ATHENS DRIVE HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND

The Athens Drive High School Marching Band is an extracurricular group that performs from August through December. Performances include home football games, various competitions, area parades, and community events. Practices begin mid to late July and end in November. Performances begin in August and end with area parades in December.

Philosophy

Our marching band performs a variety of music reflecting the three major roles that we fulfill to our school/community and students:

1. Ceremonial/patriotic music (Star-Spangled Banner, America, etc.) to fulfill our role as an ambassador;
2.  Pep and spirited music (oldies and current hits) to add excitement to sporting events and rallies;
3.  “Artistic music” to enhance the music education of our students and audience. It is this music that we play for competitions.

Auditions

Students interested in Color Guard or percussion must attend the clinics and auditions in May. Specific placement within units will depend on talent/skill level. Woodwind and brass players who have successfully completed the 8th-grade band in middle school are not required to audition. Students who have not participated in middle school band should contact the band director for specific requirements.

Orientation Meetings

All rising freshmen are highly encouraged to attend one or both of the orientation meetings or “rookie camps” held in May of each year. [Percussion and guard students must attend these meetings as they are clinic dates.] The purpose of these meetings is to provide an opportunity for students and parents to visit our campus, meet our staff and parent boosters, and actually do some rehearsing (wear tennis shoes and bring your instrument).

Summer Rehearsals

Summer rehearsals are necessary due to the school schedule and the amount of training and conditioning involved in this activity. Percussionists and color guard members usually meet 1-2 days per week throughout June and July to learn and strengthen fundamentals. These informal rehearsals are not mandatory but highly encouraged. 

Pre-Camp is required for all band members (including percussion and color guard) in order to teach and review marching fundamentals and for students to get acquainted with each other and the staff. Band Camp is the most important week of the marching band season. It is an intense week where students focus almost entirely on learning the competition show. The purpose of Post Camp is to reinforce and strengthen skills, movement, and music learned at band camp.

If you would like to participate in the upcoming Marching Band season but cannot attend one or more of the summer rehearsals, please contact the directors as soon as possible. Band camp is the most critical of all weeks; exceptions to this week are made sparingly and are based on musicianship skills and circumstances.

Funding

Our marching band is primarily self-funded through fair share fees, fundraising, sponsorships, and donations. Fair share helps cover the cost of instruction, music, charting, equipment, transportation, band camp, competition fees, and other operating expenses throughout the season. Community support helps to keep the fair share as low as possible. 

We are committed to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation for any student who wishes to be a part of the band program.

How do I sign up?

In order to be included in the Athens Drive Marching Band, each student—new and returning—must complete the Marching Band Registration form by the designated deadline (usually June 1st). While registration is open, the form will be available on the Forms page of this website.

Please note that there is a non-refundable registration fee of $200. Students/families with outstanding fees from the previous year should contact treasurers and arrange to pay prior fees. Alternate payment plans and fee reductions are available through the booster organization for students who demonstrate need.

Because our music and drill are custom written for our band, we must submit exact numbers in early June. Students who enroll after that time are not guaranteed a position, but spots may be available. Please email director@athensdriveband.com for additional information.

Final Thoughts

Because the success of a group such as the marching band is contingent upon participation from everyone involved, it is crucial that students be at all rehearsals and performances. Serious conflicts with band camp and performances must be discussed with the directors prior to registration. All absences must be communicated in advance and in writing as policies dictate. Many circumstances—including doctor appointments—can be adjusted now in order to avoid hindering the progress of over 80 students!

We are proud of the fact that over 85% of all instrumental music students at ADHS (those enrolled in Beginner Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble) participate in the marching band. We are also excited about the accomplishments of this group. During the past 35 years, the marching band has won numerous “First Place” awards, including “Grand Champion” at several prestigious competitions. This is an outstanding music program and we look forward to your enthusiastic participation!

Our current Marching Band Schedule can be found on our band calendar.

If you have any questions regarding our band program, please do not hesitate to contact director@athensdriveband.com.

We look forward to seeing you soon!