The Amarillo High School Golden Sandie Bands are recognized as among the premier educational performing ensembles in Texas, as well as in the United States.  The bands have developed a reputation for mature performances of sophisticated wind literature and are known for their commitment to artistic integrity.

Students in the band program take great pride in their commitment to task and willingness to work hard to achieve a common goal.  Not every student in the program will become a virtuoso musician.  However, our expectations are that every student will establish both short and long term goals for improvement on his/her instrument, and will exhibit mature, responsible attitudes and actions at all times. The band program exists to provide an excellent music education for the students.  This is achieved through individual study and varied performances in many venues, both marching and concert, supporting a curriculum which places an emphasis on comprehensive musicianship.  Performance opportunities include large ensembles, chamber ensembles and solos.  The skills that band students acquire in these activities are directly related to skills necessary for auditions, presentations and interviews in other career fields.

Members of the Amarillo High School Band participate in the Golden Sandie Marching Band in the fall semester and in one of two outstanding concert bands during the spring semester. Opportunities are also available at Amarillo High School for performance in an outstanding jazz band. The color guard is the visual “icing on the cake” of the marching band.The combination of flags, “weapons” - rifles, and sabers, along withdance and other body movement complement the music and marching maneuvers of the winds and percussion.

The Amarillo High School “drum line” is one of the most popular ensembles in our school. The high profile (almost celebrity) status that the drum line has attained is largely due to performances at the AHS pep rallies and performances at other events in the Amarillo community.

Opportunities are also provided for those who wish to develop their leadership skills.  There is an extensive student leadership program, and student leaders are relied upon to help achieve organizational goals. The Band Aides, and student officers provide service, assistance, and leadership to the directors and the entire band. The Loading Crew - “LC” provide the muscle, organization and leadership necessary to move equipment, and organize the logistical needs of our band.

Social skills are also developed. Participation in band enables the students to form close friendships within the school through their collaborative efforts and the opportunity to work with their peers as part of a team.  As a member of the Sandie Band program, students make long-lasting friendships and develop a sense of camaraderie that is unique to our organization. Organizational goals are clearly established, and the students depend heavily on each other to achieve them.  As a result, the concepts of responsibility, teamwork and good citizenship will develop as eachstudent experiences the world of music.

The ultimate goal of the program  is to produce graduates who are knowledgeable about music, can perform successfully with confidence, can operate within a structured framework, and can work to develop the skills necessary to continually become a better life long musician.  In addition, the program strives to produce informed adults of high integrity who understand and appreciate music and musicians, and who will foster the continuing development of artistic endeavors in their community.

 
Mike Ellis, AHS Head Director AHS
Scott Myers, AHS Associate Director
Sara Lewis, AHS Associate Director

Barry Blackwell, Crockett Middle School Director
Rachael Whipple, Bonham Middle School Director

Doyle Corder - AHS Percussion Assistant