Service Through Music

The spirit of service is inspired by the legacy of the late Michael D. Sewell, who dedicated his life to school and community music programs in Pickerington and the Central Ohio area for more than 38 years. Mr. Sewell always said, “The most important gift you can give someone is your time.”

The national SERVICE THROUGH MUSIC program highlights contributions bands make to their communities while also giving musicians a way to share in the values and ideals of Saluting America's Band Directors. SERVICE THROUGH MUSIC is a unique program created especially for members of The Band Directors Marching Band and their students.

Below and on the following pages is a sampling of past SERVICE THROUGH MUSIC projects submitted by members of The Band Directors Marching Band.

Olive Branch Middle School represents and serves community

The Olive Branch Middle School Honor Band of Olive Branch, Mississippi was selected to perform for the Mississippi State Bandmasters Conference as middle school honor band for this conference in December 2022. These students will perform later this year for a local nursing home in the community.

The Olive Branch Middle School Honor Band is led by Terri Green. Congratulations to the Olive Branch Middle School Honor Band for their service through music!

Rancho Verde High School Band welcomes guests in need

A dream many years in the making came true when Bande de Musica La Primavera was selected to march in the 2023 Rose Parade. But the trip almost did not happen for the 190 musicians from Panama when last minute funding for their hotel fell through. Stepping up to the rescue was the Rancho Verde High School Band Department and Val Verde School District in Moreno Valley, California. Rancho Verde opened their school and their hearts to fellow musicians in need.

Members of the Panamanian band, ages 9 to 18, stayed in the high school gym and practiced for their big performance on the football field. The Rancho Verde Band and the community provided 230 sleeping bags and hot meals for their guests. Additional support came from an online fundraiser led by the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation. Thanks to their new friends, musicians of Bande de Musica La Primavera were able to put on an outstanding performance in the 134th Rose Parade and go home with life-long memories.

The Rancho Verde Crimson Regiment is led by Honglac Hathuc. Congratulations to the Rancho Verde community and the Crimson Regiment Band for their service through music!

Service Through Music 2023

Olive Branch Middle School represents and serves community

Rancho Verde High School Band welcomes guests in need