Battle of the bands - Rockdale hosts marching festival - Rockdale Citizen 10/20/09

By Michelle Floyd
Staff Reporter

CONYERS - More than a dozen high school marching bands from North Georgia will convene in Rockdale County this weekend.

In an event that Rockdale County High School has sponsored since 1977, RCHS will play host to the 32nd annual Greater Atlanta Marching Festival. Performances are scheduled to start at 1:45 p.m. Saturday and end after the 8:40 p.m. performance by the RCHS marching band; contest awards are scheduled to begin at 9:10 p.m. Saturday.

This year, at least 16 bands from metro Atlanta and North Georgia will compete and perform at the high school's Reid Stadium, which is located at 1174 Bulldog Circle in Conyer.

Area marching bands - including those from Monroe Area, Duluth, Eagle's Landing, Jasper County, Newton, South Gwinnett and other high schools - will perform from 1:45-8:20 p.m. as part of the festival's competition, and the band from RCHS will perform at 8:40 p.m. as an exhibition.

"They will still be evaluated, but they are not part of the competition," said Scott Stanton, band director at RCHS.

He said at least 1,500 students will be a part of the competition, which gives bands comments, evaluations and information about how they are meeting standards about their performances.

"It's a real positive atmosphere," Stanton said. "The bands are there to support each other. It's a learning time and also a time to sit and watch bands."

Generally, each band will perform their half-time performance.

"This is definitely a family-friendly event," Stanton said. "If you enjoy good music, it's a great opportunity for the community to come out."

He said band members, band alumni and parents of band members especially will enjoy the show.

"It's a great atmosphere for everyone," he said.

The event costs $8 for those 13 years old and older; $5 for children ages 3-12 and is free for under 3 years old or those with a pass from the Georgia High School Association and the Georgia Music Educators Association. Staff at Rockdale County Public Schools with a pass also get in free, plus one guest for free.

Concessions and souvenirs also will be sold at the event.

"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year; it allows us to continue and add to programs," Stanton said. "This is a great opportunity to come out and see incredible performances and a great way to support our bands."

A complete schedule and more information about the festival are available by visiting www.rockdaleband.com/gamf.htm.

Michelle Floyd can be reached at michelle.floyd@newtoncitizen.com.

Marching to their own beat - Rockdale Citizen 09/16/09

Staff Photos: Erin Evans

The three Rockdale County high schools participated in the third annual Rockdale County Marching Band Exhibition on Monday night. Their bands, which performed with their color guards and drumlines, played a show that is used during halftime at football games and for competitions. Six judges critiqued various aspects of the bands for them to improve their routine. Above is May Alice Elliott, an 11th grade flute player from Heritage High School.

Above, left, Rockdale County High School,Carmen Candal, 10th-grader, flag corps.

Above, right, Salem High School, A.J. Porter,10th-grader, saxophone.

Making Sweet Music - Marching Band Exhibition Night - The Rockdale News 09/16/09

By Michelle Kim, Editor

Marching bands, often relegated to the sidelines of high school football games, took center stage Monday night as all three high school marching bands - Heritage High School, Rockdale County High School and Salem High School - took to the field at the third annual band exhibition night. 

The cacophony of tuning horns and thumping base of drumbeats filled the air as Salem High School, which hosted the event at Seminole Stadium, performed a routine called "Time's Up," while Heritage performed "Opposing Forces" and RCHS presented "Legends".

Show of school pride - Rockdale Citizen 07/21/2009

Rockdale County High School sophomore Bessie Lockwood, right, practices Monday with fellow members of the school's flag corps inside the school to get ready for the upcoming football season. Though classes have been out since May, Rockdale County High School and others across the county system have never had their doors closed with summer community activities and other events held in the schools. Along with students, faculty and staff are busy preparing for open houses next week and the first day of classes on Aug. 3.  Photos: Erin Evans

Junior Cally McGormery, left, and senior Zada Eshon work on their routines in the flag corps.

Rockdale Winter Guard wins gold medal - Rockdale Citizen 05/01/2009

From Staff Reports

The Rockdale County High School Winter guard recently competed in the Southern Association for Performance Arts Scholastic AAA division, the third highest classification of six scholastic divisions. At the SAPA Championships held in Macon, the RCHS Winter Guard were placed first by all five judges and won the gold medal. The five judges evaluate equipment handling, dance and body movement, show construction and general effect. The 2009 RCHS Winter Guard show interpreted "American Salute" by Morton Gould, performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra. The floor tarp was painted with red and white stripes with two corner blue boxes designed for solos and features and also included blue stars that were used throughout the show to highlight the performers. The tarp was surrounded by tall vertical panels of red and blue. The patriotic theme was further emphasized using solid red, white and blue flags throughout the show with an abstract star design. Rifles and sabers, as well as dance segments were used in addition to the flag statements. Most of the members utilized multiple pieces of equipment. The members themselves created some of the dance segments of the show. Winter guard rehearsals began in late November and concluded with SAPA Championships in March. Approximately seven to 10 hours of practice time per week were required to perfect the show. Winter Guard International, a nonprofit youth organization, is the governing body leading the winter guard and indoor percussion activities throughout the world. SAPA is the governing organization for winter guard and indoor percussion activities in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. 

Special Photo

Rockdale County High School’s winter guard performs during a recent competition and won the gold medal at a championship in Macon. Members of the 2009 RCHS Winter Guard are: Danielle Bennett, Libby Bradford, Samantha Caldwell, Carmen Candal, Asheena Davis, Zada Eshun, Krysten Funderburk, Kathryn Hogan, Madelynne Johnson, Morgan Kitchens, Bessie Lockwood, Cassie Lockwood, April Lovering, Ashley Martin, Cally Montgomery, Catherine Moore, Xan Reynolds, Kayla Shead, Kathleen Shirley, Elizabeth Smith and Darion Williams.

Rockdale Citizen Poll 04/04/2009

"Congratulations to the RCHS Winter Guard and HeRo Indoor Percussion. The RCHS Winter Guard captured first place in the Guard Scholastic AAA Class and HeRo Indoor Percussion captured 3rd place in the Percussion Independent A at the 2009 SAPA Championships held in Macon, Georgia on Saturday, March 28th. Both groups did such a great performance. Two outstanding groups of young adults, with such dedication and heart."

Rockdale Citizen Poll 04/04/2009

"The Winter Guard at Rockdale County High School won first place in the SAPA championships this past weekend in Macon. Great job girls. You deserved it. This is the first gold medal achievement for the guard and the first time a guard group from Rockdale County has won at the championships."

Rockdale Citizen Poll 04/04/2009

"They did it! Gold Medals for RCHS Winter Guard. The RCHS Winter Guard captured first place in the Guard Scholastic AAA Class at the 2009 SAPA Championships held in Macon, Georgia on Saturday, March 28th. Great Job girls, you all worked so hard and deserved this. Thanks to Mr. Bertles, the Belfasts, Mr. Stanton, assistant instructors Melody and Cody. Everyone involved in helping the girls achieve this - thank you. What an accomplishment. We are so proud."

RCHS Winter Guard takes first place - Rockdale Citizen 04/03/2009

The Rockdale County High School Winter Guard took first place and earned gold medals earlier in March.  The team captured first place in the Forsyth Central Competition on March 14 and 15.  The following weekend, the team placed first at The Indian Winter Classic at East Coweta High School.  They started the year off with success when they won second place in the East Hall Competition on Jan. 24.  The group comprised mostly of fall guard marching band members and a few new members.  Their theme this year is American Salute.  Later, the group will go to the SAPA championships in Macon.  Special Photo

Tree lighting, parade start holiday season - Rockdale Citizen 12/03/2008
Aimee Jones
News Editor

CONYERS - The day after Thanksgiving may be the traditional start to the holiday shopping season, but Christmas in Conyers doesn't begin until the annual Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting.

It's a tried and true tradition," said Jennifer Harper, spokeswoman with the city of Conyers, which is co-hosting the event with Rockdale County.

The festivities kick off 4:30 p.m. Saturday when 70 floats decorated with the theme "Christmas in Toyland" will make their way through Olde Town for the holiday parade.

"The Rockdale County High School band is the featured band this year," Harper said. "Churches, Boy Scout troops, Girl Scout troops, civic organizations - you name it, they're in it. It's just a good cross-section of folks representing the community."

As always, Santa Claus will make an appearance during the parade and will be on hand to help with the traditional tree lighting ceremony at the Rockdale County Courthouse on Milstead Avenue.

The parade will take off from the parking lot of Rockdale County High School, travel up Pine Log Road, down Main Street and then onto Milstead Avenue.

The tree lighting will begin about 6 p.m. after the parade. A cornucopia of holiday-themed events will be available throughout the day, including ice skating at the Pavilion, shopping and dining.

The Fraternal Order of Firefighters will serve pizza from Johnny's Pizza for $2 a slice, hot dogs and hot and cold beverages for $1 each at the tree lighting. The proceeds will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for needy families in Rockdale County, said Holly Lafontaine, Rockdale County's deputy director of public affairs.

At 8 p.m., the Sentimental Journey Orchestra will perform. Admission is $10 and kids will be admitted free.

Residents are invited to get into the spirit of the holidays a little early by attending the Olde Town Christmas Party on Friday night. Beginning at 5 p.m., families can visit and have their pictures taken with Santa, who will be in the Welcome Center. Children ages 5 to 10 can get in a little shopping at the Secret Santa Shop in the warehouse section of the Depot.

Prices of gifts range from 50 cents to $5, which include the cost of gift wrap. All proceeds benefit the Rockdale County Historical Society.

Conyers Kids, a local performing troupe of children, will present two free shows at Center Street Arts at 6 and 7 p.m.

Harper said the Olde Town Business Council will sponsor train rides. This year, two carriages will be available to provide free carriage rides through Olde Town.

For more information about the Hometown Holiday Parade and the Olde Town Christmas Party, call 770-602-2606 or 770-929-4008.

Rockdale Citizen Poll 10/25/2008

"I was lucky to go to Rockdale County High School on Saturday to see my grandson compete in his high school band competition. I would like to commend the RCHS on the way the event was structured. You had handicap parking which made it very easy for me to park, and get inside to watch the event. The crowd was very well behaved, and I had a really great time. We need more events in our county where people can get out and enjoy the weather, the people, and the wonderful entertainment. Thank you RCHS Band Department, for a wonderful event! I am looking forward to coming back next year, even if my grandson is not competing."

Rockdale Citizen Poll 10/18/2008

"A big thank you to Mr. Stanton and Mr. Belfast for all their hard work this marching season. Rockdale County High School marching band and color guard received superior ratings and were awarded the Grand Champion Silver Division Band at the Southern Star Invitational in Snellville. The color guard also brought home the best in show overall trophy. Congratulations to all of the color guard and band members."

Rockdale Citizen Poll 10/18/2008

"Congratulations to the Rockdale County High School marching band and color guard for receiving superior ratings and awarded the Grand Champion Silver Division Band at the Southern Star Invitational in Snellville. The color guard also brought home the best in show overall trophy. Congratulations to all of the color guard and band members."

Rockdale marching bands win awards - Rockdale Citizen 10/17/2008
From staff reports

Heritage and Rockdale County high school marching bands received awards and scored high in recent competitions.

The Heritage High School marching band attended the Lake Lanier Tournament of Bands in late September and received the following results: all superior ratings; first place in class for flags, percussion, drum majors and band; overall band grand champion and gold division champion in all areas, including flag and dance line with a score of 97, percussion with a score of 94, drum major with a score of 99 and band with a score of 95.7.

The Rockdale County High School band competed in the Southern Star Invitational Marching Band Competition held at South Gwinnett High School in Snellville in early October.

The RCHS band competed against nine other bands in Class AA and earned: best in class music performance; grand champion silver division band; first place Class AA in guard, percussion and overall band; best in show for color guard, which includes all 18 performing bands; and superior ratings in guard, percussion, drum majors and overall band, in which seven bands out of 18 received.

Rockdale Citizen Poll 10/11/2008

"Congratulations to the Rockdale County High School marching band for receiving superior ratings at the Southern Star Invitational in Snellville.  The band also brought home the best in class champions trophy.  Congratulations to all of the kids, Mr. Stanton and Mr. Belfast on all their hard work this season.  We love our little penguins!"

RCPS holds second annual marching band exhibition - Rockdale Citizen 9/26/2008
Rockdale County Public Schools held its second annual marching band exhibition Sept. 16 at Evans Memorial Stadium.  Clockwise from top left, Heritage High School, Rockdale County High School, George Walton Academy and Salem High School each performed their competition shows for families, friends, educators and other community members. After their performances, judges gave the bands constructive comments to help them as they prepare for their future performances and competitions.

High schools to hold second marching exhibition - Rockdale Citizen 9/16/2008
Michelle Floyd
Staff Reporter

CONYERS - For the second year in a row, Rockdale County high school bands are joining for one night to cheer each other on.

Starting at 7:30 tonight, each of the county's three high school bands, as well as the George Walton Academy band, will perform at the Second Annual Rockdale County Marching Exhibition at Evans Stadium at Heritage High School. The event is free and open to the public.

"It's another excellent opportunity for the community to see our bands perform all together," said Scott Stanton, band director at Rockdale County High School, which played host to the event last year. "It's also an opportunity for our kids to see each others' bands and the parents to see the show from the stands and not working (concession stands)."

He said it also helps the band directors in teaching the students and preparing them for competitions.

During the event, each band will perform a seven- to 10-minute set that is normally played during half time at the football games. While they are performing, six guest "judges" will evaluate the performances to provide feedback to the bands.

"They are not really judges - they are giving us comments that will help us, not scoring sheets," said Chris Sink, associate band director at Heritage High School.

He said the judges comment on what the bands could improve on or change, as well as what works.

"What the judges give us help as we finalize some things in our performances," Stanton said.

Last year, the event packed most of the seats at the RCHS Reid Stadium and parking was limited, so Stanton suggested getting to the event early.