Schools
UCS band teacher named one of nation's 50 Directors Who Make A Difference
Students nominate Stevenson teacher Michael Sekich for national honor
Stevenson High School teacher Michael Sekich has been named one of the nation’s top 50 band directors by School Band and Orchestra magazine.
Sekich, a Stevenson High School graduate who has been a band director for 25 years, represented Michigan in the 18th annual 50 directors who make a difference report by the magazine.
“I am blessed that I get to do what I love,” Sekich said. “My students are the true success stories of our band and I am always very proud and humbled by their dedication and commitment.”
Sekich was nominated for the honor by members of the Stevenson band.
Ashley Hare said the nomination was based on the impact Sekich has on his students. She said they created a private Facebook page, and were overwhelmed by the large number of responses from alumni, students and parents.
The students said they wanted to pay Sekich back for the personal support he gives to the students.
“We wanted him to know how much we appreciated what he does for us,” said Samantha Tosa.
They also said he treats all students with the same level of respect and works to bring out a life-long love of performance.
“I had an interest in music before I joined, now it’s a passion,” said Paige Broadworth.
Sekich is director of the Stevenson High School Marching Band, Jazz Band and Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble.
The Stevenson High School band is recognized for excellence at state and national levels.
The band has been invited to participate in prestigious national events, including participation in the Orange Bowl halftime and parade and a performance at Carnegie Hall. The band also gave a special performance for then presidential candidate Bill Clinton when he appeared at Stevenson in 1992.
Stevenson band students have been honored with top performance awards in Michigan honors in jazz and band competitions, and students are regularly selected to appear in the prestigious All State Honors Band.
This year, the band captured first place at the Romeo Peach Festival and ق│ô for the 24th straight year - earned top Division 1 ratings at the annual Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA) District 16 Marching Band Festival.
Sekich is also the Fine Arts Systemwide Co-Chair for Utica Community Schools. He also an adjudicator for jazz and concert bands across Michigan.
