Band Myths & Facts
Have some concerns about joining high school band? Here are a few of the biggest misconceptions or concerns we get from potential Alpharetta Band students and parents. Hopefully this will address some of your questions about band.
"I WON'T HAVE TIME"
FACT:
Yes, you will.
Alpharetta Band students are actively involved in athletics, school clubs, outside organizations, and outside performance groups. In addition, our students maintain good grades, attend other school events, and are enrolled in AP, IB, Dual-Enrollment, Honors, and on-level classes. Band also helps you to plan and manage your time better - an important life skill that will help you beyond the band room walls. The set schedule and structure helps students organize their time as they are more active and engaged in healthy activities. Marching Band only rehearses three days a week and concert students have a very limited after school schedule. All dates and times are on our band calendar to view!
Left: Junior Tubist Clayton who maintains a rigorous academic course-load while also participating in the AHS Wind Ensemble, AHS Raider Marching Band, and Represents the Raiders on the AHS Varsity Swim Team.
"MY GRADES WILL SUFFER"
FACT:
Only if you let them.
Alpharetta Band students are great academic students and make up some of the most academically competitive students on campus. The majority of our students sit in the top percentile of their graduating class. Not only is music good for your brain, but the organized structure and discipline of band helps students to better focus on school. The band directors also have set up mechanisms in place to help support your academics. We have quiet spaces in the band room before rehearsals, create peer-to-peer tutoring programs, and offer direct engagement with academic teachers. The majority of our seniors stay in band for all four years and graduate in the top percentage of their graduating class.
AHS Band has produced many of the most academically successful students at AHS including Valedictorians and Solutatorians.
Many of our graduates attain scholarships and attend some of the most respected colleges and universities in the US. The majority of these students did all four years of marching band, color guard, and concert band.
Right: Senior clarinetist Michael, who will graduate with an international baccalaureate Diploma and attend Vanderbilt University on scholarship. He has been an AHS Band Member all 4 years and participated in Marching Band, and the AHS Indoor Percussion.
"BUT I PLAY SPORTS"
FACT:
That's great! And you can continue to play as many sports as you like and still enjoy being in band.
Alpharetta Band students are actively involved in athletics. Our band students play in every sport offered at Alpharetta and even community sport organizations that aren't hosted at school. Sports have no direct conflict with participation in band class and the only conflicts with marching band are Football, Fall Cheerleading, Ladies Softball and Ladies Volleyball.
Left: Sophmore Maddie who plays trombone with the AHS Wind Ensemble, is a member of the AHS Marching Band, and plays soccer both for the Varsity Lady Raiders and a nationally competitive travel club team!