Anchor Bay High School is a four-year secondary school located in Fair Haven, Michigan (St. Clair County), and it is part of the Anchor Bay School District. Anchor Bay graduates approximately 500 students each year, and there are over 2,000 enrolled. As of 2009, the school principal is Judy Stefanac. [edit] History The school was once located in New Baltimore, Michigan on Sugarbush Road, but has since moved to Fair Haven. The school was moved after school district voters passed a $114-million bond in 1999 to build a new high school and make other upgrades to area schools.[1] Construction began on the new school in April 2001. The relocated school, now on County Line Road, opened August 26, 2003. When opened it was the largest high school in Michigan,[2] now second behind Saline High School located in Saline, Michigan. and the fourth largest in the nation at over 486,000 sq ft (45,200 m2). Recent additions to the school have made it even larger. [edit] Instrumental Music Program Anchor Bay's music program, lead by P. David Visnaw II and Molly Dee, includes a Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Marching Band. In 2006, Anchor Bay was listed in "Best 100 Communities for Music Education" Roster.[3] - The Concert Band is a full-year course designed to help young musicians develop the basic technical aspects of the instrument while improving their overall musicianship. The band is composed of woodwinds, brass, and percussion, and will rehearse and perform a wide variety of music and styles.
- The Symphonic Band is a full-year intermediate ensemble composed of woodwinds, brass and percussion. The band's members will be selected through an audition process or teacher recommendation. This class performs a wide variety of music and styles. Obligations to this class include after-school performances and rehearsals.
- The Wind Ensemble is a full-year advanced ensemble composed of woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The Wind Ensemble's members are selected through a successful audition, and rehearse and perform various styles of music such as classical, pop, marches, jazz, and contemporary, among others. The music that is rehearsed and performed is at a greater difficulty level, and thus, requires that its members be more dedicated while displaying a high level of technical ability.
- The Jazz Ensemble is an advanced jazz music ensemble that selects its members through an audition process, and meets for the entire year. This ensemble is made up of trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and a rhythm section (guitar, piano, bass, drum-set). The band focuses on rehearsing and performing various styles of jazz, R&B, swing, rock, and fusion, among myriad others. Time is also spent on the development and implementation of improvisation skills, along with the basic knowledge of music theory. The Jazz Ensemble performs in the community as well as at the Central Michigan University Jazz Weekend, at MSBOA Jazz Festival, and at Winter and Spring concerts.
- The Marching Band is a musical marching unit that meets during the first semester. The ensemble consists of woodwinds, brass, percussion, and a color guard. The Marching Band provides entertainment at local parades, home football games, Pre-Festival Invitationals, and participation at District 16 MSBOA Band Festival. Students are also obligated to attend summer marching camp. The ensemble rehearses mid-August through mid-October. They were featured live on Fox 2 News during a powder puff pep rally on September 21st 2007. The Tars were voted number one out of ten high schools in the Metro Detroit area to be showcased on Fox 2's Pep Rally Fridays Morning broadcast.
[edit] Theatre Program The Theatre program is headed up by Dawn Battice. Performing both stage musicals and plays, productions are rehearsed after school and the students spend roughly 15 hours a week on productions. The theatre program has had many notable alumni including Broadway performer, Tommy Antico. The program puts on two to three productions a year. [edit] Athletic Programs Anchor Bay's sport program includes:[4] - Baseball - Varsity, JV, and 9th grade
- Basketball - Varsity, JV, and 9th grade
- Bowling - Varsity and JV
- Competitive Cheer - Varsity, JV, and 9th grade
- Cross Country track - Varsity
- Football - Varsity, JV, and 9th grade
- Golf - Varsity
- Hockey - Varsity and JV
- Soccer - Varsity and JV
- Softball - Varsity, JV, and 9th grade
- Swimming - Varsity
- Tennis - Varsity
- Track and field - Varsity and JV
- Volleyball - Varsity, JV, and 9th grade
- Wrestling - Varsity and JV
[edit] Notable alumni - Butch Hartman, cartoon animator, known for creating and producing the The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom television series.
- Greg Janicki, 2003 ABHS graduate, and a professional soccer player with D.C. United.
- Ken Pavés, celebrity hair stylist known for his work with Jessica Simpson and a variety of other high profile clients.
- Heath Jarvis, 1992 ABHS Graduate - Singer, Songwriter, Producer. Winner of the Gospel Music Association's "Song of the Year" Award for Praise & Worship Songwriting, 2003. Producer of the Gospel Music Association's "Song of the Year" Award winner for Urban Gospel Songwriting, 2003.
[edit] References [edit] External links
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