Alpharetta High School Band!

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – In a period of just nine days, the Alpharetta Marching Raider Band, under the direction of Band Director Mike Walsh, Associate Director Ira Jenkins and Percussion Director Dean Giddens, has played at two Alpharetta football games, took honors in two competitions and clocked almost 20 hours of rehearsal.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, the band competed in the 36th annual Greater Atlanta Marching Band Competition in Conyers. The competition was hosted by Rockdale High School with 24 bands competing from across the state of Georgia. The Marching Raiders performed their 2013 show, "Legends of Rock" and received superior ratings in all categories. Additionally, the color guard placed third in their class. Drum majors, percussion, visuals and music all received second place. These ratings gave the Alpharetta Marching Raider Band second place overall in the 4A class.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Raider band traveled to Chattahoochee High School where they competed in the U.S. Bands Marine Corps Invitational, which attracted bands from across Georgia and South Carolina. The Alpharetta Marching Raider Band placed first in all categories they entered. These scores gave the band the overall first place in the 4 class.

The Alpharetta Marching Raider Band is now preparing for their performance in the Festival of Lights Parade in downtown Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 23.