New Member Information Packet
Information for the Alpharetta High School Band Program
Ensembles Offered at AHS
Symphonic Band II Intermediate Band (Class)
Symphonic Band I Advanced Band (Class)
Wind Ensemble Mastery Band/ IB Music (Class)
Marching Band
Color Guard
Symphony Orchestra
Jazz Band
Winter Guard (Varsity & JV)
Indoor Percussion
Percussion Ensemble
What Is High School Band?
Students who join the Alpharetta High School (AHS) Band program will be placed into one of three concert band classes that meet daily as part of the eight-period academic schedule. Unlike middle school band, each of the three band classes is ability-based, and therefore, has a mix of 9th-12th grade students.
Percussion students are placed in either 4th period or 7th period percussion class.
All students will audition for the advanced ensembles (Symphonic Band 1 and Wind Ensemble).
The audition will involve submitting video files to Mr. Jenkins & Mr. Kaufman in March. Information will be distributed to all middle school students in March.
The Alpharetta High School Marching Band
All band students must sign up for band class to be eligible to participate in the co-curricular Alpharetta High School Marching Band.
Marching Band begins in July with practices at the school and at our marching band camp. Once school begins, the marching band rehearses after school from August through the end of football season in early November.
While all prospective members are required to attend a few practice sessions in the spring, these are not formal “auditions”, and the goal is not to make “cuts.” The practice sessions are used to place each student on the appropriate instrument (percussion), give the students an opportunity to make music with the new high school band, and fit students for their marching brass instrument (for mellophone and sousaphone players).
For the color guard (dance/flag/rifle/saber), the auditions will be a time to get everyone familiar with the equipment used. No previous experience is necessary to audition for color guard.
Additionally, if a student is in a music class (Chorus or Orchestra) and wants to participate, they can be a part of our front ensemble or color guard.
Registration for both marching and concert bands is Tuesday, April 19 from 4:30PM–6:30PM in the AHS band room.
Marching Band Woodwind & Brass Sections
Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet, French Horn (Mellophone), Trombone, Baritone, Tuba (Sousaphone)
Mr. Jenkins & Mr. Kaufman will speak individually to oboe and bassoon and bass clarinet players about other instruments that they can play so they can be involved in marching band.
Marching band students are strongly encouraged to attend the music rehearsals from 4:30-6:30, in the AHS Band Room Monday through Thursday, May 9-12.
At this time, all returning and new members will play as a full ensemble for the first time, music will be distributed, and school-owned marching instruments will be checked out for summer practice. As long as the student is registered by a parent at the band registration session on Monday, May 9, a spot in the group will be reserved.
Marching Band Percussion Section
Marching Snare, Tenors, Marching Bass Drums, Keyboards, Electronics
To be a part of the marching band percussion section (drumline and front ensemble), all interested students must attend practice on Monday, April 25 through Wednesday, April 27 from 4:30-6:30 PM at MHS.
During these rehearsals, all returning and new members play their choice of percussion instruments. Music and other materials will be distributed WBMS/HMS. At the end of the three days, a finalized list of participating students and their assigned drum or front ensemble instrument will be posted. Nobody will be “cut.” This audition is a way to make sure everyone is placed on the instrument to which they are best suited.
Percussionists will then be assigned a spot in the front ensemble (mallet percussion, drum set, auxiliary percussion) or the marching battery (snare drum, bass drum, quads or cymbals).
Students who participate in the fall marching band percussion section also should also participate in the Indoor Percussion group, which begins rehearsals at the conclusion of the marching band season in November.
Marching Band Color Guard Section
All band students and non-band students are eligible to participate in the Alpharetta High School color guard. The color guard performs with the marching band as an auxiliary unit utilizing dance, flags, rifles, and sabers. Members are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. To become a member of this group, students must attend auditions on Monday, April 25th through Thursday, April 28 at AHS from 4:30-6:30 PM. No experience is required! Students who participate in the fall marching band color guard should also participate in the winter guard, which begins rehearsals at the conclusion of the marching band season in November.
What are some of the benefits of participating in our award-winning program?
150+ instant friends, even before school begins
Gaining an identity by being a member of a smaller group in a school population of 2,000 students
Being surrounded by the brightest, friendliest, and best group of students at Alpharetta
Gaining confidence in oneself and his/her abilities
Learning the value of teamwork and discipline
Establishing time management skills
Developing leadership skills
Being a part of a successful musical ensemble
Eligible for participating in other ensembles including, Alpharetta Indoor Percussion, Winterguard, Jazz Band and Symphony Orchestra
Enjoying great seats at all AHS football games
Earn your PE credit by doing one season of marching band instead of having to take the class!
Fun, Fun, Fun!
PARENT VOLUNTEER & FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
With a program as large and vibrant as ours, there are many volunteer and fundraising opportunities for all parents regardless of your specific talents. All parents are expected to contribute so that the program runs smoothly.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Chaperoning, including those who administer first aid
Equipment Crew – from building props to moving equipment
Feeding the students on Friday nights and before competitions
Band Banquet in May – organize and decorate
Hospitality – providing refreshments and serving after concerts and other special events
Photographers at events
Sewing – alterations to uniforms and sewing flags
Uniforms – both marching and concert – fit students, distribute and maintain
Fundraising:
Working concessions at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre – our largest fundraiser
Alpharetta’s winter guard competition
Organizing and planning other fundraisers, e.g., Taste of Alpharetta and Poinsettia sales
Spiritwear sales- Friday lunches, football games, registration, and other events
Football program – from selling ads, to layout, to selling at games
Additional information on volunteer and fundraising activities can be found at www.alpharettaband.org