Thank you SO MUCH to the parents and students who assisted during the band room clean-up day on Saturday. We had a great morning reorganizing sections of our storage room in the castle, our freezer room, and our garage. All coolers have been cleaned and sanitized, all stands have been tightened for the season, and all medical bags have been inventoried and will be restocked. It was a very productive morning, and we are so appreciative of the many hands!
Last week was another productive week of summer! Our leadership team met from Monday through Wednesday. We spent the morning discussing our summer, having leadership lessons, and providing service. Monday, we cleaned and assembled concert shells that are new to us. Tuesday, we prepared folders for the season, and on Wednesday, we assisted a resident with an emergency move. Thursday, our percussionists met as an ensemble and were able to play through Mvts 1 and 3 already! Then on Saturday, they returned after our band room clean-up day and headed to the East Carroll Gym to welcome home our Special Olympians who attended the national games in Minnesota this past week! It’s been an outstanding week of summer for our Trojan Band!
THIS WEEK (6/29 – 7/4) • CHS School Announcements
- Monday: Open – DRINK WATER | Enjoy your Summer!
- Tuesday: Open – DRINK WATER | Enjoy your Summer!
- Wednesday: Uniform Fittings | Make an Appointment | 4:00PM – 6:30PM |Volunteers Needed | DRINK WATER | Enjoy your Summer!
- Thursday: Open – DRINK WATER | Enjoy your Summer!
- Friday: Parade Practice | 4th of July Parade Participants | 9:00AM – 12:00PM
- Saturday: 4th of July Parade | Report by 9:00AM to UCB
- FREE Carroll Symphony Orchestra concert on the CES Lawn at 8:15 PM | Fireworks during finale at approximately 9:35 PM.
NEXT WEEK Preview (7/6 – 7/10)
- Monday: Open – Enjoy your Summer!
- Tuesday: Open – Enjoy your Summer!
- Wednesday: Open – Enjoy your Summer!
- Thursday: Open – Enjoy your Summer!
- Friday: Uniform Fittings | Make an Appointment | 10:30AM – 2:30PM | Volunteers Needed | Please enter from the upstairs door, the floors will be recently waxed and drying
Beyond the Band Hall
This past week, we had a student participate in the prestigious Interlochen Clarinet Intensive Camp. Selection for participation is by audition only, and this is McKeznie’s 2nd time participating. In addition to the incredible opportunities provided at Interlochen, McKenzie’s parents allowed her to fly to Michigan alone, allowing her to navigate the responsibilities of flying and providing another tremendous opportunity for growth. I asked McKenzie to please share about her experience at Interlochen, and below is what she shared. McKenzie, I am extremely proud of you. You continue to be a role model for all band members. I know traveling across the country to spend a week without your parents could be a scary experience. You handled it with maturity and have grown all the wiser because of it. Thank you for sharing this experience with all of us!
A Week of Growth at Interlochen Arts Camp
By McKenzie Swain (senior, clarinet)
This summer, I had the opportunity to attend the Clarinet Intensive at Interlochen Arts Camp in northern Michigan. The week-long program brought together talented high school clarinetists from around the country for an immersive experience focused on musicianship, chamber music, masterclasses, and workshops. It was an amazing opportunity to learn from world-class musicians while also experiencing life at one of the nation’s premier arts camps.
Most days consisted of masterclasses, chamber rehearsals, and focused workshops, with occasional group warm-up sessions that became one of my favorite parts of the day. They were a great way to ease into the morning before jumping into rehearsals and classes.
One of my favorite parts of the week was learning from so many different teachers, each with their own approach to teaching clarinet.
In our masterclasses, we learned a lot about what the inside of your mouth should look like while playing. In fact, Mr. Wayne had a mold of his own mouth that he used to explain how we should shape our oral cavity and where we should direct our air. It made something that can be hard to picture much easier to understand.
Zachary Good also taught an additional class about extended techniques. This class was super cool because he taught us how to play multiphonics, which I really enjoyed learning. He even performed a violin sonata that he had arranged himself using multiphonics, and it was amazing to hear.
Olivia Hamilton was my chamber coach, and I really enjoyed working with her. While it was cool to hear stories like, “I went to Juilliard and worked for years to get there,” I appreciated Olivia’s story because it felt more relatable. Her path was a little more down-to-earth, but it was just as successful, which was encouraging to hear.
I also had the opportunity to perform in a masterclass with Katia Waxman. Since she teaches at the Interlochen Arts Academy boarding school, it was interesting to learn from someone who works with high school students every day. I really liked her approach because she didn’t start by pointing out everything that was wrong. Instead, she complimented my ability to stay in time and then helped me broaden my dynamics, play louder, and perform with more style. Those were all areas I already knew I needed to improve, so I was really glad to receive that feedback.
Student life was just as enjoyable as the music. We had plenty of free time, and even more as the week went on. There were lots of activities where we got to meet other students, make new friends, and have a lot of fun.
Interlochen was also a true camp experience. Every morning began with Reveille, followed by calisthenics before breakfast. We were responsible for our daily chores, including cleaning our cabins, bathrooms, and showers, before heading to classes and rehearsals. Every evening ended with Taps and lights out. I really liked that the camp wasn’t just about becoming a better musician; it also taught responsibility, independence, and how to be part of a community.
I was especially proud of my trio’s final performance. I feel like we really absorbed everything we learned throughout the week and put it all into our performance. It was exciting to perform alongside musicians who were just as passionate about music as I am.
Overall, Interlochen was an unforgettable experience. It felt good to travel away from home, become a little more independent, and challenge myself both as a musician and as a person. I came home with new ideas, new friendships, and a lot of motivation to keep improving. I would definitely recommend this experience to other students.
Thank you to everyone who supported me and made this opportunity possible!
Band Camp Starts July 13
Band Camp is right around the corner! We start on July 13 with Week 1. With the 4th of July Parade this week it is imperative that you begin hydrating now. We hope that you have already begun hydrating properly, but if not, there is still time. Be sure to drink enough water this week in preparation for our parade practice on Friday and the parade on Saturday. Then, continue drinking water. We will be on our feet a lot and very active until the end of the season. Hydration and nutrition are extremely important for your body’s recovery.
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 3
by Reese Roenigk (sophomore, clarinet)
Competition Season has Begun!
Yesterday, June 27th, the first official DCI performances took place. The schedule featured a lineup of 11 performances, including 4 of last year’s DCI World Championship finalists. We watched the Corps make their season debut in Fort Collins, CO, at Canvas Stadium, which started a fantastic kick-off to their 6-week competition season before the World Championships in Indianapolis later this Summer.
Corp Spotlight: Phantom Regiment
My personal favorite Drum Corps, Phantom Regiment, has recently returned to its original, darker identity. They released showcases about their show titled Bloodline, raising questions like: how far would you go to protect one’s fortunes? And how far would you go to preserve one’s legacy?
Their show this year contains an unusual mix of repertoire, all combining into large orchestral brass moments and intense percussion writing. They feature songs like “The Yeti” by Magnus Brandseth and “Z 1920” by Peter Graham, adding to the very dark and emotional themes of the show.
When watching the Phantom Regiment, you can not only hear the emotions, but feel them as well. The DCI colorguard members don’t just follow routines; they perform them with grace and elegance. Like actors, they help move along the story and portray an entire spectrum of emotions.
What sets DCI apart? (#3)
In my opinion, DCI Colorguard is the most hardcore and impressive part of DCI, no questions needed. They take the majorettes, colorguard, and occasional dance members and DCI transforms them into full-blown actors. They portray the maximum amount of emotion, which, when revealed to the audience in crucial moments of the show, can make the story feel so much more alive. It is downright diabolical, the way one simple visual or movement can change your entire perspective on the performance.
Leadership Lessons
DCI Colorguard members don’t goof around and only try as hard as they can during competitions, and talk and joke during rehearsals. They treat every rehearsal and run-through as if it’s the Grand Championships, and that moment defines them. Our Colorguard and even our characters could take a page out of DCI’s book and become undefeated 2 years in a row. If we want to take our marching performances to the next level, we need to excel in everything we do, always, without exception.
Looking Ahead
We’re looking forward to more DCI competitions starting soon, allowing us to see early on rankings for our favorite bands. These early rankings could lead to which corps are most likely to win the Grand Championship and which are most likely to get last place.
Who’s your favorite Corps?
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.
July
- 1 • Uniform Fittings | Make an Appointment | 4:00PM – 6:30PM |Volunteers Needed
- 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