Kennesaw Mountain High School’s band program recently made Georgia history. The National Band Association selected Kennesaw Mountain as the 2023-2024 National Programs of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award winner.
Since the award’s inception, they are the first high school band program in Georgia to receive it. This national distinction is awarded to band programs dedicated to attaining a high level of musical excellence in all areas of their organization.
The Kennesaw Mountain band program is led by Michael Huebner, director of bands, and Corey Futrell, the associate director of bands.
“Kennesaw Mountain’s Band is honored to be acknowledged by the National Band Association as a National Blue Ribbon Program of Excellence,” Mr. Huebner shared. “This recognition would not be possible without our incredible students, both past and present, who have demonstrated the dedication and work ethic to create a special organization. In addition to students, we are proud of the team of parents, staff, and administrators who support the deep legacy of Cobb County musical excellence.”
As demonstrated by the most recent national award, the Kennesaw Mountain’s Band Program has established a nationally recognized reputation for excellence and innovation since its founding in 2000. Kennesaw Mountain’s band program consists of three concert ensembles (Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band), an award-winning Marching Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Ensembles, Pit Orchestra, and Winter Guard. Performing at multiple concerts, festivals, and competitions each year, the band curriculum focuses on developing students’ musicianship, instrumental skills, and leadership.
Some of Kennesaw Mountain’s notable past accomplishments include:
- Band Program named a Blue Ribbon Program of Excellence by the National Band Association - 2023-2024
- Wind Symphony performance at the Tri-States Honor Band Festival at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga - 2024
- Wind Symphony performance at the Music for All Southeastern Concert Band Festival - 2019, 2023
- Wind Symphony performance at the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference - 2021, 2022
- Wind Symphony performance at JanFest at the University of Georgia - 2010, 2015, 2020
- Wind Symphony performance at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic - 2006
- Symphonic Band performances at the Music for All Southeastern Concert Band Festival - 2019
- Marching Band named National Champion in Class AAA at the Bands of America Grand National Championships - 2004, 2012, 2014
- Marching Band named a Grand National Finalist at the Bands of America Grand National Championships - 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014
- Marching Band named a Regional Champion at a Bands of America Fall Championship Event - 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2023
- Marching Band named a Regional Finalist at a Bands of America Fall Championship Event - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Marching Band performance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade - 2005
- Marching Band awarded the Sudler Shield of Excellence by the John Philip Sousa Foundation - 2003
- Percussion Ensemble performance at the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference - 2021, 2022
- Percussion Ensemble performance at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic - 2013
- Jazz Band performance at the Georgia Music Educators Association Inservice Conference - 2006
- Little Shop of Horrors Pit Orchestra awarded a Shuler Award for Best Orchestra - 2016
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Pit Orchestra received a Shuler Award nomination for Best Orchestra - 2017
- Pippin Pit Orchestra received a Shuler Award nomination for Best Orchestra - 2020
- Winterguard named a WGI National Champion: Scholastic A - 2004, Scholastic Open - 2005
- Winterguard named a WGI National Finalist: Scholastic World - 2006, Scholastic Open - 2013
- Winterguard named a SAPA Class Champion - 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2021, 2022
The National Band Association, founded on September 11, 1960, is the world’s largest professional band organization. It was organized to promote the musical and educational significance of bands and is dedicated to the attainment of a high level of excellence for bands and band music. The NBA is an organization open to anyone and everyone interested in bands, regardless of the length of experience, type of position held, or the specific level at which one works. The membership roster includes professionals and students from every facet of the band world. NBA is today’s professional organization for band directors, and it stands ready to serve all association members through various projects and initiatives.
