As we approach the end of another year, we are faced with a change like Arlington has never faced before. Four years ago a small group of 38 incoming freshmen learned just how hard it was to keep count, march, and play at the same time. For many of these youngsters it was their first experience outside of concert music. Because of their size it was decided to put them on a mat and the dimensions of the mat were laid out on the Arlington Middle School Lunchroom floor, so they could have 'Band Camp' and then painted on a back parking lot (one of the visible landmarks in aerial photography of the school see Google Earth.) Even their name was different, they weren't big enough to be called a band. They were the Arlington HYPE. Arlington High Youth Performance Ensemble. They had no home field and had to travel to Bolton to put on half-time shows. It was a tough start to a small band program. Less than half of those students who marched that first year are still in the band, but after May 20th, none of them will still be in the band here at Arlington. That is the change that is so different this year from years past. For these seniors there is no AHS Band Camp this July unless they come by to visit. For everyone who is returning there will be a hole that will quickly be filled by the 60 or so expected freshmen, and the cycle will start over, only now without the mat. As the parent of one of those seniors who lasted all four years, I believe that I can speak for all of the parents to say how proud I am of all of the members of the band and to say it sure has been a wild four years. Keep getting better! - Mr. Thomas A.K.A. El Presidente

The Arlington High School Band is beginning it's fourth year.  The largest school under one roof in the state, Arlington is poised for greatness and leading the charge is the band, having captured numerous honors during it's first three years of competition. This year should prove to be a break out year not only in the growth of the band, but in the maturity of it's competitive spirit.

Having grown to 130 students this year,   we have finally reached the big time. We now have seniors and a new director. Mr Phillip Hughes has come to us from Collierville where he has been director for some time. This new leadership should keep Arlington moving toward greatness! Welcome Mr. Hughes!

Arlington High School Band is supported by the Arlington Middle School Band, the Appling Middle School Band and this year, the Mt. Pisgah Middle School Band.  Beginning in sixth grade and progressing through eighth grade, these students develop skills necessary to place them in a competitive arena of musical exploration at A.H.S.  A diligent program of instruction insures that each member develops properly and in a time schedule that insures success at the high school level. A sincere thank you goes out to Ms. Sanders, Mr. Ryan, and Dr. Wood for their efforts on behalf of our young musicians.

The financial support for the endeavors of the Arlington Band is provided by The Arlington High School Band Boosters, an extremely hard-working group of adults that insures that this program represents itself to its fullest each and every time they perform.  Just look for the Pit Crew Trophies when you visit the school. With an annual budget in access of $100,000 these dedicated parents are essential to the success of the band.

The Arlington Band performs throughout the South in marching contests, performs concerts at A.H.S., and travels the local area displaying their skills, entertaining young and old alike in parades and middle school performances. They also show their collective and individual skills through participation in Concert Festivals, WTSBOA All-West Events and Solo and Ensemble competitions throughout the year.