Harrison Bands Winter Guard placed second in the Scholastic A division of the Southern Association for Performance Arts (SAPA) championships held March 27 at Buford City Arena.  It was the highest placement of the 2021 season for the Hoyas and marked the fourth consecutive week of improved scores during spring competition.

HHS Winter Guard finished with an overall score of 84.710, just behind first-place Lambert High School. The Hoyas scored first in the Equipment and Movement categories.

Harrison’s 2021 Winter Guard performance, “A Piece of the Crown,” portrayed an evil queen storming the castle for keys to the kingdom. The 2021 program seeks to show that behind every king, there is a powerful queen that shouldn’t be underestimated.  The performance featured a soundtrack arranged by Tommy Allen with music by Halsey and from Game of Thrones. Harrison Winter Guard is directed by Austin Price, in his first year at Harrison.

“We’re especially proud of the dedication to excellence and focus on continuing improvement demonstrated by our squad,” said Price. “With a season challenged by the ongoing health restrictions, our team members also overcame broken bones, jammed fingers, and knee strains, never losing their spirit. Even the threat of tornadoes during the finals event couldn’t distract them.”

“It’s been an incredible year for the team, and we want to thank our members, parents, band directors, school administration and Hoya community for their outstanding support throughout,” Price added.

SAPA Championships were the final competitive event of the year for the Hoya Winter Guard.

About Harrison Winter Guard

Harrison High School Winter is a competitive ensemble of Harrison Bands, representing Harrison each spring semester. Winter Guard begins rehearsal in December, meeting outside of classes multiple times each week. Members learn and exhibit marching, music appreciation, dance, drill routines, choreography and more as part of the Guard unit.

Performing members of Harrison’s 2021 Winter Guard include Sarah Grace Bates, Serenidy Benton, Yama Bobb, Itza Campos, Sarah Collins, Ainsley Cross, Annabelle DeHaas, Alice Gardner, Allie Gospodareck, Evan Janiga, Sophia Johnson, Rachel Jones, Audry Knighton, Grace Paulson Lovato, Nancy McBride, Isabella Parker, and Samantha Steinman. Captains are Serenidy Benton, Itzannel Campos, AnnaBelle DeHaas, and Isabella Parker, also the lone senior on the squad. Equipment Managers are Sarah Grace Bates and Sarah Collins.

2021 Season Recap

With a season abbreviated by health-related performance restrictions, Harrison Color Guard completed three SAPA events plus the SAPA Championships. Season results are as follows:

• March 6, SAPA East Coweta Event, Score: 70.038, 4th Place
• March 13, SAPA River Ridge Event, Score, 76.175, 3rd Place
• March 20, SAPA Alpharetta Event, Score, 80.838, 2nd Place, first in equipment and movement analysis categories
• March 27, SAPA Championships, Score, 84.710, 2nd Place, first in equipment and movement analysis categories

About Harrison High School Bands:

Since its inception in 1991, the Harrison High School band program has quickly established a reputation for musical excellence. The Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Concert Band each meet for 90 minutes every day within a four-period block schedule and typically perform five to six concerts per year. Students in the Harrison bands are consistent members of 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 Governor’s Honors Program, Atlanta Youth Jazz Orchestra and Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra. In addition to excellence in music, Harrison Band members consistently demonstrate outstanding scholastic, teamwork and competitive abilities, learning personal relationship, study and life skills important to success. Learn more about the program at harrisonbands.org.