The award-winning Harrison High School Marching Band reached the semi-finals of the prestigious Bands of American Grand Nationals Championships, finishing 15th overall in the marching band equivalent of March Madness.
The elite competition featured nearly 100 bands from throughout the United States, most of which already had been recognized among the top performance bands in 2019 regional and super-regional competitions. The Harrison High School Marching band was one of two bands from Georgia competing in the 2019 event.
“We are so proud of this band and the desire, effort and dedication they demonstrated to delivering a national championship-caliber performance,” said Josh Ray, director of bands at Harrison. “After months of working together, this entire group delivered a special, magical show that created incredible memories for our students, band family, and everyone in attendance. We owe special gratitude to our 64 dedicated seniors, outstanding section leaders and amazing drum majors for their leadership and inspiration during our 2019 season — always holding us together, with dedication, excellence and pride.”
In two outstanding performances at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN, the Marching Hoyas featured their 2019 show, “Restricted: Area 51.” Delivering a truly-unique performance, Harrison’s show featured intricate marching, powerful music, graceful color guard routines, camouflage uniform enhancements, amazing moving props, and proof of alien life. Set in one of the world’s most secure military bases, the band told the story of a quiet day turned topsy-turvy by an intruder alert, ultimately revealing secrets about the base and its out-of-this-world occupants. Lead by Drum Majors Anna Brown, Ruthie Newton and Madelyn Tanner, this year’s show featured music from Independence Day, Terminator, and The X-Files.
Prior to traveling to 2019 Grand Nationals, the Harrison Band achieved first-place finishes in two area and regional competitions. The band earned top honors among bands from six southeastern states at the Bands of America Powder Springs Regional competition. In addition to capturing the coveted First Overall position, the Harrison Band was awarded:
- First place in Class AAAA, the category for the schools with the largest enrollments.
- First in Visual Performance, which evaluates the performance of ensembles and individuals for marching artistry and execution, and
- First in General Effect, recognizing the band’s effectiveness in combined individual and ensemble music and visual performances.
Harrison also won the Kennesaw Mountain Marching Invitational competition among bands from three states.
In previous Grand National Championship appearances, Harrison Bands has been named Bands of America Grand National Class Champion in 2015 and 2013, and has been a Grand Nationals finalist in 2015, 2013 and 2007.
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
