Program Overview

Purpose Statement:
We aspire to increase confidence, self-discipline, organization, and individual performance as we hold ourselves accountable to rise above the expected while cultivating a positive environment that fosters a love of Music.

2010-2011 Student Leadership Mission Statement:
The Leadership of the Harrison High School Band is dedicated to the relentless pursuit of musical and visual excellence demonstrated through our commitment to strong character and pride.

The Harrison Band Program
Since its inception in 1991, the Harrison High School band program quickly established a reputation for musical excellence. The Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band, each meet for ninety minutes every day within a four-period block schedule and typically perform 5-6 concerts per year.  Students in the Harrison Bands are consistent members in the District Honor Band, Georgia All-State Band, Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra, Honor Band of America, Georgia’s Govenor’s Honors Program, Atlanta Youth Jazz Orchestra, and Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Extra-curricular Opportunities. With the concert bands at the core of the curriculum, students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of extra-curricular ensembles offered through the department. These include a 200-member volunteer marching band, a very active chamber music program, a Symphony Orchestra, jazz ensembles, and a concert percussion ensemble, Winterguard and Indoor Drumline. In addition, the band parent’s association sponsors an after-school private lesson program with an outstanding faculty of professional musicians.

Harrison Band Accomplishments

Highlights include:

  • Sudler Flag of Honor recipient-less than 60 worldwide (2006) designating Harrison as an internationally acclaimed model program of concert bands, jazz ensembles, chamber music, and marching band
  • 2 Midwest Clinic Performances (top 5 concert bands in the US)
  • 3 National Concert Band Festival Appearances (Top 15 in US)
  • 2007 Grand Nationals Finalist (top 12marching bands in the US)
  • Macy’s Thanksgiving and Dublin, Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parades
  • 2-time National Wind Band Honors Winner
  • Bands of America Super Regional Finalist (Top 3 marching bands -Southeast)
  • 3-time Bands of America Regional Champion
  • 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
  • 2009 Western Carolina University Tournament of Champions Grand Champions
  • 2009 University of Georgia High School Festival Invited Ensemble Concert
  • 2009 Georgia Music Educators Inservice Concert Premiere HS Concert
  • Bands of America 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004 Super Regional Finalist – Atlanta
  • Bands of America 2008 and 2004 Regional Champions – Massillon, Ohio
  • 2008 Southern Association for Performance Arts (SAPA), Colorguard Scholastic AAA Silver Medalist
  • 2007 Bands of America Grand Nationals – Finalist
  • 2007 John Philip Sousa’s – The Sudler Flag of Honor Award (one of two international recipients)
  • 2007 St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Dublin, Ireland
  • 2007 Winter Guard International – Atlanta Regional Finalist
  • The Wind Ensemble’s 2006 / 2003 selection as one of the top 18 bands in the nation to perform at the prestigious National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis.
  • Bands of America 2006 Regional Champions – Murfreesboro, Tennessee
  • 2006 McEachern Invitational Classic Champions
  • Bands of America 2005 Regional Finalist – Bowling Green, Kentucky
  • Grand Champions Collin Hills Invitational, Fall 2005
  • Grand Champions Lassiter Competition, Fall 2004 and 2003
  • 2006 Winter Guard SCGC Class A, Georgia State Champions
  • 2006 Winter Guard SCGC Championships 2nd Place
  • 2005, 2006 & 2007 Winter Guard International World Championships Semi-Finalist
  • Wind Ensemble – featured ensemble at the University of Georgia High School Band Festival, and the G.M.E.A State Convention, Savannah, Georgia – January 2005.
  • 2005 Winter Guard International World Championships Semi Finalist – Dayton, OH.
  • Winter Guard International Power Regional, Chesterton Indiana – 5th place
  • Bands of America Regional Championships – Atlanta – 7th Place
  • Bands of America Regional Championships – Florida – 3rd Place
  • Winter Guard Circuit Championships – 3rd Place Scholastic A
  • Wind Ensemble – Selected as one of two top concert bands in Georgia – Jan. 2003
  • The Marching Band’s selection to perform in the 2001 Sugar Bowl half-time show in New Orleans.

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