For the past two days, our band program has been busy celebrating two incredible milestones—our nation’s 250th Independence Day and Carroll County’s 200th anniversary.
On Friday, Carrollton High School proudly hosted the annual Carrollton People’s Parade All-Star Band rehearsal, welcoming band students from across our community. On Saturday morning, 267 students representing Bowdon, Carrollton, Central, Mount Zion, Temple, and Villa Rica came together to perform in the Carrollton People’s Parade.
This tradition has deep roots in our community. Many alumni remember participating when it was known as the McDonald’s All-Star Band, including former Carrollton students Ben Gordon and Jeff Jones, while Terry Lowry fondly recalls participating as a Bowdon student. Although the tradition paused for a period of time, it was revived in 2005 by former Carrollton Director of Bands Robert Carter. Since then, United Community Bank, led by Tim Warren, has faithfully supported this event by sponsoring the students’ parade shirts each year.
For several years beginning in 2006, Carrollton and Central participated separately. In 2021, the tradition of bringing all of our community’s band programs together was restored, creating an experience that reflects the collaboration and pride that make Carroll County so special.
This year’s All-Star Band was made possible through the teamwork of the band directors, instructional staffs, parent volunteers, and, most importantly, the outstanding students who dedicated their Friday to rehearsing before proudly representing their schools on Saturday morning. The band looked fantastic and sounded even better!
Thank you so much to United Community Bank for their continued sponsorship and to the Carrollton Evening Sertoma Club for organizing another outstanding parade. We are grateful to have shared in such a meaningful celebration of both our country’s 250th birthday and Carroll County’s bicentennial.
THIS WEEK (7/6 – 7/10) • CHS School Announcements
- Monday: Open – Enjoy your Summer! | Band Room Closed for Waxing
- Tuesday: Open – Enjoy your Summer! | Band Room Closed for Waxing
- Wednesday: Open – Enjoy your Summer! | Band Room Closed for Waxing
- Thursday: Open – Enjoy your Summer! | Band Room Closed for Waxing
- Friday: Uniform Fittings | Make an Appointment | 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM | Volunteers Needed | Any student who hasn’t been fitted for their uniform for this upcoming season (9th-12th graders). Please enter from the upstairs door, the floors downstairs will be recently waxed and drying so we cannot enter through the lobby.
NEXT WEEK Preview (7/13 – 7/17)
- Monday: Band Camp Week 1 • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Volunteer Here
- Tuesday: Band Camp Week 1 • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Volunteer Here
- Wednesday: Band Camp Week 1 • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Volunteer Here
- Thursday: Band Camp Week 1 • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Volunteer Here
- TEAM PHOTOS | 6:00 PM • Students are released as they finish up
- Friday: Band Camp Week 1 • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Volunteer Here
- Band Pool Party | 5:30PM – 8:00PM | All Members are welcome! | Volunteers Needed
Band Camp Starts July 13 | Are you drinking water?
Band Camp begins Monday, July 13, at 8:00 AM in the band room. Both weeks are Mandatory for all students. Here are some important things to consider to help you survive band camp more comfortably.
HOW TO SURVIVE BAND CAMP
Continue to drink water – yesterday, today, and tomorrow – every day. A good rule of thumb is to drink your body weight in ounces of water per day and to check for clear urination. The information below was created by former Trojan Booster President, Michael Post. The information is still very helpful!
- Be prepared. Make sure to have water, an instrument, a pencil, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
- Early is on time. Always arrive a few minutes early. Remember that you need time to gather your things and get to the practice area. We will start at 8:00 AM tomorrow in the band room.
- Try your hardest. Band camp will go a lot smoother if you make a decent effort at marching and playing your instrument.
- Be optimistic and don’t complain. Complaining or bellyaching is extremely annoying to everyone and ultimately unhelpful.
- Make friends. Get to know your classmates, your section, and whoever is sitting or standing next to you in the formation. You have band and music in common already, but do not talk when you’re setting up formations or going over your music.
- Learn the show. Now is the time to practice. Practice as you would like to perform- learn your formations, music, rhythms, etc.
- Take care of yourself. You’ll perform better and feel better if you take care of your body. Marching band is a sport!
- Stretch. Marching band can be demanding during the summer, so stretch as you would in preparation for any other strenuous activity. Wear sunscreen and a hat. That sunburn won’t feel good tomorrow, and it’ll spare you sock tans, glove tans, and drum harness tans (somewhat). Remember to reapply every 2 hours or so. Wear Chapstick that protects against the sun. Sunburned lips are not fun to play an instrument with, especially for brass players. Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from UV rays and block annoying glare. Drink plenty of water. This means water and/or Gatorade/Powerade. Soda and juice will dehydrate you. Avoid drinking milk or eating dairy products. The heat will cause it to curdle in your stomach, making you nauseous.
- Remember to start hydrating in the days leading up to band camp, too. This preparation is very important.
- Wear lightweight clothing and comfortable, athletic shoes. Dress appropriately for the weather and be on your feet for long periods.
- Smell good. No one likes a smelly band person. Deodorant helps and should be available in case you need a quick refresh.
- Stretch. Marching band can be demanding during the summer, so stretch as you would in preparation for any other strenuous activity. Wear sunscreen and a hat. That sunburn won’t feel good tomorrow, and it’ll spare you sock tans, glove tans, and drum harness tans (somewhat). Remember to reapply every 2 hours or so. Wear Chapstick that protects against the sun. Sunburned lips are not fun to play an instrument with, especially for brass players. Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from UV rays and block annoying glare. Drink plenty of water. This means water and/or Gatorade/Powerade. Soda and juice will dehydrate you. Avoid drinking milk or eating dairy products. The heat will cause it to curdle in your stomach, making you nauseous.
- Learn how to wear your uniform and try it on. This way, you can avoid disasters before an actual show at a competition. Minutes before your first show is not the time to learn the intricacies of tying your citation cord, discover that your pants are too short or too long, or learn that nobody ever issued you a plume. We will be fitting for uniforms on Monday and Tuesday, so you will have a chance to do this.
- Care for your instrument.
- Insert the brass mouthpiece or woodwind part firmly enough that it doesn’t fly out when snapped up and down.
- Avoid getting a woodwind wet, especially the pads. If your instrument does get wet, use your cleaning cloth to dry it after practice.
- Oil your valves or slide before practice. It’s much harder from midfield.
- Learn the proper way to set your instrument down: not on its keys or delicate valves. If you must set your instrument on the ground, set it with the others from your section; it might help save them from a careless foot.
- Get some rest. Band camp can be strenuous, and it’s easier if you’re well-rested.
- Be respectful and courteous towards band directors and assistants. Often they are busy or stressed, so be understanding.
- Remember that everyone is at band camp to learn. If you’re a newcomer, don’t take it personally when an instructor gives advice. Remember, they’re trying to help you look better in performance. If you’re a returning member, help out newcomers and be patient with them. You were a rookie once, and if you model how to take correction with a great attitude, then our rookies will learn that correction is how we all get better.
- Have fun! At first, band camp may feel completely insane. However, nothing can compare to the feeling of marching your field show at halftime with all of your friends. You’re going to make tons of friends.
Tips & Warnings
- Woodwind and brass players should not play their instruments after eating or drinking sugary stuff (like Gatorade and Powerade). It’s fine to have a snack during breaks, just make sure to wash it down with water.
- Never handle or play somebody else’s instrument. You will be held accountable if it gets damaged.
- If you are given a drill sheet/card with your formations on it or music, do not lose it.
- Respect upperclassmen; they have experience, and chances are they do know what they are talking about.
- Many people can overheat during band camp if it’s hot outside. If you start to feel fatigued, dizzy, or nauseous, you may be suffering from heat exhaustion. Tell a section leader, drum major, or staff member immediately. Get to some shade and get some water if you think this is happening to you.
- Don’t talk when the band director, staff, drum majors, or section leaders are talking. This will distract people around you from what they’re saying, which could be very important. If you need help finding your drill spot, quietly raise your hand, and someone will gladly help you. Since we are working with over 200 students, the marching Band is military-esque. When the director is speaking, you do not. When you need to snap to attention, you snap. Take it seriously, many skills that you learn in this activity can be applied to everyday life!
I hope you find this article helpful as you prepare for this year’s band camps. Remember, if you have any specific questions about either band camp, you can contact Dr. Carr at christopher.carr@carrolltoncityschools.net or the Band Boosters at chstrojanbands@gmail.com.
July 13 – 17 • 8:00AM – 5:00PM • Week 1
During this first week of band camp, this is our typical schedule:
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM marching fundamentals and drill in the SAC *We will start on Monday in the Band Room
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lunch
- 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM Sectional Skit Time
- 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM Sectionals (Woodwind, Brass, Battery, Front Ensemble, Guard)
- 3:15 PM – 5:00 PM Full Band
On Friday of the first week of band camp, it always seems to rain! Be sure to bring a change of clothes to rehearsal on Friday in case it rains. We will be outside on the band field for a portion of our morning block to help us acclimate to the heat a little better. Start the day with clothes/shoes that you do not mind getting wet in case it rains. This year, our pool party is on Friday as well! This is free for all of our students at Lakeshore Pool.
Band Camp Meals
Breakfast and lunch will be available for the first week through the school, free of charge. Students may choose to eat breakfast at home or bring their own lunch if they decide not to eat the school meals. Students are not permitted to leave campus until after camp each day. Accommodations will be made for students with allergies. Please be sure that the band staff is aware of all dietary restrictions. Thank you so much to Mrs. Malmquist, our school system’s nutrition department, and our booster club for organizing these meals for our students!
Volunteers Needed for Band Camp
Thank you so much for helping us with camp! We need help with meals. We could use your help serving the meals and we have a few items that we could use donated if you’re willing to do that. Please follow the links for more information: Volunteer Here.
July 20 -24 • 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM • Week 2
Both weeks of camp are mandatory and important, but this is an extra special week because we will be joined by specialists to assist with instrument-specific sectionals to accelerate our learning and memorizing of music as we finalize preparations for our first performance, for Trojan Family Night on July 24. Please RSVP Here.
Typical Schedule
8:00 AM – 11:30 AM Fundamentals and Drill in the SAC
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Lunch in the Cafeteria
12:30 – 1:00 PM Section Skit Time
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Sectionals
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Full Band in the MAC
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Dinner in the Cafeteria
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM Section Time: Prepare the Stadium
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Full Band in the Stadium
The section leaders have designated the following spirit days for band camp. We encourage our students to participate in the spirit days to increase relationship building and create memories together during this important week of our season.
Preview Performance • Trojan Night
We will have our first public performance at Trojan Night on July 24, 2026. This is a free event and open to the public. The booster club is preparing dinner for all who would like to attend. Please RSVP by July 17 so that we know how much food to prepare.
DCI 2026 Week 3
Due to the holiday week, we do not have a full update this week, but we will review the results from last week’s poll. The poll did not receive enough responses for the reults to be significant, but after 25 repsonses Phantom Regiment appears to be the favored corps with 9 votes. Carolina Crown and Boston Crusaders each received 4 votes, Bluecoats, Spirit of Atlanta and Santa Clara Vanguard each received 2. Finally only receiving 1 vote each were the Blue Devils and Troopers.
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.
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
- 10 • Uniform Fittings | Any Members | 10:30AM – 2:30PM | Volunteers Needed
- 13 • Band Camp Week 1 | 8:00AM – 5:00PM | Volunteers Needed
- Shoe and Jacket Sizing | 5:00PM – 6:00PM
- 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 | AMP | 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 | 8th Grade Night | 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 | Volunteers Needed
- 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 | Report 3:00PM for Rehearsal | 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
- 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