The L'Anse Creuse Band Program has been a cornerstone of musical excellence in Harrison Township, Michigan, for over five decades. The program is made up of over 150 students in grades 6-12, participating in three concert bands, a jazz band, the competitive Marching Lancers, and three Winter Guard teams. With a history of top-tier performances and awards at local and national competitions, our students consistently achieve Excellent and Superior ratings at MSBOA Band & Orchestra Festivals and Solo & Ensemble events.
Our comprehensive band program starts in middle school and continues through high school, providing students with a structured path to develop their musical abilities. With a strong focus on technical skill, performance opportunities, and community involvement, our students grow both as musicians and as individuals.
Ryan Malburg has been the Director of Bands at L’Anse Creuse High School since 2021. A graduate of Michigan State University, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. During his time at MSU, Ryan performed with the Spartan Marching Band, serving as the Baritone Section Leader and Band Vice President. He also participated in all three of the university's concert ensembles, including the prestigious MSU Wind Symphony.
Under Ryan’s direction, the L’Anse Creuse Band Program has achieved consistent success across all areas. The Marching Lancers has placed in the top five at MCBA State Finals every year, earning 3rd place in both 2023 and 2024, and winning the Outstanding Percussion caption in 2024. The program has also maintained a strong Winter Guard program, with the Varsity Winter Guard earning the MCGC State Championship in 2022 and consistently qualifying for state finals. The concert bands regularly earn Excellent and Superior ratings at Concert Festival, and the L’Anse Creuse Wind Symphony was selected to perform at the Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music in 2026.
Ryan’s experience extends beyond the classroom; he has served as a brass instructor with the Legends Drum & Bugle Corps and worked as a tour assistant with The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps. His leadership in both music performance and education continues to elevate the L'Anse Creuse Band Program, where he oversees the concert ensembles and the renowned Marching Lancers.
Walter McCray has been an integral part of the L’Anse Creuse Band Program for over two decades. Initially joining as a saxophone instructor in 2003, he later became the Assistant Director of Bands in 2006. Walter’s primary responsibilities include directing the Jazz Band and managing the program’s administration, ensuring smooth operations across the different ensembles. Additionally, he is an experienced clarinet and saxophone instructor, providing private lessons to students and supporting their development as musicians. His long-standing dedication and expertise have made him a valuable mentor and leader within the L'Anse Creuse music community.
With over 25 years of service to the L’Anse Creuse High School Bands, Ralph Biggs leads the program’s percussion activities. He is responsible for directing the percussion section, including the battery, and serves as the arranger for their performances. Ralph was a co-founder of Eastside Fury Percussion, and led the group to WGI Championship titles in Independent A and Independent Open Classes, along with many appearances in Independent World Class Finals. His students have gone on to march in World Class WGI and DCI groups, as well as the top college marching bands in the country. He was inducted into the MCGC Hall of Fame in 2019.
Ralph’s role extends to working with all percussion students, helping them develop solid foundational skills and directing the percussion chamber ensemble. His commitment to precision and excellence in percussion performance has been instrumental in maintaining the high standards of the L’Anse Creuse Bands.
Blair Kuhn brings a wealth of experience to the L’Anse Creuse High School Bands as the Color Guard Director. He is recognized for his contributions to the color guard community, particularly in the context of marching bands and indoor color guard. He has experience as a choreographer and instructor, helping to develop routines that combine dance, movement, and visual elements with musical performances. Blair is an active adjudicator for Bands of America (BOA), Michigan Color Guard Circuit (MCGC), Drum Corps International (DCI), and Winter Guard International (WGI).
Blair has been working in the marching arts for over 30 years as an educator, designer, and judge. He perviously performed as a percussionist with the Saginaires Drum & Bugle Corps 1982-84, Northern Aurora Drum & Bugle Corps 1985 & The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps 1986. Along with his background in percussion, Blair is an accomplished Color Guard & Drill designer, with over 25 years of experience. Blair was the visual designer for Eastside Fury Percussion (2007-2010) and Co-Director / Designer of Ancora Winter Guard (2007-2014). In addition to his role at L'Anse Creuse, Blair currently designs for The University of Michigan Winter Guard and Chippewa Valley Color Guard.
Our mission is to inspire musical excellence, teamwork, and community engagement through high-quality music education. We believe in nurturing the talents of every student and providing a space for artistic expression and personal growth.