Back on December 10 members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council were invited to our campus as honored guests for our Holiday Band Concert. While on campus, the Council was treated to a tour of our facility and learned about all of the wonderful projects that they had partnered with AGS on to enhance the student learning experience. At the concert the tribe was formally thanked and recognized in front of the community, and the AGS community welcomed them with a well-deserved round of applause.
Below is the article that was written for the Tribe's monthly magazine, which they were happy to share for the rest of our community to read:
Tribal Council members receive tour and holiday concert from grateful Au Gres-Sims
school
By Joseph V. Sowmick, Photojournalist
On Dec. 10, Sub Chief Craig Graveratte joined District Two Council member Shirley Houle and District Three Council member Frank Cloutier as they received a tour and holiday concert from a grateful Au Gres-Sims school district.
Interim Public Relations Director Erik Rodriguez coordinated the visit with Au Gres-Sims Superintendent Chris Ming as they wanted to express their gratitude for tribal two percent distributions by showing first hand how they are utilizing the funding.
“Au Gres-Sims has an incredible band program because of the caring and dedicated people who have built it and contributed to it over the years. That group of people includes the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, who have elevated our band program by removing the barriers that would inhibit student participation,” Ming said. “Over $94,000 in tribal grants have supported the refurbishment and purchase of new instruments, equipment, and uniforms, allowing for all students to contribute their musical talents by eliminating financial obstacles.”
Graveratte informs the SCIT delegation experienced a wonderful night filled with lots of joy, happiness and talent from all the student’s music to get you in the spirit of the holidays.
“We were able to see all the wonderful things that the Au Gres-Sims school did to put their two percent distributions to good use. It was very inspirational to hear the wonderful stories that also went along with the reason they requested the funds,” Graveratte said. “I love to see and attend events like this; it makes it all worthwhile to see the smiles on the students faces and watching them excel at an activity that means so much to them.”
Band Director Kim Gordon informs over the past several years, the Au Gres-Sims Band program has had the good fortune of updating many of its large percussion instruments.
“Due to the generosity of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council, we have been able to purchase a new bass drum, vibraphone, 2 snare drums, a drum set, tom-tom drums, a bass guitar, and several amplifiers. We have also been able to update several of our smaller instruments for students who are unable to purchase an instrument on their own,” Gordon said. “We have updated flutes, clarinets, alto saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and percussion kits for student use.”
Gordon mentions most recently, the Tribal Council has graciously awarded the school district with funding to purchase a new set of marching band uniforms.
“The grant will be used to purchase 75 uniforms to replace our current 26-year-old uniforms,” Gordon said. “We are truly grateful for everything the Tribal Council has provided us, and will continue to use all of these gifts daily to help us create the joy of music!”
Houle remarked she was very honored to attend and witness the tour of the school so much support and love is demonstrated throughout their classrooms. “The school facility is beautiful and well designed. The Christmas choir concert was amazing and all the band students did an exceptional performance,” Houle said. “They had their new band uniform on display for viewing and couldn’t express enough how grateful they were for our recent two percent distribution that made the purchases possibly. My heart was happy that their student needs were fulfilled.”
Cloutier has seen the difference the two percent funding has made since Saganing Eagles Landing Casino opened in 2008 and appreciates seeing the funding in action.
“It makes me proud when I can be a part of giving that builds and shapes the lives of so many young people,” Cloutier said. “These small school districts would not be able to afford the items we provide and I’m hopeful that it all will build a productive and well-rounded future for all of us.”