The students in the Ford II High School Instrumental Music Program may take part in several travel experiences. In addition to traveling to Central Michigan University at Mt. Pleasant for Marching Band Camp and Jazz Weekend, a trip out of the state of Michigan is usually planned for every other year. The Instrumental Music Boosters provide chaperones for these trips to ensure the safety of the students.

Football Games

For ALL home football games, bring something to eat between the rehearsal and the bus departure.  There will be NO TIME to leave the school and come back.

Home Game Schedule:

2:30-5pm –  Rehearsal

5-6pm –  Dinner, change clothes

6 pm- Bus departs for SHS

7pm – Kickoff

9:30pm (approx.) return to Ford

Romeo Peach Parade

On Labor Day each year, we travel to the Village of Romeo to participate with annual event.

Band Camp

Band Camp is held at CMU in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan in early August. It is a requirement for the Marching Band students to attend this trip. Students stay in a dormitory at CMU and spend the week learning the show which will be used for home football games and for marching band festivals.

Jazz Weekend

Jazz Weekend is held at CMU on the Thursday and Friday closest to Valentines Day. This event is for Jazz Band students. They are able to hear other schools perform and a concert is held with professional performers. The students stay in a hotel while in Mt. Pleasant.

Out of State Trips

One longer trip is planned usually every other year. Trips in the past included the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Walt Disney World, the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, New York City and the Chick-Fil-A Bowl in Atlanta. The 2013 Trip was St. Louis, Missouri during Memorial Day Weekend.

Local Events

The groups also travel locally for performances. The Marching Band performs at the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit and also in the Peach Parade in Romeo, Michigan. The Marching Band performs at the Harper Woods, Michigan Band-O-Rama, the UCS (Utica Community Schools) Band-A-Rama usually held at Stevenson or Utica High, and MSBOA Marching Band Festival. The other bands and orchestra participate in MSBOA band and orchestra festivals, too.