Motor City Youth Brass Band from Southfield in Michigan has announced the appointment of Bona Opatich as their new Band Director.

Support

Bona teaches music in the Waterford School District and in addition to the appointment the Youth Band has also received continued support of their efforts with $2,500 from the Lula C. Wilson Trust and $7,000 from the DeRoy Testamentary Foundation.

After school music

Formed in 2006, the Youth Band is managed under the aegis of Motor City Brass Band (MCBB) and is an after-school music program that brings students from schools throughout the Tri-County area and Detroit together to receive brass-specific instructions from band teachers.

Excited

Bona Opatich has taught band for over 20 years in Michigan and Ohio and holds degrees in music from Michigan State University and Bowling Green State University.

She told 4BR: "I’m excited to share my love of brass band music and performance with students."

The grant from the Lula C. Wilson Trust will support the 2011-2012 season activities, including the purchase of instruments for use by students who do not have their own, the hiring of professional musicians to conduct masterclasses, and acquiring new music for the band.

I’m excited to share my love of brass band music and performance with studentsMD, Bona Opatich

Broaden access

The DeRoy Testamentary Foundation money will allow the Youth Band to broaden access to the program with remedial tutoring for students not yet ready to perform with the full band, extend services to area school districts, increase performance opportunities, including a trip to a competition, and secure additional student instruments.