The Carrollton High School wind ensemble was one of only three high school groups selected in the state to perform at the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) conference held in Athens on Jan. 31. Only the most exceptional musical groups are invited to perform after a highly competitive and rigorous application process, making this invitation a rare achievement.
This is the first time the CHS program has received this honor. The audition requires one live performance recording that demonstrates the consistency and precision needed to secure a spot in the program. Upholding its standard of excellence, CHS Band Director Dr. Chris Carr, prepared the students to achieve this goal with support from Associate Director Zachary Nelson; Carrollton Middle School Band Director, Maria Mendenez; and Carrollton Upper Elementary School Band Director David Trumble.
Dr. Carr said the opportunity to perform at the conference celebrates the students’ achievements and recognizes the excellence embedded in the band program. “It reflects not only the exceptional abilities of our students but also the steadfast support of our parents, teachers, administrators, and the broader Carrollton community,” he added.
When selecting musical compositions and guests for the program, Carr showcased the Trojan Band’s esteemed legacy. CHS band alumni William Pitts (‘04) and Katahj Copley (‘16) served as guest contributors, offering original compositions that received standing ovations. Pitts serves on the music faculty at Westminster Schools in Atlanta and is an active member of the band community locally and nationally. Copley is completing a doctoral program at Michigan State University. His compositions have been performed and commissioned by universities, organizations, and professional ensembles, receiving international acclaim. As an inspired composer, Copley has written more than 100 works, including The Wayfinder composed specifically for the CHS Wind Ensemble for its world premiere at the performance.
Serving as a guest performer, Trojan Band alum William Cooper (‘09) shared his expertise with the ensemble. Cooper is a member of the Atlanta Symphony and has performed with acclaimed orchestras around the country and toured with Broadway productions. At GMEA, he performed with the wind ensemble, accompanied by Trumble, as a trumpet soloist.
Don Hall, accompanied by CCS arts faculty, conducted a selection in honor of the ensemble. A band legend in Carrollton and beyond, he served as the director of bands at CHS from 1968 to 1998 and again for the 2007-2008 school year. Known for his unwavering commitment to excellence, Hall cultivated a flourishing band program and still remains a pillar in the community where his contributions to the program continue.
Showcasing the depth of talent in the Trojan Band program, both Zachary Nelson and Maria Menendez served as guest conductors. Throughout the performance, the Wind Ensemble captivated the audience with complex compositions and antiphonal sections—call-and-response passages— performed from the balconies and aisles. Band alumni, CCS faculty and community arts professionals played the antiphonal trumpets and triangles, representing generations of Trojans.
CHS Principal Ian Lyle shared his pride in the band’s performance.
“It is an honor to have our wind ensemble perform as an exemplar for the Georgia Music Educators Association,” said Lyle. “This recognition reflects the dedication to excellence that Dr. Carr and his staff bring to our program as they work tirelessly to help our students hone their skills.”
