attached flyer to register or email James Kubinski at [email protected] for more information.

Head over to June Fest today and drop by the information tent to say hello! Purchase tickets for your little ones to enjoy the bounce house, face painting and train rides. Cold water for $1

Tonight we gathered together to celebrate the musical achievements of our students and say farewell to our seniors.

Congratulations to the following students:
Alyse David & Brianna VanRheen - senior drum majors
Ryan Russell - National School Marching Band Award
Charles Casas - Director's Award for Band
Alyse David - Patrick S Gilmore Award
Brianna VanRheen - John Philip Sousa Award

It's not too early to begin thinking about craft show! Email [email protected] for an application or more information.

Be sure to follow our new group dedicated to all things craft show!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/6481199455238259/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

Amazing turnout for Spring Festival! Thank you to our very special guest conductors, Mr. Ted VonHiltmayer - superintendent, Mr. Andrew Rousselo - high school principal, Mr. Michael Bruce - middle school principal and Cooper Mrock (with the help of Mrs. Pauline Casas) - baton raffle winner.

Congratulations SLHS Band on a division 2 rating! Thank you to all of the parents that came out to support our students at the MSBOA Band Festival last night.

Sax players, take advantage of this FREE opportunity to improve your skills! Wayne State University Department of Music is hosting their Annual Saxophone Day on March 26. Register using the QR code below

Join us for our Annual Saxophone Day@Wayne! This event is FREE and open to all area middle school, high school, college, or adult saxophonists with a passion for improvement in their saxophone playing abilities.

Visit https://music.wayne.edu/outreach/saxophone-day.php to register today!

Many of you know that Mr. Kubinski enjoys riding his motorcycle. But did you know he's the vice president of the local Knights on Bikes chapter? Check out this article by Detroit Catholic to learn how he uses his love of riding to help support those in need.

'In God We Trust and Ride': Knights on Bikes live K of C's principles on Harleys - Detroit Catholic Fraternal organization is much more than a motorcycle club, with more than 200 Knights of Columbus members statewide

A very special thank you to one of yesterday's vendors, Michael Collica, for the beautiful gift.

Thank you to all the crafters, vendors and shoppers that spent the day with us at our 2022 Michigan Made Market Craft & Vendor Show ! We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Keep an eye out for information regarding our 2023 show!

If you lost your American Express card at today's craft show, please let us know so we can return it to you

It has been brought to our attention that several scammers have requested contact information to register vendors for our show. WE WILL NEVER ASK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION. Unless a band member/parent has given you a physical copy of our contract, the only way to register for our Michigan Made Market Craft & Vendor Show is to email [email protected]. Please let us know if you see comments asking for information so we can handle them.

South Lake High School Band Boosters South Lake High School Band Boosters

Alumni Band was an excellent addition to homecoming! Thank you to all who joined us tonight.

Photo credit: Michelle Hofmann Thatcher

Are you a South Lake Band Alumni? Then dust off those instruments because the South Lake Band program is excited to announce our first ever Homecoming Alumni Band! Visit https://solakemusic.weebly.com/2022-alumni-homecoming-band-information.html for full details!

Final day of band camp! Alto saxophones, low brass, woodwinds and color guard arrive at 3pm, everyone else at 4pm.

Don't forget your music, water, sunscreen, masks and health questionnaires.

Our week long band camp traditionally concludes with a performance for parents to watch. Given the circumstances and our limited time together, we don't have a performance to share with you yet. Our students have worked hard this week. If you're comfortable doing so, please feel free to come out and show your support by watching today's practice from the stands. Masks and appropriate social distancing are required.

Great job yesterday! Bring on day #3! Trumpets and color guard arrive at 3pm, everyone else at 4pm.

Don't forget your water, sunscreen, mask and hand sanitizer. Please fill out the daily health questionnaire and if you haven't yet signed up for your individual zoom lesson please do so before Mr. Kubinski begins assigning them.

Great first day of band camp! Ready for day two? Flutes, clarinets and color guard arrive at 3pm, everyone else at 4pm.

Don't forget your water, sunscreen, mask and hand sanitizer. Please fill out the daily health questionnaire and sign up for your individual zoom lesson. Spots are filling up fast!