Michigan—Christian instrumentalists in grades seven through 12 have been invited to attend the annual Band Together festival at Battle Creek Academy (BCA). From January 31 through February 2, young Christians will gather at the academy with the common goal of musical performance.

Band Together participants will come from many southwest Michigan schools to enhance their musical performance skills. In years past, more than 100 students have attended the event. The number is expected to be even greater this year.

Students will maintain a rigorous schedule of rehearsals and sectionals before closing the festival with a final concert, but they will not only be thinking about music while at the festival. They will also have the opportunity to meet many young Christians and focus on teamwork. Michele Stark, BCA band director and Band Together coordinator, says the festival is "a wonderful opportunity for our students to come together with a common goal."

To ensure that the 2008 event would run smoothly, Stark began planning this year's event as early as last school year. Housing at the Historic Adventist Village has been reserved for some festival participants and their sponsors. Meals for the participants will be provided by the BCA "Band Boosters" and various donors. The Band Together clinician will be Jerry Rose, band director at Pennfield High School in Battle Creek.

The festival is a chance for BCA and Seventh-day Adventists to make a lasting impression on the community. The Band Together concert will be open to the public and is scheduled to take place on Sat., Feb. 2, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at BCA. Please show your support for the students by attending this important event in historical Battle Creek.

Wendy Keough, marketing and recruitment co-director, Battle Creek Academy