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Last week of school!

As the school year comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Carrollton High School Class of 2026. Graduation is always a meaningful milestone, and we are incredibly proud of the hard work, growth, leadership, and perseverance these students have demonstrated throughout their journey.

A special thank you to the parents and families who helped support our band students during the graduation ceremony by providing food, drinks, and encouragement throughout a long and busy day. Your generosity and care helped create a positive experience for everyone involved, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support of our program.

We also want to recognize the student musicians who performed for the ceremony. Even after a demanding year filled with rehearsals, performances, competitions, concerts, and celebrations, you continued to serve your school and community with excellence. Your willingness to give back and be part of such an important occasion speaks volumes about your character and commitment. You looked and sounded outstanding, and added professionalism and elegance to the ceremony.

Moments like these remind us that band is about far more than performances and awards. It is about community, service, leadership, and people coming together to support one another. Thank you to everyone who helped make graduation a memorable and successful celebration for the Class of 2026.

More about our Class of 2026

Last Friday, 38 members of the Carrollton High School Trojan Band walked across the graduation stage and officially became alumni of our program. While graduation marked the end of their high school careers, it also served as a celebration of the incredible impact this senior class has had on our students, our school, and our community over the past four years.

The Trojan Band Class of 2026 leaves behind far more than performances, awards, and accomplishments. They leave behind a legacy of leadership, friendship, resilience, service, and excellence that has helped shape the heart and culture of our program.

Collectively, members of the Class of 2026 earned more than $665,000 in scholarships and grants, while earning acceptance into colleges, universities, conservatories, technical programs, and military opportunities across the country. Seniors were accepted to schools including Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, Northwestern University, Boston University, Grinnell College, Mercer University, Jacksonville State University, Kennesaw State University, University of West Georgia, Auburn University, Georgia State University, and many others throughout the United States.

Their future plans reflect the incredible diversity of talent and passion within this class. Students will pursue careers in engineering, nursing, music education, music therapy, computer science, biology, psychology, accounting, construction management, audio engineering, networking, surgical technology, forensic pathology, education, and military service.

Throughout their years in the Trojan Band program, these seniors embodied what we mean when we say HUSTLE — Humility, Scholarship, Trust, Leadership, and Excellence. Those values were reflected not only in performances and accolades, but in the way this class treated one another, supported younger students, and represented Carrollton each day.

This class included Drum Majors, section leaders, Winterguard captains, media specialists, Band Captain, Spirit Captain, student organization leaders, honor graduates, AP Scholars, National Merit honorees, varsity athletes, dancers, esports champions, speech and debate leaders, and students who quietly served behind the scenes every single day. Some students led from the podium or front sideline, while others led through consistency, encouragement, reliability, and a willingness to serve wherever needed.

Their commitment to scholarship and personal growth was equally impressive. Students balanced AP coursework, dual enrollment, honor societies, athletics, community service, demanding rehearsal schedules, and countless performances throughout their high school careers. Jackson Mullins balanced dual enrollment at both UWG and Georgia Institute of Technology while remaining active in band leadership and state championship esports competition. Marie Fujita-Block distinguished herself through achievements including Governor’s Honors participation, National Merit recognition, All-State Band, and years of dedication to dance and the arts.

Other students helped shape the culture of our school community in unique ways. Makaila York founded the Asian Heritage Appreciation Society at CHS to celebrate and share culture with others while remaining deeply involved in marching band and Wind Ensemble. Ari Davis graduated a year early while serving as Audio Crew Captain and will continue pursuing his passion through Audio Engineering studies at Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences.

This class also demonstrated remarkable resilience and compassion. Wilfredo Bonilla-Canales earned a place on the snare line while primarily being a clarinet player, continuing to pursue excellence even after overcoming injury and unexpected setbacks. Several seniors shared aspirations centered on serving others — from nursing and mental health advocacy to music education and military service. Dana Ledbetter hopes to become a NICU nurse, while Lucas Priest plans to study psychology with aspirations of becoming a psychiatrist and mental health advocate.

Over the last four years, these seniors performed at football games, concerts, competitions, parades, honor bands, showcases, and community events. They celebrated victories together, pushed through challenges together, and helped create traditions and memories that will continue to shape this program for years to come.

More than anything else, this class embraced growth. They learned how to lead, how to trust one another, how to persevere through adversity, and how to pursue excellence while remaining humble enough to continue improving every day. Their impact on this program reaches far beyond trophies or performances — it lives in the culture they helped create and the example they leave behind for future generations of Trojan Band students.

To the Trojan Band Class of 2026: thank you for your commitment, your leadership, your resilience, and the legacy you leave behind. We are proud of each of you and excited to watch what comes next.

No matter where life takes you, you will always be part of the Trojan Band family.

Once my band, always my band. Congratulations, Class of 2026

This Week (5/18 – 5/22) at a Glance • CHS School Announcements

  • Monday: Final 3 Days of School
    • New Member Camp 4:00PM – 6:00PM | Band Room
  • Tuesday: Finals 1st and 2nd Block| Early Release @ 12:30 PM
    • New Member Camp 4:00PM – 6:00PM| Band Room
    • Colorguard Rehearsal | 1:00PM – 5:00PM
  • Wednesday: Finals 3rd and 4th Block | Early Release @ 12:30 PM | Final Day of SY25-26
  • Thursday: Post Planning – No School | Happy Summer!
    • Colorguard Rehearsal | 1:00PM – 5:00PM
  • Friday: Post Planning – No School | Happy Summer!

NEXT WEEK Preview (5/25-5/29)

  • Monday: Memorial Day – School Closed
  • Tuesday: Colorguard Rehearsal 1:00PM – 5:00PM
  • Wednesday:
  • Thursday: Colorguard Rehearsal | 1:00PM – 5:00PM
    • Colorguard Cookout 6:00PM – 7:00PM
  • Friday: Deadline to sign up for the 4th of July Parade
    • School is closed on Fridays during the summer
https://canva.link/4thofJulyParade

2026 – 2027 Leadership Team

As we share leadership selections and chair placements for the upcoming year, I want every student to know how proud I am of the effort, preparation, and courage it took to audition and interview. These moments can bring excitement, pride, disappointment, and motivation all at the same time, and every one of those feelings is valid.

Please remember that a title or chair placement does not define your worth, your talent, or your importance to this program. What continues to make the Trojan Band special is the character, consistency, heart, and commitment our students show every single day.

Thank you for trusting the process, supporting one another, and continuing to pursue excellence together. I am genuinely thankful for each of you and excited for the growth ahead as we continue building something special together.

2026 Band Class Placements

Re-posting in case you missed it

2026 – 2027 Band Handbook • Be sure to read this. It has important dates, how to stay connected, and our fee schedule. The 1st payment was due last Friday, but RevTrak was acting up. You can use this link to pay your fees this week.

UPCOMING 9th GRADERS – Info on the Health Class

Marching Band participation is required to be eligible to take the health class online. Students who finish their online health and participate in the marching band will receive their required credit for Health and PE.

CALENDAR

CALENDAR • Please check www.chstrojanband.com/calendar regularly for updates. We highly recommend syncing the calendar to your phone.

Percussion Camps: June 4, 11, 18 • Snares/Tenors/Flubs/Marimba 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Bass Drums 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Vibraphones 2:00 PM – 5:30 | June 25 • All Percussion, 8:00 AM – 12:00; 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Guard Camps: May 5, 7, 12, 14 • 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | May 19, 21, 26, and 28 • 1:00 – 5:00 PM |May 28• Guard BBQ 5 PM -7 PM |June 1 – 4 • Summer Spin Clinic/Rookie Camp 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. 

4th of July Parade Practice: July 3, 2026 • 9:00AM – 12:00PM • Parade is on July 4 • 10:00AM* Register by May 24, 2026. 

Band Camp Week 1: July 13 – 17, 2026 • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Required for all members
We will be joined by extra staff members so that students have an opportunity to learn from specialists on their instruments.  Students will not be permitted to leave campus.  Breakfast is available through our school, and we will provide lunch as well.  

Band Camp Week 2: July 20 – 24, 2026 • 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM • Required for all members
Members will be outside for most of the day.  Plan for hot weather and be sure to wear sunscreen and dress appropriately to battle the sun.   Camp will culminate in a parent preview performance on Friday evening.

Trojan Night: July 24, 2026 • 6:00 PM • Required for all members
Trojan Night is a preview performance of the marching show and a way for the students to show what they have learned during the band camps.  This is the beginning of the season family celebration, which includes great entertainment and a good meal.  Parent volunteers are needed for Trojan Night. Please let us know at booster meetings how you would like to participate.

*We will meet Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM the weeks of July 28 and Aug. 4 due to pre-planning.
Fall Weekly Rehearsal Schedule – Begins the week of July 29, 2025
Monday        3:45 PM – 6:15 PM
Tuesday        3:45 PM – 6:15 PM
Wednesday        No Practice
Thursday        6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Friday        Game

https://canva.link/4thofJulyParade

2026 – 2027 Marching Band Fees

2026 Marching Band Fees (for all woodwind, brass, and percussion students)  are crucial for our program to continue to function at the high level we have all come to expect. Fees pay for booster club membership, halftime show music, drill, band camp staff, seasonal staff, show shirts, meals at our 3 contests, exhibition, away games, and band camp lunches.  There may be special meals that have not been included, but most have.  Below is a list of other required items.  Most items can be reused from year to year as long as the students take care of their items.  

  • $75 School-owned instrument rental (per year) – if applicable Due 8/10/2026
  • $50 School-owned instrument rental (semester) – if applicable Due 1st Friday of each semester
  • $100 Band Jacket – (ordered during band camp – order as a rookie and is part of the uniform) Due 7/14/2026
  • $10 Garment Bag (ordered as a rookie) Due 7/14/2026
  • $15 Marching Shorts (first pair free, ordered as needed) Due 7/14/2026
  • $42 Marching Shoes (ordered as a rookie) Due 7/14/2026
  • $10 Black band shirt (ordered as a rookie and is part of the uniform) Due 8/10/2026
  • $10 White/Black Gloves (purchase as needed, part of the uniform) Due 8/10/2026
  • $5 Long Black Socks – can be purchased anywhere. Due 8/10/2026

*All band fees should be turned in to Ms. Dothard, the high school band secretary, and she will write you a receipt. We accept cash or money orders; the school no longer accepts checks.  Please drop payments off at the band room instead of mailing them so that we can provide you with a receipt. Or to save you a trip, you can pay your band fees online through the following website, which was set up by our school: https://carrolltonhs.revtrak.net/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=33. 

$300 Annual Marching Band Fees ($50 off for multiple-member families) Due dates below:

  • Friday, May 15, 2026 • Commitment Fee – $100.00 (Secures your spot in the halftime show) 
  • Monday, June 15, 2026 • 2nd installment due – $100.00 
  • Monday, July 13, 2026 • Final installment due – $100.00 
  • *A $25 late fee will be added for each month that a payment is past due.  

Colorguard Payment Schedule: $500.00 ($50 off for multiple-member families)• Due dates below:

  • Friday, May 15, 2026 • Commitment Fee – $175.00 (Orders your uniform and secures a spot in the show) 
  • Monday, June 15, 2026 • 2nd installment due – $175.00 (Order your shoes and your equipment rental)
  • Monday, July 13, 2026 • Final installment due – $150.00 (Final portion of band fees) 
  • *A $25 late fee will be added for each month that a payment is past due. 

Additional Required Color Guard Items

*All band fees should be turned in to Ms. Dothard, the high school band secretary, and she will write you a receipt. We accept cash or money orders; the school no longer accepts checks.  Please drop payments off at the band room instead of mailing them so that we can provide you with a receipt. Or to save you a trip, you can pay your band fees online through the following website, which was set up by our school: https://carrolltonhs.revtrak.net/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=33.

Upcoming Events | Please Share

Trojan Band families — we need your help spreading the word! Fliers for events will be added soon. Thank you for sharing them regularly to assist in keeping our community aware of upcoming events.

CALENDAR

Be sure to subscribe to the calendar • www.chstrojanband.com/calendar. All you have to do is click the “Add to Google Calendar” at the bottom after visiting http://www.chstrojanband.com/calendar to subscribe. I tried to list as many events as possible. We will also continue to highlight the Week at a Glance and a preview of the next week to keep all families aware of what is upcoming.

May

  • 18 • New Member Camp • 4:00PM – 6:00PM • Band Room
  • 19 • Early Release 12:30PM
    • New Member Camp • 4:00PM – 6:00PM • Band Room
    • Colorguard 1:00PM – 5:00PM (HS Students)
  • 20 • Early Release 12:30PM | Last Day School
  • 21 • Colorguard 1:00PM – 5:00PM
  • 25 • Memorial Day | Schools Closed
  • 26 • Colorguard 1:00PM – 5:00PM
  • 28 • Colorguard 1:00PM – 5:00PM | Colorguard Cookout 6:00PM – 7:00PM

June

  • 1 • Colorguard Summer Spin Clinic 8:00AM – 12:00PM
  • 2 • Colorguard Summer Spin Clinic 8:00AM – 12:00PM
  • 3 • Colorguard Summer Spin Clinic 8:00AM – 12:00PM
  • 4 • Colorguard Summer Spin Clinic 8:00AM – 12:00PM
    • Percussion | Snares/Tenors/Flubs/Marimba 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Bass Drums 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Vibraphones 2:00 PM – 5:30
  • 11 • Percussion | Snares/Tenors/Flubs/Marimba 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Bass Drums 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Vibraphones 2:00 PM – 5:30
  • 18 • Percussion | Snares/Tenors/Flubs/Marimba 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Bass Drums 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Vibraphones 2:00 PM – 5:30
  • 22 • Leadership Camp | 8:00AM – 12:00PM
  • 23 • Leadership Camp | 8:00AM – 12:00PM
  • 24 • Leadership Camp | 8:00AM – 12:00PM
  • 25 • All Percussion | 8:00 AM – 12:00; 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • 28 • Band Room Clean Up Day | 8:00AM – 12:00PM | Volunteers Needed

July

  • 3 • 4th of July Parade Practice | 9:00AM – 12:00PM
  • 4 • 4th of July Parade | Report to United Community Bank by 10:00AM | Register by May 24, 2026
  • 13 • Band Camp Week 1 | 8:00AM – 5:00PM | Volunteers Needed
  • 14 • Band Camp Week 1 | 8:00AM – 5:00PM | Volunteers Needed
  • 15 • Band Camp Week 1 | 8:00AM – 5:00PM | Volunteers Needed
  • 16 • Band Camp Week 1 | 8:00AM – 5:00PM | Volunteers Needed
    • TEAM PHOTOS | 6:00PM • Students are released as they finish up
  • 17 • Band Camp Week 1 | 8:00AM – 5:00PM | Volunteers Needed
    • Band Pool Party | 5:30PM – 8:00PM | All Members are welcome! | Volunteers Needed
  • 19 • SENIOR FAMILY PHOTOS • 2:00PM – 6:00PM | SAC | 1st come, 1st served
  • 20 • Band Camp Week 2 | 8:00AM – 9:00PM | Volunteers Needed
  • 21 • Band Camp Week 2 | 8:00AM – 9:00PM | Volunteers Needed
  • 22 • Band Camp Week 2 | 8:00AM – 9:00PM | Volunteers Needed
  • 23 • Band Camp Week 2 | 8:00AM – 9:00PM | Volunteers Needed
  • 24 • Band Camp Week 2 | 8:00AM – 9:00PM | Volunteers Needed
    • Trojan Night 6:00PM | Preview Performane | Invite everyone | RSVP Here
  • 25 • DCI Atlanta | Leadership Outing | GSU Center Parc Stadium
  • 27 • Full Band | 6:00PM – 9:00PM
  • 28 • Full Band | 6:00PM – 9:00PM
  • 30 • Full Band | 6:00PM – 9:00PM

August

  • 3 • Full Band | 6:00PM – 9:00PM
  • 4 • Full Band | 6:00PM – 9:00PM
  • 6 • Full Band | 6:00PM – 9:00PM
  • 8 • DCI Finals Watch Party | 5:30PM – 11:30PM | Volunteers Needed
  • 10 • FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL | Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM
  • 11 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM | SAC
  • 13 • Full Band 6:00PM – 9:00PM | Grisham
  • 17 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM
    • Directors | GMEA District VII Meeting at 7:00PM | EPHS
  • 18 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM | SAC
  • 20 • Full Band 6:00PM – 9:00PM | Grisham
  • 21 • Away vs. Rome | 7:30PM | Barron Stadium | Volunteers Needed
  • 24 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM
  • 25 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM | SAC
  • 27 • Full Band 6:00PM – 9:00PM | Grisham
  • 28 • Home vs. Columbia | 7:30PM | Class of 2016 Reunion | Volunteers Needed
  • 31 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM

September

  • 1 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM | SAC
  • 3 • Full Band 6:00PM – 9:00PM | Grisham
  • 4 • Away vs. Catholic (LA) | Home Viewing Party in Grisham | TBD | Volunteers Needed
  • 7 • Labor Day | No School
  • 8 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM | SAC
  • 10 • Full Band 6:00PM – 9:00PM | Grisham
  • 11 • Home vs. Hapeville | 7:30PM | Class of 2001 Reunion | Volunteers Needed
  • 12 • Saturday Rehearsal | 1:00PM – 9:00PM | Volunteers Needed
  • 14 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM
  • 15 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM | SAC
  • 17 • Full Band 6:00PM – 9:00PM | Grisham
  • 18 • Home vs. West Charlotte (NC) | 7:30PM | Class of 1971 Reunion | Volunteers Needed
  • 21 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM
  • 22 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM | SAC
  • 24 • Full Band 6:00PM – 9:00PM | Grisham
  • 25 • Away vs. Archer | 7:30PM | Archer Community Stadium | Volunteers Needed
  • 26 • RING OF FIRE COMPETITION | All-Day | TBD | Sonoraville High School | Volunteers Needed
  • 28 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM
  • 29 • Carroll County Marching Exhibition | Central-Carroll High School | TBD
  • 30 • GMEA District Honor Jazz Auditions | TBD

October

  • 1 • Full Band 6:00PM – 9:00PM | Grisham
  • 2 • Full Band 3:45PM – 6:15PM | Grisham
  • 3 • SUPER BOWL OF SOUND COMPETITION | All-Day | TBD | Central-Carroll High School | Volunteers Needed
  • 9 • Away vs. Douglas County | 7:30PM | Douglas County High School | Volunteers Needed
  • 12 – 16 • Fall Break | No School
    • 16 • Home vs. Northgate High School | 7:30PM | Volunteers Needed
  • 22 • Full Band 6:00PM – 9:00PM | Grisham | Media Night in Uniform
  • 23 • Away vs. Westlake | 7:30PM | West Lake High School | Volunteers Needed
  • 24 • LEGACY OF CHAMPIONS HOME COMPETITION | All-Day | TBD | Volunteers Needed
  • 26 • Symphonic Band | 3:45PM – 6:00PM
  • 27 • Wind Ensemble | 3:45PM – 6:00PM
  • 29 • Concert Band | 3:45PM – 6:00PM
  • 30 • HOMECOMING vs. East Coweta | 7:30PM | Volunteers Needed

November

  • 2 • Symphonic Band | 3:45PM – 6:00PM
  • 3 • Wind Ensemble | 3:45PM – 6:00PM
  • 5 • Concert Band | 3:45PM – 6:00PM
  • 6 • OPEN | State Cross Country Meet
  • 10 • Veterans Day Concert | 7:00PM | MAC
  • 13 • Football Playoff 1 | TBD | Volunteers Needed
  • 14 • GMEA 2nd Round All-State Jazz Auditions | TBA
  • 19 • Band Auditions
  • 20 • Football Playoff 2 | TBD | Volunteers Needed
  • 23 – 27 • Thanksgiving Break | No School
    • 27 • Football Playoff Game 3 | TBD | Volunteers Needed

December

  • 4 • Football Playoff Game 4 | TBD | Volunteers Needed
  • 5 • Carrollton Holiday Wishes Parade | TBD | Band Christmas Party Following Parade | Volunteers Needed
  • 9 • Winter Concert Dress Rehearsal | 3:45PM – 6:00PM | MAC
  • 10 • Winter Concert | 7:00PM | MAC
  • 12 • GMEA 1st Round District Honor Band/All-State Auditions | East Paulding High School
  • 16 • Football Championship Game | TBD | Volunteers Needed
  • 17 • 1st Semester Finals 3rd and 4th Block
  • 18 • 1st Semester Finals 1st and 2nd Block | Early Release | 12:30PM | Final Day Semester 1

January

  • 4 • Teacher Workday | No School
  • 5 • 1st Day 2nd Semester
  • 18 • MLK Day | No School
    • MLK Parade | 11:00AM – 2:00PM | Volunteers Needed
  • 28 – 30 • GMEA In-Service Conference | All-State Jazz Band Clinic

February

  • 4 – 6 • GMEA District Honor Band | Ringgold, GA
  • 15 – 19 • Winter Break | No School

March

  • 2 • PRE-LGPE Concert | MAC | CB 7:30PM, SB 8:00PM, We 8:30PM
  • 4-6 • GMEA All-State Band | Classic Center, Athens, GA | TBD
  • 16 – 17 • HS LGPE | TBD
  • 18 -19 • MS LGPE | TBD
  • 25 • Winter Guard Friends and Family Show | 6:00PM | CHS Gym
  • 30 • Band Auditions

April

  • 5 – 9 • Spring Break | No School
  • 17 • Band Banquet
  • 19 • Directors GMEA District VII Meeting | Cartersville HS | 7:00PM
  • 20 • Jazz Performance Evaluations | Cartersville HS | TBD
  • 22 • Honors Night | MAC
  • 23 • Senior Breakfast
  • 24 • GMEA Solo and Ensemble | Paulding County HS | TBD
    • Prom
  • 27 • Marching Band Kick-Off Meeting | 7:00PM | All 2027-2028 Marching Band Members and Parents
  • 29 • Band BBQ | Volunteers Needed | Performances start at 6:00PM

May

  • 14 • Graduation | 7:00PM | Grisham Stadium | Band Performs (5:00PM Dinner)
  • 18 • 2nd Semester Finals 1st and 2nd • Early Release 12:30PM
  • 19 • 2nd Semester Finals 3rd and 4th • Early Release 12:30PM | Last Day of School

Categories: CHS Band