Traditions

The Grand Haven Bands have developed many traditions over the decades that lend to the band's unique performance style and student camaraderie. The following is a brief list of the traditions that have helped shape the program.

Band Camp

For 38 years, the Buccaneer Marching Band made their summer home at Boyne Valley Lodge in Walloon Lake, MI. Former Director of Bands, Craig Flahive, began taking the band to Boyne Valley Lodge in 1975. After the 2013 season, it was announced that the camp had been sold. In the 2014 and 2015 seasons, the BMB attended Michidoh Conference Center in Hillsdale, MI. Since then, band camps have been held at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen MI. Many camp traditions happen while at camp including the senior bonfire, student/staff skits, and spirit/theme days. 

Instrument Carriages

One will notice as the Buccaneer Marching Band is en route that all sections of the band have a series of instrument carriages that have been developed over the past decades. With wild names such as "Shrimp Tempura" and "Code Green" sections are constantly evolving their parade horn carriages. Be on the lookout the next time the band passes you by. 

Official Band of the City of Grand Haven

With appearances in the city's US Coast Guard Festival grand parade since its inception in 1937 as well as annual appearances in the Memorial Day parade and Waterfront Stadium Ceremony, the Grand Haven High School Buccaneer Marching Band has been named the "Official Band of the City of Grand Haven". 

Proud Mary/The Horse

These tunes respectively by John Fogerty and Cliff Nobles & Co., were first performed at Grand Haven football and basketball games in the 1970's. As the decades wore on, "Proud Mary" and "The Horse" have found a special place in the hearts of Grand Haven students and alums alike. 

Bucs' Last Blast

Bucs' Last Blast is the exciting marching season capstone performance placing special emphasis on our seniors and performing selections from our fall competition show and stand tunes. The Buccaneer Big Band joins the BMB in a performance you won't want to miss! This performance usually happens in late October.

Cymbal Line

Since the 1980s the Buccaneer Marching Band has featured an award winning cymbal line. As cymbal lines went out of vogue with changes in Drum Corps International in the 1990s, Grand Haven retained their cymbal line. Since 2000, cymbal lines have been making a resurgence in DCI and bands across the U.S. Going into the third decade of the 21st century, the BMB cymbal line continues to receive praise from audience members and judges alike. 

GHHS Fight Song

Cheer for the Blue and Gold,
Cheer them along the way,
Onward to victory,
May we win again today, rah rah rah
Cheer for the Blue and Gold,
Long may we reign supreme,
Shout 'till the echos ring,
For the glory of our team

GO BUCS!