The Alpharetta High School band was established in 2004 and has grown to be the most comprehensive organization on campus offering award-winning concert band classes, a nationally competitive marching band, world-finalist winter guards, and a three-time state champion indoor drumline. Since its inception, Raider Band has been recognized in state and national competitions. Students have been named to All-State and District Honor Bands and hundreds have earned superior ratings at Solo and Ensemble competitions. The Raider Bands have performed across the state of Georgia in addition to making appearances across the country.
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The members of the Raider Band excel not only on the stage and marching field but also academically. Members consistently place among the top of their class and have been named Valedictorian and Salutatorian numerous times since the school's opening. Our Alumni continue to excel at colleges and universities across the country, including The Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee, University of Florida, University of Alabama, UC-Berkley, University of Georgia, University of Miami, Michigan Institute of Technology, Kennesaw State University, United States Naval Academy, University of South Carolina, Florida State University, University of Chicago, Harvard University, University of Colorado at Boulder, Savannah College of Art & Design, New York University, Georgia State University, Auburn University, among many other prestigious post-secondary institutions!
It is our mission to teach life through music, and thus create musicians for life.
Today, AHS Band continues to foster the pursuit of excellence by providing students with the highest quality experiences that prepare them for life beyond Alpharetta.​
The Team
CURRICULUM
Courses Offered:
Wind Ensemble
Symphonic Band I
Symphonic Band II
Anchor Time Jazz Band
Intermediate Percussion Class
Advanced Percussion Class
Mastery Percussion Class
*** All Class Bands require AHS Director approval and are seated by audition
***AHS Band Directors will visit middle schools for auditions and place incoming students into the appropriate concert band.
***All Band classes are seated by audition
Raider Marching Band
The Alpharetta High School Raider Marching Band is open to students in all four grades. As the most public ensemble in the program, the AHS Raider Band has grown to become one of the most competitively competitive organizations on campus and routinely travels to compete all over the United States. The team participates in state, regional, and national competitions in addition to performing at AHS Football Games. Students must be enrolled in an AHS Band Class in order to participate with the AHS Marching Band.
Marching Band runs from late July through early November and is considered a fall activity!
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Fall Color Guard (Part of Marching Band)
The Fall Color Guard is the dance/visual component of the AHS Marching Band. Performers come from all grade levels and do not have to be enrolled in an AHS Band Class. Auditions are held each spring and are open to any AHS student or current 8th grader at an AHS Cluster Middle School. Students interested in, or having experience in dance or theater make outstanding color guard members!
Winter Teams
Indoor Percussion
Indoor Percussion is an extra-curricular team that meets during the spring semester. This group consists of all percussion and electronic instruments and competes in a gym. AHS Indoor Percussion competes in the Georgia Indoor Percussion Association Circuit and as a part of the Winter Guard International Circuit. Auditions are in the fall semester in mid-November and the season runs through early April. AHS Indoor Percussion is open to any AHS student, as well as incoming 8th-grade students should they enroll in band.
GIPA State Class A Champions 2022, 2023, 2024
WGI Regional Champions 2022, 2023, 2024
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AHS Winter Guards
The AHS Winter Guards competes on its own as a performing unit during the spring semester. Auditions occur in mid-November and the season runs through early April. Winter Guard is open to any AHS student or current 8th grader at an AHS Cluster Middle School. They compete as a part of the Southern Association of the Performing Arts Circuit and as part of the Winter Guard International Circuit.
SAPA State Class A Champions 2023
WGI Regional Finalists 2021, 2022, 2023
WGI International Finalist 2018
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Junior Raider Winter Guards
The Junior Raider Winter Guards competes under the AHS Band umbrella as its own as a performing unit during the spring semester. Auditions occur in December and the competitive season runs through early April. The Junior Raider Winter Guards are open to any current 6th through 8th grade student at an AHS Cluster Middle School. They compete as a part of the Southern Association of the Performing Arts Circuit and as part of the Winter Guard International Circuit.
SAPA State Class A Champions 2023
WGI Regional Finalists 2021, 2022, 2023
WGI International Finalist 2018
Band for Parents
In order to function at the highest level, the Bands of Alpharetta needs a great deal of parental support. We have many areas where parents can help give our students the best experience possible.
Most parents who become involved in the program find that it is a great way to support and encourage their child, as well as being a lot of fun.
Listed below are just a few of the areas where we can use your help!
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Booster Board – these elected positions help support the program by organizing parental support and fundraising efforts
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Ameris Bank Amphitheater Volunteers - all parents are required to help us work a stand at the Ameris Bank Ampitheater. This is a FANTASTIC fundraiser that allows us to avoid the "typical" fundraisers while raising an outstanding sum of money for the program.
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Chaperones – Assists in ensuring the students are safe and healthy at all times
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Raider Roadies – Oversees the building and transportation of equipment used in all aspects of the program
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Uniforms – Helps with the fitting and distribution of Tuxedos and Dresses worn by concert band members, and Marching Band uniforms
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Feed the Raiders – Oversees the feeding of students at various events, as well as heading the planning and execution of our annual Band Banquet