Southwestern Michigan College Hosts Annual High School Music Clinic

Nearly 200 student musicians from five area high schools gather for hands-on workshop and feedback ahead of festival season.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) recently hosted its sixth annual Clinic Day, where five area high school bands gathered on the college campus to receive on-stage critiques and instruction from a guest clinician. The event allowed the young musicians to fine-tune their performances before upcoming music festivals.

Why it matters

The Clinic Day event reflects SMC's ongoing commitment to supporting arts education in the region, bringing together high school students to encourage growth, build confidence, and celebrate the discipline and teamwork that band programs instill.

The details

Nearly 200 student musicians from Dowagiac Union High School, Bridgman High School, Watervliet High School, Coloma High School, and Covert High School spent a day on the SMC campus receiving feedback from guest clinician Dr. Pam Klena of Oakland University. Each band performed three selections they are preparing for the upcoming Southwestern Michigan Band and Orchestra Association festival, with Dr. Klena providing real-time feedback on tone, balance, air support, and musical expression.

  • The sixth annual Clinic Day was held on February 20, 2026.
  • The event was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but returned in 2022.

The players

Southwestern Michigan College

The college that hosted the annual Clinic Day event, reflecting its commitment to supporting arts education in the region.

Dr. Pam Klena

The guest clinician from Oakland University who provided feedback and instruction to the high school bands during the Clinic Day event.

Dowagiac Union High School Concert Band

One of the five high school bands that participated in the Clinic Day event, directed by Benjamin VanRoekel.

Bridgman High School Concert Band

One of the five high school bands that participated in the Clinic Day event, directed by Cliff Reppart.

Watervliet High School Band

One of the five high school bands that participated in the Clinic Day event, directed by Jennifer Hollandsworth.

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The takeaway

The Clinic Day event demonstrates how colleges like Southwestern Michigan College can play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of musicians, providing valuable feedback and resources to high school band programs in the region.