Band

Fifth Grade Band
The Fifth Grade Band is a class for students who wish to begin study of a wind or percussion instrument. This ensemble meets for 30 minutes, four days per week during the regular school day, and performs one evening concert and Elementary chapel concerts during the year.

Sixth Grade Beginning Band
The Sixth Grand Beginning Band serves students who wish to begin study of a wind or percussion instrument, or have one year of experience at the fifth grade level. This ensemble meets during second period and performs three concerts per year, including a “Sixth Grade Night” guest performance at a home football game. Students in this ensemble are eligible to audition for the District 13 Honor Band and the Georgia All-State Band.

Awards

• 7 District 13 First Year Honor Band students in 2023

The GAC Concert Band is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students who have prior experience playing a wind or percussion instrument. The Concert Band meets during fourth period and performs four concerts per year, including the Large Group Performance Evaluation administered by the Georgia Music Educators Association. Students in this ensemble are eligible to audition for the District 13 Honor Band and the Georgia All-State Band.

Awards

• 2023 - All Superiors at District 13 GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation
• 2022 - All Superiors at District 13 GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation
• 3 District 13 Honor Band Members in 2023
• 1 All-State Band Member in 2023

The GAC Jazz Band meets during spring semester and performs at several events including GAC band concerts, GMEA Jazz Performance Evaluation, and local community events. The ensemble is made up of 7th through 12th grade band members who practice two mornings per week. Their repertoire includes swing, Latin, and funk rock tunes. Students in this ensemble are eligible to audition for the Georgia All-State Jazz Band.

Awards

• 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 – All Superiors for Jazz Band at the Georgia Music Educators’ Association Ensemble Evaluation
• 2013 - Superior Rating, State Jazz Festival
• 2012 - Superior Rating, State Jazz Festival
• 2011 - Superior Rating, State Jazz Festival
• 2010 – Superior Rating, State Jazz Festival
• 2009 – Superior Rating, State Jazz Festival

The Marching Spartans is a group of 7th through 12th grade band and color guard members who prepare an original field show each fall season to be performed at football games and band competitions. They attend the GAC marching band camp prior to the start of the school year and practice two days per week during the fall semester. Students may earn a Varsity letter through participation in this ensemble.

Awards

• 2022 - LaFayette Marching Class: Superior: Percussion, Color Guard, Drum Major. Excellent: Band. 1st in Class: Percussion, Color Guard, Drum Major, Band. 
• 2021 - Superior: Danceline, Color Guard and Drumline. Excellent: Band. 1st overall in competition: Danceline. 2nd overall in class: Band. 2nd overall in class: Color Guard.
• 2017 – Invited to perform in the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland
• 2016 – Performed in the 85^th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade in Los Angeles, California
• 2015 – London New Year’s Day Parade in London, England

The Symphonic Band is GAC’s most accomplished ensemble serving mostly senior high wind and percussion musicians. The band’s repertoire includes both traditional and contemporary works for wind ensemble. This band meets during seventh period and performs four concerts per year, including the Large Group Performance Evaluation administered by the Georgia Music Educators Association. Students in this ensemble are eligible to audition for the District 13 Honor Band, the Georgia All-State Band, and the GISA All-Select Band.

Awards

• 2023 - All Superior ratings at GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation
• 2022 - All Superiors and Straight Ones, All Categories, Large Group Performance Evaluation
• 5 District Honor Band Members in 2023
• 2 All-State Band Members in 2023