The Athens Drive Band Program consists of both co-curricular and extra-curricular ensembles.
Co-curricular ensembles are high school courses which receive high school credit hours. These are 90 minute classes held during the day and taught by Mr. Meade and Mrs. Schakel. Students sign up for these courses when registering for classes. Concert ensembles are YEAR-ROUND classes which the bulk of students are in for the full year – the curriculum does not restart in the spring like other classes but is an extension of the fall. The concert ensembles are the core of the program and are a requirement to participate in any extra-curricular ensembles. Please communicate with the directors on any class conflicts or concerns.
Extra-curricular ensembles are activities held after school which receive no academic credit. Participation in these programs can be one of the most enjoyable, exhilarating experiences music education provides and also include travel opportunities both locally and nationally.
Concert Ensembles
Concert ensembles meet during the school day. Students receive credit hours for these courses. Concert attire is required & a “fair share obligation” is assessed each semester.
BEGINNING BAND
- Welcome to all students who have never performed on a band instrument before!
- Instrumentation options – Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Percussion (includes drums, mallet instruments and auxiliary instruments)
- Students will need to procure their own instrument unless choosing a school-owned instrument (Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, French Horn, Baritone, Tuba, Percussion).
- We recommend taking private lessons over the summer to prepare – reach out to the directors for connections with older students or a professional.
- All grade levels accepted!
- Year-round curriculum – sign up for both fall and spring! Communicate with directors if you have a conflict.
SYMPHONIC BAND (H)
- Mid-level concert ensemble comprised mainly of freshmen and sophomores..
- Honors level course.
- Year-round curriculum – sign up for both fall and spring! Communicate with directors if you have a conflict.
WIND ENSEMBLE (H)
- Most advanced concert ensemble comprised mainly of seniors, juniors, and sophomores who have demonstrated exceptional talent, interest, and maturity on their instrument.
- Honors-level course. Annual audition required.
- Year-round curriculum – sign up for both fall and spring! Communicate with directors if you have a conflict.
Students wishing to audition for an ensemble or seeking general information about classes should reach out directly to the band directors by email
Marching Band
NOTE – “Marching Band” includes color guard! Color guard families should note every time you see “Marching Band” that includes you!
Timeline – Brass/Woodwinds – Late July-Early December | Percussion/Color Guard – Early June-Early December
Instrumentation – Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion, Color Guard
The award-winning Athens Drive Marching Band is the most visible and active group on campus, with the bulk of our concert ensemble students participating in. Marching Band includes woodwind and brass instruments, percussion, and color guard (flags, rifles, sabers). Auditions/skills assessments are required for percussion and color guard and are held in May/June. No audition is required for woodwind and brass instrumentalists who have completed middle school band. All participants must be registered by early June.
For detailed info, visit the Marching Band page HERE.
Jazz Ensemble
Timeline – August – May
Instrumentation – Saxophone (Alto, Tenor and Bari), Trumpet, Trombone, Clarinet (one chair), Drumset, Auxiliary percussion, Piano, Bass Guitar/String Bass and Guitar.
The Jazz Ensemble performs a wide variety of music including (but not limited to) swing, ballads, latin, funk, rock etc. and is the face of the program outside of marching season. The group performs at a variety of local venues, partner schools, concerts and festivals throughout the year.
For more detailed info, visit the Jazz Ensemble page HERE.
Winter Guard
Timeline – Late November – Late March
Winter Guard is the indoor complement to the marching band color guard. Through dance, choreographed movements, and the use of equipment such as flags, rifles, and other props, they achieve the highest quality of visual performance. This ensemble performs at regional competitions on the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA) local circuit and Winter Guard International (WGI) national circuit. Auditions are required; although helpful, previous experience is not a prerequisite.
For more info, visit the Winter Guard page HERE.
Winter Percussion
Timeline – Late November – Early April
Winter Percussion is the indoor complement to the percussion section of the marching band. They are a visual performance group which includes battery, percussion, and front ensemble instrumentation. The group also utilizes synthesizer, electric bass, guitar, drum set, and props. They compete at several regional competitions on the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA) local circuit and the Winter Guard International (WGI) national circuit. Auditions are required; although helpful, marching experience is not a prerequisite.
For more info, visit the Winter Percussion page HERE.
Musical Pit Orchestra
Timeline – Mid November – March
Instrumentation – All orchestra instruments, brass/woodwind instruments, piano, drum set, mallet/aux percussion – by invitation only (interest taken in October).
Musical Pit Orchestra is the most elite ensemble the band department has, with students performing the same music that professionals play on Broadway. This is the most challenging music a high schooler can perform at this level, with key/tempo/time changes on almost every page. Typically only juniors and seniors make this group, and is offered whenever the Fine Arts Department puts on a musical.
Please email Mr.Meade if you’re interested in the group.