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Band
Our Band Program
The Pinecrest Academy Band program was founded in the Fall of 2009 with fewer than 100 beginning band students in grades 4th-11th. Nineteen months later, the band performed at the Heritage Music Festival in New York City, winning their class, and receiving an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall the following spring. Since then, our private school band has been invited to perform at many prestigious music festivals throughout the world.
The High School Wind Symphony has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, and at the U.S. Bands National Concert Band Festival in Philadelphia. Students have performed at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, FL, and even received an invitation to perform for Pope Francis at the Vatican for the “Day of Peace.”
Band students have represented our Catholic school well, performing in numerous honor bands, including the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) All-State Band, the GMEA All-District Bands, the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) All-Select Bands, University of Georgia Honor Bands “Janfest,” Troy University Honor Bands, Young Harris College Honor Bands, and the Reinhardt University Honor Band.
Although our award-winning Band program is small in numbers, our achievements in a short period of time have been many. Plus, each student is blessed to receive personalized instruction from our director, perfecting their skills and growing in deep appreciation for their instrument. And, band students are able to form lifelong friendships with their fellow bandmates. Some of our graduates have gone on to continue their music studies in college, with acceptances to the Juilliard School of Music, Rice University, and others.
The High School Wind Symphony has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, and at the U.S. Bands National Concert Band Festival in Philadelphia. Students have performed at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, FL, and even received an invitation to perform for Pope Francis at the Vatican for the “Day of Peace.”
Band students have represented our Catholic school well, performing in numerous honor bands, including the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) All-State Band, the GMEA All-District Bands, the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) All-Select Bands, University of Georgia Honor Bands “Janfest,” Troy University Honor Bands, Young Harris College Honor Bands, and the Reinhardt University Honor Band.
Although our award-winning Band program is small in numbers, our achievements in a short period of time have been many. Plus, each student is blessed to receive personalized instruction from our director, perfecting their skills and growing in deep appreciation for their instrument. And, band students are able to form lifelong friendships with their fellow bandmates. Some of our graduates have gone on to continue their music studies in college, with acceptances to the Juilliard School of Music, Rice University, and others.
Courses
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4th Grade Recorder Band
This class is geared for students who are preparing to play in 5th-grade band by learning recorder. The class meets twice a week and will focus on reading notes and rhythms, tone development, technique, articulation, breathing, listening, and goal setting. They perform on the Christmas program, Dessert Concert, Lower School Showcase, and Band Spring Concert. -
5th Grade Band
This class is geared for students who are learning a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument for the first time. The class meets twice a week and will focus on reading notes and rhythms, tone development, technique, articulation, breathing, listening, and goal setting. They perform on the Christmas program, Dessert Concert, Lower School Showcase, and Band Spring Concert. -
Middle School Symphonic Band (Advanced)
This course provides instruction in the fundamentals of wind performance. Emphasis is placed on tone quality, intonation, phrasing, breathing, technique, reading, listening, and goal setting. This class is designed for the student with a minimum of 1 year experience in band. Instruments offered are flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and concert percussion. Students will perform in concert in both the fall and spring semesters and may require rehearsals outside of the school day. They perform on the Band Fall Concert, Christmas program, and Band Spring Concert. -
High School Wind Symphony
This course provides instruction in the fundamentals of wind performance. Emphasis is placed on tone quality, intonation, phrasing, breathing, technique, reading, listening, and goal setting. It is an honors level course and is designed for the advanced musician who has 3 years of prior experience. Instruments offered are flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and concert percussion. Students will perform in concert in both the fall and spring semesters and may require rehearsals outside of the school day. They perform on the Band Fall Concert, Christmas program, Open House, Band Spring Concert, Graduation, and at a National Music Festival each spring.
Meet Our Band Instructor
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Jason Sneath, Director of Bands
Mr. Sneath's responsibilities include the Director of the 4th and 5th grade Paladin Bands, Middle School Band, and the High School Wind Symphony Band.Read More
Here's what parents and students are saying:
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Lisa Gonzalez, Parent
Michael loves everything about Pinecrest, but being in the Band has provided unique experiences, wonderful friendships, and many opportunities for personal growth that have made all the difference in his education. And, joining the drum line this year has been the icing on the cake (with cherries on top!). He has shown such ownership and maturity when it comes to this group, and the bond that these kids are developing is truly special to witness. -
Christine Welsko, Alumni Parent
The Band program proved to be one of the greatest lifelong gifts our daughter Lizzy received during her 14 years at Pinecrest Academy. She started playing in 5th grade and grew her talent through the years to make All-District Band for five consecutive years. She served in officer positions for four years and as Band Captain her Senior year. The program is run in such a way that students develop inner discipline to practice and strive for far-reaching goals of talent and leadership. Lizzy enjoyed the camaraderie of time spent with multiple grade levels of both boys and girls, and annual trips to musical competitions, which formed a tight bond centered on performances of excellence. Participating in the band program is one of Lizzy's favorite memories, so much so that she has incorporated music into her college experience. -
Ryan Clever, Student
Band at Pinecrest Academy is an experience like no other. Learning to play an instrument and being able to make others happy while playing it is the most exhilarating feeling. Music really has changed my life, and has changed the way I see the world and others. Some of my best friends have come out of band and I know that they will always have my back because we all have something in common - our love for music!
Virtual Band Concerts
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Pinecrest High School Band Program
Where Eagles Soar - Steven Reineke
Among the Cloud - Brian Balmages
Loch Lomond - Frank Ticheli
Ride - Samuel Hazo -
Pinecrest Middle School Band Program
The Cluster Fluster Buster March - David Holsinger
Imperium - Michael Sweeney
In A Gentle Rain - Robert W. Smith
Afterburn - Randall Standridge
Awards & Accolades
- Performed at New York Heritage Music Festival - Straight Superior Ratings, 1st Place - 2011
- Performed at the National Band and Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall, New York City - 2012 (not rated)
- Performed at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center -2013 (not rated)
- Performed at the Worldstrides Festival of Gold at Orchestra Hall, Chicago, IL - 2014 (not rated)
- Performed at Worldstrides OnStage! Music Festival in Williamsburg, VA - Straight Superior Ratings, 2nd place overall - 2016
- Performed at Worldstrides OnStage! Music Festival at Universal Studios - Straight Superior Ratings, 1st Place - 2017
- Performance scheduled for the US Bands National Concert Band Festival - Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA - 2018 (not rated)
- Received numerous invitations to perform at prestigious music festivals throughout the world
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Our Wind Symphony performing at Carnegie Hall -
Performing at WorldStrides Onstage -
Honors, Guest Conductors & World Premiers
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Guest University Conductors
Dr. Ken Dye, University of Notre Dame
Prof. Gary Green, Frost School of Music at the University of Miami
Dr. David Gregory, Georgia Wind Symphony
Dr. Douglas A. Harris, Western Kentucky University
Prof. John Kilkenny, George Mason University
Dr. Mary Land, Young Harris College
Dr. Mike Robinson, University of Georgia
Dr. L. Richmond Sparks, University of Maryland
Dr. Jack Stamp, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Cynthia Johnson Turner, University of Georgia
Dr. Jason Worzbyt, Indiana University of Pennsylvania -
Student Honor Band Participation
GMEA All-State Band
GMEA All-District Band
GISA All-Select Band
UGA Honor Band “Janfest”
Troy University Honor Band
Young Harris College Honor Band
Reinhardt University Honor Band -
World Premieres
Were You There? - Leonard Insalaca
Hallelujah Fanfare - Don Schofield
Ellacombe Variations - Jack Stamp
Heroic Fanfare - Leonard Insalaca
Our Mission: To form Christian leaders who will transform society.
