Welcome to the Slinger High School band webpage.  This site is designed to be packed with information regarding the high school performing ensembles, band handbook, performance schedules, and articles that have been written by Mr. Hanke.  All you have to do is click on any of the selected titles in the frame to the left and that will take you to that information.

We are extremely proud of the success our bands have had.  The outstanding musical tradition in our community is something that we work hard to continue to maintain. 

The School District of Slinger serves all or part of eight municipalities, including the Villages of Slinger and Jackson, the Towns of Addison, Hartford, Polk, Richfield, and West Bend, and the city of Hartford.  The district encompasses approximately seventy-four square miles in western Washington County running somewhat parallel to U.S. Highway 41 from Pleasant Hill Road on the south to Beaver Dam Road on the North.

The district is within commuting distance of the entire Milwaukee metropolitan area.  An increasing number of district residents also travel north to Fond du Lac and other Fox Valley cities to work and shop.  Local commerce and industry provide many employment opportunities in addition to local farm economy.  Neighboring communities have also experienced commercial and manufacturing growth, helping make Washington County one of the fastest growing areas in southeastern Wisconsin.  One of the reasons most often cited by newcomers for moving to the area is because of the rolling hills and beautiful landscape of the Kettle Moraine.  The district is dotted with clean lakes and streams and covered with rich farmland and dense forests.

The School District of Slinger is committed to teaching all students the complex language of music by a certified music specialist in required music classes in grades five-year old kindergarten through sixth and to many more students in music electives in the middle and high schools.  At the 4K level, classroom teachers are responsible for leading the students in their music making.  Wherever possible, music is integrated with the other subject areas at many grade levels to enhance student learning.

The district is further committed to offering students the opportunity to experience and express themselves through music not only during school hours, but also in the after school activities.  Middle and high school students annually win awards at the state solo and ensemble competition.  The high school marching and jazz bands and the wind ensemble have been recognized as being among the best in the state.  Slinger students are routinely chosen to participate in Honors Choirs and Bands.  Concerts and music programs at all levels are well attended, sometimes to the point of having audience seating overflowing, notwithstanding the fact that elementary programs are held during the school day.

The music staff of the Slinger School District feel fortunate to teach in a community that has such an intensive support for its music program, at all levels.  When the High School band was invited to march in the Presidential Inaugural parade in January 2001, the Slinger/Allenton community raided approximately $95,000 in just seventeen days to send the band to Washington D.C.  Likewise, there was  a huge community send off when the students departed.  The community is one that certainly appreciates and respect the value of a sound music education for their children.  This support is evident by the active participation of parents in all musical activities at every grade level.  The commitment and dedication of the teaching staff is, therefore, a direct result of the commitment, expectations, and the positive support of the school board, administration and community.