The Platinum Powerhouse of the South

BIO/RESUME:Andrew Jackson High School is the oldest high school in Duval County, Florida, located just north of downtown Jacksonville. It was originally opened in 1937 as an all white school but became integrated in the early 1970s. The band program is the pride of the school! The earliest records of the AJH Band dates back to 1956. For 15 years the band was under the direction of Mr. George Paul. During this time the program was a corps style band until Mr. Pauls retirement in 1971. In 1971 the school began to integrate and the band adopted the traditional high stepping style. From May 1, 1971 until June 1, 1991 the band was lead by Mr. Freddie McClain and marched over 200 members. Under Mr. McClain the band traveled extensively, competing in annual marching and concert band competitions and constantly was awarded superior ratings and first place trophy's. The program went through several changes in the 90's. However, in the fall of 2006 Mr. Reginald Mitchell was personally recruited by the principal (see the bands blog for full florida times union article). Since Mr. Mitchell's accepting the band director position the program has grown and flourished! In his first 6 months at the school the band's membership increased by 50%! This past 06-07 marching season the band traveled to South Carolina and performed in South Carolina State University homecoming festivities where they received a superior rating @ the high school competition, Edward Waters College homecoming festivities, the city of Jacksonville Veterans Day parade and the city of Tampa MLK Day parade. The band also traveled to Savannah, GA. where they performed in the 2007 St. Patrick's day parade (the 2nd largest St. Patrick's day parade in the country). In fact the parade officials were so impressed with the band in rehearsal they made a last minute decision to move the band to the front of the parade (THE POSITION OF HONOR). The band also served as the featured entertainment at the Universal Soul Circus during it's visit to Jacksonville,Florida in 2007. To start off the 07-08 season dressed in over $50,000 worth of new uniforms, the band has traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida where they were 1 of only 2 schools who represented Jacksonville in Bethune-Cookman University Homecoming festivities. The band also performed in the Savannah High School's 9th annual Jamboree of bands. The competition featured over a dozen high school and collegic bands from all over the south. The band received two superiors and one excellent rating in the three categories. The has participated in Edward Waters College homecoming festivities and South Carolina State University Homecoming. In November the band participated in the FAMU homecoming parade and the pre-game show along with the world famous "marching 100" (Dr. White & Dr. Chipman we thank you for those kind words you spoke to us before the pre-game show!). They also were the featured entertainment at Florida Memorial University's official name change & merger ceremony. On November 11 the band participated in the city of Jacksonville's annual Veterans Day parade. The band also has taken pride in being the only band from Florida to participate in the "5th quarter battle of the bands" in Savannah, GA. on November 18. On December 9 the band became the first marching band in the 170 year history of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church to perform during the main service of the ministry. This performance was broadcast throughout the world via the "streaming faith" network. On January 21, 2008 the band traveled to Tampa, Florida where once again they represented Jacksonville in the MLK DAY parade and activities. The band has recently been honored with being named as the official band of city council woman Mia Jones election campaign for state representative. In March 2008 the band participated in the largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the country...The St.Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, GA. which was televised nationally. Other performances include: The Palm Avenue Special Needs School, R. L. Brown Elementary School, The percussion battle @ metropolitan park, the 5k run and fitness meet sponsored by the johnson ymca and city council woman mia jones, the friday night live event @ bethel baptist institutional church and @ the atlanta center college tour. The band's auxiliary consist of a color guard squad and a superior rated featured dance line named "The Tiger Sensation". Layout Created at Mspremade.com