timeline_pre_loader
1930s

1936

The Mattawan Bands are founded as Mr. Francis Dorstewitz creates the first instrumental music ensemble at Mattawan.

 

Mr. Dorstewitz creates the first arrangement of the “Fight! For Mattawan” the Mattawan Fight Song.

1940s

1942

Mr. Dorstewitz leaves the band program.

1946

A small student ensemble is put together and conducted by Ms. Margaret Baker, a senior from Western Michigan College.

1947

Music is officially adopted as a curricular class and Mr. Kenneth Pearson, who is also the high school pricinpal, is named the second director of bands.
1950s

1954

Mr. Pearson leaves his position of director of bands and is replaced by Mr. Roland Vashaw who becomes the third director of bands at Mattawan.

Mr. Vashaw creates a new arrangement of “Fight! For Mattawan” which is used up until 2014.

1954

Mr. Robert Woody becomes the fourth director of bands at Mattawan upon Mr. Vashaw leaving Mattawan.
1960s

1954

Mr. Donald Warnaar takes over as the fifth director of bands at Mattawan following Mr. Woody.

1954

Mr. James VanWestrienen is named sixth director of bands after Mr. Warnaar.
1970s

1970

With the departure of Mr. VanWestrienen, Mr. Bannister Merwin takes over as the seventh director of bands.

 

Mr. Merwin is killed following a concert when risers become unstable and fall on him. Mr. Carl Bjerregaard, director of bands at Western Michigan University, finishes out the school year at Mattawan.

1971

Mr. Larry Jones is named the eighth director of bands at Mattawan following the tragic death of Bannister Merwin.

1978

The high school band is selected to perform at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) “Mid-Western Conference on School Vocal and Instrumental Music” state convention held in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

1979

Mr. Richard Anderson takes over as the ninth director of bands with the departure of Mr. Jones.
1980s

1984

First Florida Trip established. Every four years the bands travel to Disney World to participate in a parade and clinic.

1985

The middle school band is selected to perform at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) “Mid-Western Conference on School Vocal and Instrumental Music” state convention held in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

 

The high school band participates in the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) “National School Concert Band Competition Festival” at Bowling Green State University. The band won the Class B competition with an Honor Rating I

1987

The high school band is selected to perform at the ASBDA National Convention in Interlochen, Michigan.
1990s

1991

Mr. Anderson is selected as MSBOA Director of the Year.

1994

The high school band is chosen to perform at the 26th annual Western Michigan University “Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music”.

1996

Mr. Mark Greer returns to Mattawan as Associate Director of Bands, splitting duties with Mr. Anderson. Mr. Greer is the tenth band director at Mattawan.

1997

Mattawan High School and Middle School are awarded the “Michigan Award of Excellence” by the ASBDA – Michigan Chapter.

1997

Mattawan High School and Middle School are awarded the “Michigan Award of Excellence” by the ASBDA – Michigan Chapter.

1998

Mr. Matthew Watson joins the faculty at Mattawan as Assistant Director of Bands. Mr. Watson was a Mattawan graduate and was a percussionist in the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

1999

The Mattawan Marching Band begins marching in the Muziekparade at the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan. The band is also selected as one of three “Premier” bands that get to perform in a special pre-parade performance.
2000s

2000

With the departure of Mr. Watson, Ms. Jennifer Nofs joins the Mattawan faculty as Assistant Director of Bands.

2005

Ms. Nofs leaves Mattawan.

2006

Mr. Joshua Garcia joins the faculty as an Instrumental Music Paraprofessional.

2007

Mr. Greer is selected as the MSBOA District XI Director of the Year.

2008

  • The Mattawan Concert and Symphonic Bands participate in a Composite Concert with the Western Michigan University Symphonic Band under the direction of Mr. David Montgomery.
  • With the retirement of Mr. Anderson, Mr. William Boswell joins the Mattawan faculty as Associate Director of Bands and the eleventh director at Mattawan.
  • The 8th grade band, under the direction of Mr. Greer, is chosen to perform at the inaugural “Joy of Middle School Band: Fall Conference on Middle School Music” at Western Michigan University.

2010

Mr. Greer is listed as one of “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” by the School Band and Orchestra Magazine.

2011

Mr. Robert Sherwin takes over as Instrumental Music Paraprofessional as Mr. Garcia takes a year leave to finish school.

2013

With the retirement of Mr. Greer, Mr. Chris Janowiak joins the Mattawan faculty as Associate Director of Bands, the twelfth director at Mattawan.

2014

  • A new arrangement/edition of “Fight! For Mattawan” is created by Mr. Garcia.
  • Mrs. Beth Jonker joins the Mattawan Faculty as Associate Director of Bands with the departure of Mr. Janowiak, she is the thirteenth director at Mattawan.

2016

Mrs. Stephanie Roof joins Mattawan Bands as an Instrumental Music Paraprofessional.