Athens Drive Band Program
The Pride of the Drive - Rising Freshman Edition, March 2023
Greetings Future Jaguars!
Congratulations. In just a few short months, you will begin your high school career. The staff, students, and boosters of the Athens Drive Band Program welcome you to the Drive! With high school registration happening now, we invite you to learn more about our award-winning program and hope you will consider being a part of our band family. Getting started is easy...
- Register for a class band elective.
- Sign up to receive emails from the band at the link below.
- Follow the band on Instagram @athensdrivebands.
- Join Marching Band in May & attend band camp at NC Wesleyan this summer. You don't have to do class band to march and you'll make 100+ friends before school even starts!
A message from our Director
Be a Part of the Band!
Athens Drive offers both class ensembles (which meet during the school day) and extra-curricular ensembles (after school activities like marching band, winter guard, winter percussion, and jazz band).
Students do not need to audition or have experience to become a band member. If you've taken middle school band classes, had private lessons, can read music, or just have a genuine interest in learning to play an instrument, you can be successful in our band program. Students interested in dance or gymnastics may also be interested in participating in color guard.
The only prerequisites are a great attitude and a willingness to work hard!
WHEN and HOW do I get involved in band?
CLASS BAND ENROLLMENT is going on NOW! Ask your middle school counselor for more information on signing up for class band. Most first year students begin in Intermediate (Concert) Band, but exceptional musicians can audition for placement in our advanced bands. Email Dr. Markoch for more information on auditions at
jmarkoch@wcpss.net. Already registered?
There's still time to add band - just reach out to your counselor or to our director.
MARCHING BAND registration starts this May! The marching band has 100-150 members each season - more than any other single activity at Athens. Students interested in learning more should plan to attend our Marching Band Freshmen Orientation on May 15th or 16th from 6:30-8:30pm in the band room. Students interested in percussion or color guard are invited to attend both orientation dates plus a few additional evenings in May for skills assessment. No student is turned away, but assessments help to determine placement. The official registration form will be released on our website in early May.
COLOR GUARD is part of our marching band. This team of athletic dancers/artists perform choreographed routines using equipment like flags and rifles. Students with dance, gymnastics or cheer backgrounds are a natural fit for color guard and are invited to attend our Marching Band Freshmen Orientation in May. Skills assessments will be held at that time.
WINTER GUARD/PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES & JAZZ BAND meet during second semester and registration for these activities will be offered in late fall/early winter during the school year.
PLEASE EMAIL QUESTIONS to president@athensdriveband.com.
MUSIC ENSURES LIFE-LONG SUCCESS!
Frequently Asked Questions about Band
- Can I participate in the STEM/Health Sciences Academy and still be in band? YES!
- Can I participate in sports and be in band? YES! Members of our class bands and extra-curricular ensembles participate in a variety of athletic activities - basketball, swimming, track, soccer, softball, lacrosse, tennis and more.
- Will being in class band hurt my GPA? NO! Upper level band classes (Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble) are weighted honors classes. Did you know that 70% of college admissions officers state that high school credit and achievement in the arts are significant considerations for admissions?
- When is marching band season? The season starts with band camp in mid-July and runs through mid December. During this time, students perform at football games, travel to marching competitions, and participate in local holiday parades.
- Will marching band take too much time away from studies in high school? Marching band does practice after school three afternoons each week and has scheduled performances at football games and competitions on some weekends. Students who participate still have plenty of time for school work, family, and other sports and activities. Having a full schedule helps students stay organized and productive!
- Do I have to pay to participate? There is a "fair share obligation" fee for participating in band activities. The band booster club offers a variety of fundraising and volunteer opportunities, as well as financial aid, to assist in fulfilling that obligation. No committed student is ever turned away from this program.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES - You're Invited!
Mar 16 Festival Concert 7pm (auditorium)
Mar 28 Winter Exhibition 5:30pm featuring Guard & Percussion (gymnasium)
May 15-16 Marching Band Orientation for woodwind & brass 6:30-8:30pm (attend one day)
May 15-16 plus two additional dates TBD Marching Band Orientation for percussion & color guard 6:30-8:30pm (attend all days)
May 25 Spring Concert 7pm (auditorium)
Jun 2 Marching Band Signing Party
Jul 24-27 Marching Band Pre-camp (band room)
Jul 30-Aug 4 Marching Band Camp (NC Wesleyan College)
Athens Drive Magnet High School Band Program
