Traverse City Area Public Schools was founded in 1871 and over the years has developed a tradition of musical excellence. TCAPS is the only school district to be invited twice to perform as an entire music department at the Michigan Music Conference; 2005 & 2017.
The Traverse City West Middle School Band program was founded in 1997 and has continued a rich history of excellence. The concert bands at Traverse City West have received many awards. With decades of division one ratings from MSBOA District and State Festival, they are recognized as among the strongest programs in the state. In 2005, the Traverse City West Junior High was invited to perform at the Michigan Music Conference.
Established in 1997, West Senior High is the largest high school north of Kent County in Michigan. The West Senior High Bands are comprised of the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band and Titan Marching Band. Band students also participate as instrumentalists for theatre productions, and the drum line performs regularly at athletic events throughout the year. The Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the Michigan Music Conference in 2009 and 2023.
The Traverse City West Bands enjoy rich traditions and great support from parents, school administrations, and the community.
West Senior High Band Directors:
Glenn Floering (1997-2000)
Patricia J. Brumbaugh (2000-2013, 2017-2018)
Rachel Linsmeier (2013-2017)
Chad S. Mielens (2018-present)
West Middle School Band Directors:
Lynn Hansen (1997-2001)
Flournoy Humphreys (2001-2019)
Doug Downer (2018-present)
The Traverse City West Middle School Band program was founded in 1997 and has continued a rich history of excellence. The concert bands at Traverse City West have received many awards. With decades of division one ratings from MSBOA District and State Festival, they are recognized as among the strongest programs in the state. In 2005, the Traverse City West Junior High was invited to perform at the Michigan Music Conference.
Established in 1997, West Senior High is the largest high school north of Kent County in Michigan. The West Senior High Bands are comprised of the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band and Titan Marching Band. Band students also participate as instrumentalists for theatre productions, and the drum line performs regularly at athletic events throughout the year. The Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the Michigan Music Conference in 2009 and 2023.
The Traverse City West Bands enjoy rich traditions and great support from parents, school administrations, and the community.
West Senior High Band Directors:
Glenn Floering (1997-2000)
Patricia J. Brumbaugh (2000-2013, 2017-2018)
Rachel Linsmeier (2013-2017)
Chad S. Mielens (2018-present)
West Middle School Band Directors:
Lynn Hansen (1997-2001)
Flournoy Humphreys (2001-2019)
Doug Downer (2018-present)