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Winter Guard Finishes 2nd at SAPA-Alpharetta

By
Heather McBride
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0

The Harrison Hoya Winter Guard team finished in Second Place in the Scholastic A division at the Southern Association for Performance Arts (SAPA) competition at Alpharetta High School. The Hoyas also earned first place ratings in the Equipment and Movement categories, and improved their overall score another four points.

Next up are the SAPA Championships on March 27 at Buford City Arena, where Harrison will compete among 30 Scholastic A schools.

Performing their show entitled “A Piece of the Crown,” Harrison’s Winter Guard continued building on a solid start to the 2021 season. In their first SAPA event at East Coweta High School, Harrison’s Guard finished fourth in the Scholastic A division. They followed the next week with a third-place finish at the SAPA event at River Ridge High School, demonstrating substantial overall scoring improvement and earning first place recognition for equipment analysis.

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

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.

Harrison’s Winter Guard is directed by Austin Price, in his first year as director. Performing members of Harrison’s 2021 Winter Guard include Sarah Grace Bates, Serenidy Bento, 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. Equipment Managers are Sarah Grace Bates, Sarah Collins, and Jillian Howell.

With a soundtrack arranged by Tommy Allen featuring music by Halsey and from Game of Thrones, “A Piece of the Crown” portrays an evil queen storming the castle for the keys to the kingdom.

Beat Goes On for HIPE, Jazz Bands

By
Heather McBride
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0

With Spring performance season uncertain, the jazz bands and indoor percussion ensembles of Harrison Bands continue practicing and prepping in hopes that virtual events or live opportunities will emerge in 2021.  Even if those events don’t materialize, ensemble members and band directors alike say that their dedication to performance skills and the Harrison Bands program will benefit students by helping them improve self-discipline, focus and even fitness.

This HIPE is Real

For the Harrison Indoor Percussion Ensemble (HIPE), 2021 is a return-to-performance year.  HIPE marries elements of music performance, marching, and theater, featuring both marching and front-line percussionists. And if you’ve never experienced a HIPE performance, both members and fans agree you’ll enjoy a bang-up event.

2021 is a return-to-performance year for the HIPE ensemble, which hopes to improve with a steady cadence through the Spring.

The 2021 HIPE ensemble has high expectations and goals, hoping to improve over time with the same kind of steady cadence that led prior Harrison groups to Georgia Indoor Percussion Association (GIPA) and WGI regional and national championship competitions.

While the HIPE ensemble doesn’t intend to compete in 2021, members and directors are hopeful that their exhibition season will feature a video performance, local shows at Harrison’s feeder middle schools and, perhaps, other outdoor public venues.

Harrison’s HIPE unit is directed by Jeffery Hope and Colby Kuzontkoski. HIPE section leaders for 2021 are seniors Emily Balentine and Xavier Bryant.

Xavier Bryant and Emily Balentine are the senior section leaders of the 2021 Harrison Indoor Percussion Ensemble — HIPE.

And All That Jazz

While there are no competitive events for Harrison’s Jazz Band Ensembles, these groups of dedicated musicians expand their experiences by exploring the inventive and fun world of jazz. Practicing for several hours each Monday under the guidance of band directors Josh Ray and Johnathan Grogan, Harrison’s two jazz ensembles learn and perform a variety of jazz subgenres, including Southern, swing, be-bop and fusion.

Seniors participating in 2021 Jazz Band are:

  • Emily Balentine, Percussion
  • Carson Bell, Trumpet
  • Chloe Campisano, Alto Saxophone
  • Carson Lewis, Clarinet
  • Colin Mabry, Alto Saxophone
  • Marley Mahon, Trumpet
  • Ben Thornton, Tenor Saxophone

Pops in the Park

To showcase their talents and progress, all our spring  ensembles are looking forward to Saturday, May 1, when Harrison High Band Boosters is planning a blow-out, year-end version of the annual Pops in the Park concert. For 2021, our Pops in the Park will be supersized to feature HIPE, Jazz Band, Winter Guard, other small group ensembles, and our feeder school bands. Look for more details about this event In the near future.

Jazz ensembles learn and perform a variety of jazz subgenres, including Southern, swing, be-bop and fusion. They hope to perform with other ensembles and bands at the 2021 Pops in the Park.

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.

Winter Guard Prepares for 2021 Season

By
Heather McBride
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0

It’s beginning to look a lot like Winter Guard season.

Harrison’s Winter Guard received clearance from county and school administrators to proceed with a competitive season for 2021, and the competition schedule is taking shape. Guard tentatively is scheduled to compete March 6 at East Coweta, March 13th at River Ridge, and March 27 at the SAPA Championship.

Harrison’s Winter Guard squad began rehearsals in early December, with visions of a 2021 season dancing in their heads. Now that approval has been granted for a 2021 season, those dreams are beginning to look like reality.

Flying Our Guard Flag

Since early December, the 18-member Harrison Winter Guard has been rehearsing in the Harrison gyms several nights each week, working on a new routine they plan to perform in 2021 Southern Association of Performance Arts (SAPA) and Winter Guard International (WGI) events.  Details of the theme and show remain under close – ugh – guard until being revealed at the first competition.

While the theme and details of the 2021 Guard show remains a closely guarded secret, there’s absolutely no mystery that each Guard member is determined to master the choreography, twists, turns and throws that are the hallmark of Winter Guard shows. Now that the season is looking like a reality rather than a dream, rehearsals are taking on a more serious tone. Turns are a bit tighter, twirling is more consistent and those famous flying flags are being tossed and caught crisply.

Rehearsals are taking on a more serious tone and those famous flying flags are being tossed and caught crisply.

2021 Guard Leadership

Harrison’s Winter Guard is directed by Austin Price, in his first year as director. Captains are Serenidy Benton, Itzannel Campos, AnnaBelle DeHaas, and Isabella Parker. Equipment Managers are Sarah Grace Bates, Sarah Collins, Jillian Howell and Nancy McBride. Isabella Parker is the Guard’s sole senior this season, now in her third year of Winter Guard performance.

Who are those masked people? 2021 Winter Guard officers, including: Front row sitting, captains, Itza Campos, Serenidy Benton, Annabelle DeHaas, and Isabella Parker. Back row standing are equipment managers Jillian Howell, Nancy McBride, Sarah Collins, and Sara Grace Bates.

The announcement of the 2021 Guard season is particularly exciting to the returning members who experienced the abrupt end to last year’s season due to Covid-19.  The cancellation announcement came after Guard captured a first-place finish with its grunge-music Mix Tape routine at the Arts in Motion competition and was preparing to travel to Dayton, OH, for the WGI Championships.

Isabella Parker is the lone senior in the 2021 Harrison Winter Guard.

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.

Following tradition, details of the 2021 show and theme remain a closely guarded secret until the first competition.

Join the Harrison Bands Program

By
Heather McBride
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0

By joining Harrison Bands, you’re establishing an instant on-campus network of friends and classmates who share your passion for music, performance and achievement. Our national award-winning Hoya Marching Band performs at football games and regularly competes in local, regional and Bands of America Grand National Championships. Plus our concert and symphonic bands, small group ensembles and our guard are regionally and nationally recognized for their outstanding achievements.

Videos: Harrison band members talk about why they joined, what they love, and more.

No Music or Band Experience Necessary

While most students who join Harrison Bands have music and performance background from Middle School band, we welcome all students who are interested. For those who play keyboards, guitar or bass guitar, our front ensemble is a perfect option. Our Color Guard and Winter Guard welcome those who have an interest in music, dance, drill, acrobatics, gymnastics, or cheering — with or without prior experience. And Harrison Bands always is open to starting students on new instruments to pursue their musical passion.

Join an Ensemble

Our ensembles offer students year-round opportunities, featuring a variety of different music and performance styles. Interested in larger performing groups offering musical variety. Then check out concert band, symphonic band, and fall wind symphony. For our most accomplished musicians and those seeking growth, wind ensemble is a year-round program featuring collegiate and professional level music. Looking for a shorter extracurricular music season with lots of fun? One of our multiple jazz bands may be for you! Feeling the beat? Check out HIPE — our Harrison Indoor Performance Ensemble. And if you want to explore musical performance without playing an instrument, the fall color guard and spring winter guard members shine through drill, dance, choreography and dramatic routines.

Music and Competition

In our competitive marching band, you gain experience as a performing musician and you’re part of a Harrison team competing against other schools. Harrison is a two-time Bands of America Grand National Champion (2015, 2013) in Class 3-A, and a three-time BOA Grand Nats finalist (2015, 2013, 2007). In 2018, Harrison was a BOA Super Regional Finalist in Jacksonville, FL.  In 2019, Harrison was the overall and class 3-A champion at the Kennesaw Invitational Marching Competition among 10 bands, and the BOA Regional Championship among 22 bands from six Southeastern states. The Hoyas completed the 2019 marching season by making the semifinals and finishing 14th overall in Indianapolis for the 2019 Grand National Championships!

The Harrison Hoya Marching Band performs its 2019 show, Restricted: Area 51

Leadership and Scholarship

Harrison Band members are leaders at school who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. Band members master time management, devoting long hours to band practice while attaining a higher-than-school average GPA. Harrison band members score better than their peers on standard college placement tests.  They receive music and academic scholarships at a higher rate than other Harrison students. And with our national reputation, many alumni earn college scholarships and financial benefits by joining university marching bands throughout Georgia and the US.

Friendship and Fun

Band friends are fun, and friends for life. Our band members share great experiences at school, during practice, at summer camp, and while traveling together. In recent years, the Hoya Marching Band traveled to Indianapolis, Jacksonville and Orlando for national and regional competitions, plus performed in New York at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And many band alumni remain friends in college and throughout their adult lives.

Harrison Marching Band performs at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

Parents Guide to Harrison Bands

When your student joins Harrison Bands, you’re part of the family, too. As the parent of a new band member, our New Parents Guide to Harrison Bands will help you understand all the activities, events, engagements, requirements and deadlines. We update this as the season goes along.

Our New Parents Guides is an almost-everything-you-need-to-know roadmap for parents of new members — written by parents who have been there before!

HHBB Newsletter

Harrison High Band Boosters publishes a regular newsletter for our parents and supporters.  Read it any time to stay more fully informed about all aspects of Harrison Bands activities.

More for Undecided Parents and Students

Still not sure if band is the right choice for your future ? Here are a few more resources you may want to check out to help you decide:

Join the Future Parent Mailing List

Band enrollments occur in Spring 2020. To learn more about joining the band, let us know you’re interested, and get all the latest updates on HHS Bands, subscribe to our Future Parents E-Mail List.

2020: A Series of Unpredictable Events

By
Heather McBride
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0

Jump to Band Show History Timeline

From the start, 2020 delivered a series of unusual circumstances to our community, schools and Harrison Marching Band, challenging band members, parents, directors and our entire extended band family with unprecedented obstacles to organizing, fielding and completing the marching season.

A year before, who could have envisioned virtual band camp, pre-practice health checks, socially distanced football game performances and covering brass instrument bells?

Navigating uncertainty, changing protocols and cancellations of all competitions, our Harrison Hoya band worked through it all, patiently and together. A year before, who could have envisioned virtual band camp, pre-practice health checks, socially distanced football game performances and covering brass instrument bells? After attending Grand National Championships, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and traveling to multiple states for top competitions, how would a season limited to performing pep music solely at home games from end-zone bleachers compare?

From July through November, more than 140 dedicated, committed Harrison Hoya band members, focused on the music, marching, performance and team spirit.

But there they were, from July through November, more than 140 dedicated, committed Harrison Hoya band members, focused on the music, marching, performance and team spirit. Wearing masks. Exchanging distanced high-fives and air kisses. Spicing up practices with lip sync battles and dance routines. High school kids doing what high school kids always do – inventing and creating fun experiences together.

After attending Grand National Championships, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and traveling to multiple states for top competitions, how would a season limited to performing pep music from end-zone bleachers compare? Hoyas showed commitment and courage to overcome all these unusual challenges

Proud and Thankful

“We are incredibly proud of and thankful to all our members who endured a season like no other before,” said Josh Ray, director of bands at Harrison High School.  “Usually, we start the year with band camp, then progress into football games and competitions, with our new members getting to know our band family in-person and our experienced members renewing musical and personal friendships.  In 2020, everyone stuck with us as we all navigated the uncertainty of these trying times. From virtual band camp to socially distanced practices, through the cancellation of our marching competitions to playing together in classes and pep band performances, these students showed commitment and courage to overcome all these unusual challenges.”

High school kids doing what high school kids always do – inventing and creating fun experiences together.

“We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to all our parents, who supported them and our Harrison Bands program throughout this journey. We understand that band is a huge commitment for our members and their entire families, and we owe our parents and families a debt of gratitude for their confidence in our program.,” Ray concluded.

Outstanding Contributions

All members worked diligently and contributed during these unusual circumstances, special credit and appreciation, and we want to acknowledge our entire band in four distinct groups:

Our outstanding band leaders proved their dedication and displayed exactly why they were selected as leaders even before the extent of the challenge were known.
  • Band Leaders, Section Leaders, Captain and Committee Members. Throughout the ever-changing challenges, our outstanding 2020 band leaders proved their dedication and displayed exactly why they were selected as leaders even before the extent of the challenge were known.
  • Seniors. Always the backbone of the marching band and expected to set the right example for newcomers, 2020 seniors were shining stars. They could have displayed disappointment with the crazy times and cancellations. Instead, they provided motivation, encouragement and support for all our members.
  • Returning Members. Overall, our numbers were down slightly, but the overwhelming majority of our members returned even after we knew 2020 was going to be very different. Returning members are the heart of the band each year, and they showed their heart with dedication, excellence and pride.
  • First-Timers. While others had experience with how our band family pulls together and supports each other, our new members made a leap of faith to join the band during the chaos. As expected, our experienced members took extra care to welcome, connect with and mentor our rookies, making them feel comfortable in the band environment and assisting with the trying transition from middle to high school. Thanking them for their confidence and courage we look forward to having them back for what we hope is a real marching season in 2021.
Always the backbone of the marching band and expected to set the right example for newcomers, 2020 seniors were shining stars.

A Sense of Normalcy, Belonging

While the environment around them was chaotic and the times unprecedented, one of the most satisfying outcomes of the year was hearing band members describe how marching band brought a feeling of normalcy to the disruptions. In an average year, we don’t often hear band members expressing eagerness to attend long afternoon practices to march repetitive routines on hot asphalt. But in 2020, the desire for belonging and togetherness, a craving of routine, brought our students together while many of the usual experiences were suspended.

In an average year, we don’t often hear band members expressing eagerness to attend long afternoon practices, marching repetitive routines on hot asphalt.
Wearing masks. and exchanging distanced high-fives and air kisses., the band brought music, energy and enthusiasm to the 2020 football season from stands in the endzone.
Spicing up practices with lip sync battles, dance routines and spirited section showdowns, our band lived the tradition of dedication, excellence and pride.
Despite disruptions and disappointments, we carried on key traditions throughout the season. One we all cherish: Our football Hoyas paying tribute and thanking the marching band for their support and spirit.

What About 2021

We’re already beginning our 2021 planning — eagerly looking forward to a return to marching, halftime performances and competition. Regardless of what the year brings, we are certain of one thing:

WE WILL #MARCHON

Harrison Bands Honors 2020 Marching Seniors

By
Heather McBride
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0

Harrison Bands recognized 23 senior members of the 2020 Marching and Pep Band at ceremonies September 18 at Harrison High School.

Band members, their parents and families were hosted by Harrison High Band Boosters at a pregame reception, then introduced at halftime of the Harrison-Langston Hughes football game at Cobbleigh Stadium.

“We are extremely proud of this senior class of marchers,” said Josh Ray, director of Harrison Bands. “Most of them participated with us at Grand National Championships last year in Indianapolis, then returned in 2020 despite the uncertainties and limitations we are enduring due to the pandemic. They have demonstrated strong commitment to the band program and their own musical development, while also providing outstanding senior leadership to our band members and program.”

Video of the 2020 Senior Night, featuring 23 marching seniors from Harrison Bands

2020 Harrison Bands seniors and supporting family members recognized during the events included:

  • Emily Balentine, Percussion, supported by Jeannie and David Balentine
  • Carson Bell, Trumpet, supported by Wendy and Montgomery Bell
  • Elizabeth Bell, Flute, supported by Heather and Jonathan Bell
  • Anna Brown, Drum Major, supported by Barbara and H. Allen Brown
  • Xavier Bryant, Percussion, supported by Eric Bryant and Shonnie Roberson
  • Chloe Campisano, Alto Sax, supported by Alison and Mario Campisano
  • Madison Clark, Bb Clarinet, supported by Lara and Rob Clark
  • Mackenzie Fuller, Flute, supported by Amy and Stephen Fuller
  • Tuana Gitonga, Mellophone, supported by Lucy and Isaac Gitonga
  • Amelia Goldfine, Color Guard, supported by Kim Elias and Michael Tedesco
  • Claire Herring, Flute, supported by Lisa and Michael Herring
  • Carson Lewis, Bb Clarinet, supported by Candice and Brian Lewis
  • Briana Long, Alto Sax, supported by Carrol and Anthony Long
  • Colin Mabry, Alto Sax, supported by Marianne and Tom Mabry
  • Marley Mahon, Mellophone, supported by Mary and Timothy Mahon
  • Virginia Mossburg, Color Guard, supported by Serena and Geoff Mossburg
  • Emily O’Connell, Trumpet, supported by Kelli and Patrick O’Connell
  • Isabella Parker, Color Guard, supported by Karen and David Parker
  • Joshua Paul, Percussion, supported by Laurie and Chip Paul
  • Sarah Potvin, Percussion, supported by Deirdre Kelly and James Potvin
  • Kennedy Tasch, Flute, supported by Krista and Michael Tasch
  • Dawson Templin, Baritone Sax, supported by Dionna and Kevin Templin
  • Benjamin Thornton, Tenor Sax, supported by Sara Johnson and Chris Thornton

About Harrison High School Marching Band:
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.

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