It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of one of our own, Ava Derbecker.
Ava was a member of the Carrollton Middle School Band, where she played flute in the front row. She was full of life, a joy to work with, and brought a positive spirit to every rehearsal. Ava got along with everyone, participated enthusiastically, and always gave her best effort.
We loved hearing her stories and watching her balance band and soccer. It was clear from the way she talked about her games that she absolutely loved the sport. Her enthusiasm, kindness, and bright personality made a lasting impact on our band family.
Tragically, Ava and her little brother, Faris, passed away following a serious car accident. Our hearts are broken for the Derbecker family, their friends, classmates, teammates, and all who knew and loved them.
Please keep Ava’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time, and take a moment to hug your loved ones a little tighter.
For Ava and Faris’s official obituary and information about supporting the Derbecker family, please visit:
Hightower Family Funeral Home Obituary for Ava and Faris Derbecker
THIS WEEK (6/22 – 6/27) • CHS School Announcements
- Monday: Leadership Camp | 8:00AM – 12:00PM
- Tuesday: Leadership Camp | 8:00AM – 10:00AM (updated)
- Wednesday: Leadership Camp | 8:00AM – 12:00PM
- Uniform Fittings | Make an Appointment | 4:00PM – 7:00PM |Volunteers Needed
- Thursday: Percussion Clinic
- All Percussion | 8:00 AM – 12:00; 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: School Closed on Fridays in the Summer
- Saturday: Band Room Clean-Up Day | 8:00AM – 12:00PM | Volunteer Here
NEXT WEEK Preview (6/29 – 7/4)
- Monday: Open – Enjoy your Summer!
- Tuesday: Open – Enjoy your Summer!
- Wednesday: Uniform Fittings | Make an Appointment | 4:00PM – 6:30PM |Volunteers Needed
- Thursday: Open – Enjoy your Summer!
- Friday: Parade Practice | 4th of July Parade Participants | 9:00AM – 12:00PM
- Saturday: 4th of July Parade
4th of July Parade Information
Practice on July 3 at Carrollton HS
- 9:00 AM | Welcome | Band Room at Carrollton High School
- 9:15 AM | Sectionals
- 10:00 AM | Break • Water is available in the band room lobby and right outside the MAC
- 10:20 AM | Winds and Percussion • Mabry Arts Center (MAC) Stage (Guard still on Skinner Field)
- 11:00 AM | Break
- 11:10 AM | Full Ensemble on Track in Grisham Stadium
- 11:50 AM | Dismiss to enjoy a cold snack and to get your T-Shirts
Performance
- 9:00 AM | Report to North Cliff Street behind United Community Bank, wearing your parade uniform. Leave your instrument case with your pents or in the equipment trailer
Parade Uniform: Parade Shirt, Black Shorts, Tennis Shoes, and Instrument/Equipment | Sunglasses are OK, please no hats.
- 10:00 AM | Parade steps off at 10:00 AM, and we should be finished around 10:45-11:00 AM
- 11:00 AM | Parents pick you up in the Robinson’s Salvage Parking Lot (Old K-Mart)
We recommend parents watch the parade towards the end, closer to Robinson Salvage, for easier traffic and pick-up.
Waters will be provided before and after the parade.
Consistently drink water days before the parade so that you are already hydrated before participating.
Parade Route: North Cliff Street staging area, turn right on Alabama Street, continue on Bankhead Highway to the Robinson Salvage Parking Lot (Disband area).
DCI 2026 Week 2
by Reese Roenigk (sophomore, clarinet)
Final Show Reveals
The Blue Devils have finally released their show to the public, titled ZEI, meaning lives, or is alive in Greek. Their story portrays not just the fall of Icarus, but it follows a more important question: What if the meaning of the story isn’t about his hubris and that he fell from the sky, burning like a meteor, but that we kept dreaming of flight? Their show portrays that one’s downfall, one’s descent from greatness, isn’t the lesson to learn, but that the boundaries that we once thought kept us shackled to the Earth are broken, and now we soar.
“Aspiration is always worth something,
even when failure is inevitable.”
Corp Spotlight: CAROLINA CROWN
CHS Trojan Band crowd favorite, Carolina Crown, is back! Yesterday (June 20th), at CrownLive, the Corp released a video showcasing parts of their 2026 production. As of right now, no official title has been given to the public, but particular teaser images have led many fans to believe there are heavy cosmic and space themes within the show.
Looking back on previous years’ performances, Carolina Crown dominated the DCI space. They have consistently made it to the finals, and many times become a top 3 contender, with fans all over the world saying that one of the top seats is already reserved for Carolina Crown.
When asking various questions and opinions about the Corp, I got the same main theme over and over again. B R A S S. The Corps’ musicality, identity, and power reside in their brass sections. The power and might resonate from their lead trumpets piercing the stratosphere, all the way to their contras blasting pedal tones.
Although Carolina Crown isn’t my personal favorite, its ability to bring together hundreds of world-class musicians has my immense respect.
What sets DCI apart? (#2)
99 percent of the time, Drum Corps do not have woodwinds regularly marching. There will be the occasional saxophone or oboe solo performed from the sideline, but never any full-time players. This is because the conditions the members of DCI have to rehearse in, day after day, are too hot and demanding for woodwind instruments. It is legitimately too hardcore for woodwinds. The instruments would crack and break under the pressure, something mellophones and trumpets don’t have to worry about.
But this doesn’t mean if you spent 4 years already learning Alto Saxophone and you’re now hearing about DCI and want to join, you can’t because you don’t play percussion or know how to play a brass instrument. Several of the principal players in Carolina Crown, Phantom Regiment, Boston Crusaders, etc play woodwind instruments and taught themselves how to play their brass instruments, just to challenge themselves even more.
Leadership Lessons
We, as woodwind marching band members, can look up to and aspire to be like the woodwind players who swapped instruments to perform in DCI. Not so that we all choose to swap to brass instruments, but so we can work hard and HUSTLE to be the best flutes, clarinets, and saxophones that the marching band needs.
Our marching show has been unofficially dubbed by our students a “woodwind show” due to its use of four unique woodwind solos and absolutely ZERO brass solos. And infamously, woodwinds are VERY hard to hear in a marching setting. So our woodwinds, including me, need to take inspiration from the professionals in DCI and work hard to have that same brass presence.
Looking Ahead
We are still looking for final show reveals, official title drops, and finally, we might start seeing official videos of the Corps performing, and even unofficial leaks from members showing sneak peeks to the world.
Health Class – Keep at it
eADAP Certificates were due a couple of weeks ago, but I understand that many families may have been on vacation. If your child has not completed this task, please prioritize it this week. Also, if your child has not been able to access the course in Edgenuity, please contact me immediately so that I can assist with getting them into the class.
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.
Band Room Clean Up Day | June 27 | 8:00AM – 12:00PM
Come out on June 27 and help us prep for our upcoming 4th of July parade and Band Camp! Areas that will need to be cleaned and organized.
- Band Castle
- Freezer room
- Guard/Uniform room
- Percussion Room
- Garage
- Sweeping, mopping, dusting, prep first aid kits, sort items, etc.If you’re a new band member or parent, this is a great time to meet other members and parents.Signup and more details at this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AEAF23A4F8C25-64411428-627
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.
June
- 22 • Leadership Camp | 8:00AM – 12:00PM
- 23 • Leadership Camp | 8:00AM – 10:00AM
- 24 • Leadership Camp | 8:00AM – 12:00PM
- 24 • Uniform Fittings | Any Members | 4:00PM – 7:00PM |Volunteers Needed | Make an Appointment
- 25 • All Percussion | 8:00 AM – 12:00; 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- 27 • Band Room Clean Up Day | 8:00AM – 12:00PM | Volunteers Needed
July
- 3 • 4th of July Parade Practice | 9:00AM – 12:00PM | Volunteers Neeed
- 4 • 4th of July Parade | Report to United Community Bank by 9:00AM | Volunteers Needed
- 10 • Uniform Fittings | Any Members | 10:30AM – 2:30PM | Volunteers Needed
- 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 | Rain Date October 6
- 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
- 8 • Full Band 3:45PM – 5:00PM | Grisham or SAC
- 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 | Report 6:15PM In Uniform
- 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
- 9 • 2nd Round All-State Auditions | Union Grove HS
- 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
- 28 • Band BBQ Clean Up and Set Up Day | 4:00PM – 6:00PM | Volunteers Needed
- 29 • Band BBQ | Volunteers Needed | Performances start at 6:00PM
May
- 4 • Spring Concert | 7:00PM | MAC
- 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