marching band

The Marching Band at Independence High School represents the epitome of the model student and classmate in Charlotte. Acting as ambassadors to the school, the band is often the first group seen, and certainly the first group heard when visitors come to our campus. The Marching Band has a history of pride and excellence, including quality musicianship, relentless passion, and un-yielding determination in the pursuit of perfection. The Patriot Marching Band is an integral part of the community in Mint Hill, performing at pep-rallies, parades, games, and other events throughout the school year.

As director of the band program, it is my responsibility to make sure the students are not only knowledgeable of the music and drill, but that they are provided with the opportunity to succeed as positively contributing members of both the community, and society as a whole. I am tasked with the responsibility to push these students to reach their musical potential, all while maintaining an environment that is supportive and allows them to creatively go beyond where before they may have stopped. Each member of the band program is valued and respected for the talents and abilities that they bring to the classroom, and I am here to help guide those individuals to success. At the end of the day, I make no sound in the performance - that is entirely the product of the students. My job is to guide and shape these young, talented minds so that they have a place where they feel they belong, and can become the best human beings they are capable of being.

- Adam Collins, director

COST: $400. This is broken up into three payments which are due on May 12th ($50), June 16th ($175), and July 14th ($175).

HOW TO PAY: Payment can be made in cash, check, or via our paypal link. If you have any questions, please contact our treasurer at andobrich@gmail.com

Band Camp

WHEN: Camp is July 28 - August 6, 2025

WHERE: Independence High School

HOW: Complete the online registration process for Band Camp. You must be registered Band Camp in order to attend. You can register for Band and Band Camp here: Independence Band Registration Form

Band Camp is open to all Independence students interested in participating in Marching Band. While not a strict requirement for participating in Marching Band, it is a highly valuable resource for not only learning marching and playing, but gaining early experience in a high school setting, and making lifelong friendship. Knowing that the financial burden is difficult for some families, the Independence Band Boosters provides scholarships for Independence students for marching band tuition based on need. If payments of any kind ever become difficult, we strongly encourage band families to speak confidentially to the Director of Bands. To submit a scholarship application, go to the Band Camp Scholarship Application form.

 

HEALTH FORMS:

All students attending band camp are required to submit a completed AAPS Health Form. Click this link to the Registration Page and go to Step 5 for the instructions to complete the health form and requirements for prescribed and over-the-counter medications. 

 

MORE INFORMATION

 

 If you do not see the answer to your questions, please contact communications@aapioneerbands.org 

please note that the PBA Board & Band Directors do not monitor email as regularly over the summer so anticipate a delay in response.

 

ABOUT CAMP

Every August, the bands, orchestras, and choirs from the Ann Arbor high schools head north to the nationally acclaimed Interlochen Center for the Arts for a week of rehearsals and fun. Pioneer Band campers spend their time brushing up their high steps and glide steps and refining their individual and ensemble music skills. Concert and sectional rehearsals occur throughout the campus, with the marching drills at the infamous tennis courts.

There is also time for socializing! Most nights have dances, competitions, and other activities to enjoy including the famous (or infamous) Senior Skit.

One of the highlights of the week is Band Camp Sunday, a concert for family & friends in the open-air Kresge Auditorium, followed by a marching demonstration in the field where the students practiced all week. Follow our Driving Directions to Interlochen to help you find your way from Ann Arbor. A special Band Camp Sunday Guide - 2023 is also available to help new families make the most of this special day. What a great way to kick off another Pioneer Band year!

The Pioneer Bands always have many freshmen attending the camp along with the upperclassmen. Even though Varsity Band members do not perform as part of the Pioneer Marching Band during the fall, Pioneer Band Camp is an extremely important experience for students. Band camp provides opportunities to meet the directors, learn the basics of band life at Pioneer, and drill the music and marching fundamentals which will be used as students progress through their years in the Pioneer Bands. It enables band students to form lasting relationships with fellow students in every grade before school starts. This makes their transition into and through high school much easier. When a freshman band student walks into Pioneer High School on the first day, he or she already knows almost 200 other students, many of whom will share classes and schedules. It's a wonderful way to ease into a big school like Pioneer.

Each year, the Band Director brings AAPS staff and band alumni counselors to help out at the camp. The faculty is drawn from the Ann Arbor Public Schools' instrumental music staff. Our well-qualified counselors are graduates of Pioneer High School and seasoned veterans of the band program. They act as instructors for sectional rehearsals and other musical activities. Thus, parents are assured that the students are given personal attention when needed, and will have a lot of fun at the camp.

 

DRUM MAJOR/ASSISTANT DRUM MAJOR

The Assistant Drum Major position is open to band students the summer after their sophomore year when they will become a Drum Major Candidate (DMC). Auditions for Assistant Drum Major are held on the final Saturday of Band Camp with results announced on Band Camp Sunday. For all sophomores interested in the Assistant Drum Major position, please see the Director of Bands for more information. The Assistance Drum Major will assume the role of Pioneer Drum Major their Senior Year.