about

the blaine high school band program


The investment of time, effort, and energy into the study of music will produce lifelong dividends. Music and the arts are vital components in the growth of every student. In fact, extended studies shows that the very process of music making develops the artistic mind and brings forth the creative potential in all young people. 

We offer a performance based, comprehensive musical experience for students in grades 9–12. Co-curricular activities are considered an extension and an enrichment of the classroom experience. The Blaine High School Band Program seeks to provide opportunities for each student to:


Music excellence is its own reward, and we do everything we can to create that excellence in the classroom, on stage, on the field, or in the bleachers. 

director of bands: bruce olson

Mr. Olson is a proud BHS alumni. He completed his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Concordia College. He completed a Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance at California State University, Northridge. He taught in California, at Burnsville and Anoka High School before returning to his alma mater where he has been the Director of Blaine High School Bands for the last 20 years. He teaches all three curricular ensembles: Freshman Band, Repertoire Band, and Concert Band as well as directing  Jazz Band and Pep Band.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Olson has kept busy as a director and a performer.  He is a founding member and the principal trumpet for the Northern Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Olson directed Continental Singers, a vocal and instrumental touring ensemble throughout the United States, Canada, and 25 different countries for 11 years. He also performed with the Dickens Brass in the Christmas Parade at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Over the years, he has directed orchestras at several different churches. He has also played lead trumpet for multiple school and community musical theater productions in the Twin Cities Area.. 

Mr. Olson has been married to his wife, Beth, for 34 years. They have two sons, one daughter-in-law, and a grandpuppy. As a family, they enjoy traveling, boating, camping, fishing, skiing, and ping pong.

Contact Bruce Olson at: bruce.olson@ahschools.us 

Blaine Marching Band Director: Lane Flaten

WELCOME LANE FLATEN!

Lane is a BHS gradute and was also a student member and Drum Major of the BMB from 2009-2013. Lane served on the BMB staff in 2015 and has now returned as Head Director of the BMB. 

Lane moved on to become a student member of the NDSU Gold Star Marching Band from 2013-2017 and eventually became the Drum Major for the 2015-17 marching season, as well as the President of the Band in 2017. 

Lane graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education. Lane's primary instruments are saxophone and percussion. 

Contact Lane Flaten at: lane.flaten@ahschools.us 

Blaine Percussion Ensemble Director: Calvin Stromwall

Calvin Stromwall is an active percussion educator and arranger based in the Twin Cities area. He currently serves as the Percussion Caption Head and Front Ensemble Arranger at Blaine HS, as well as directing Blaine’s winter Percussion Ensemble (BPE). Calvin is also the Front Ensemble Coordinator at River City Rhythm Drum & Bugle Corps and a Front Ensemble Instructor at Eden Prairie HS and MBI Indoor Percussion.

Calvin received his Bachelor’s Degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Minnesota, participating in their Percussion Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra. While studying at the U, Calvin spent five years performing with MBI Indoor Percussion. Over the summer, he marched with the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps in 2018 and the Santa Clara Vanguard from 2019-2021, earning a bronze medal and the Fred Sanford Award for best percussion in 2019.

Contact Calvin Stromwall at: calvin.stromwall@ahschools.us