The inaugural band of New Albany High School in the 1918-1919 school year

history

The New Albany High School Band has a long and storied history dating back to its founding in 1918. Over the years, the band has been led by a number of dedicated directors who have helped shape the program into what it is today.

The band's first director was Anton Embs, who served from 1918 to 1920. Embs was followed by Bertram Heckel, who led the band for an impressive 19 years, from 1920 to 1939. During Heckel's tenure, the band grew in size and stature, becoming a source of pride for the school and the community.

Reid Sterling took over as director in 1940 and served until 1944. He was replaced by Fielder Myers, who led the band for the next 16 years, from 1944 to 1960. Under Myers' leadership, the band continued to thrive, performing at local events and competitions.

In 1954, Bud Chambers joined the band program as an assistant director. Chambers would eventually become the band's director in 1960, serving until 1980.  Under Chambers' leadership, the band grew tremendously in size and reputation.  Jim Stanton became the assistant director of the band in 1978 and would go on to become the director in 1980, serving in that role until 1984.

Timothy Yontz took over as director in 1984 and served until 1986, when he was succeeded by Carl Reckelhoff. Reckelhoff led the band from 1986 to 1994 and was instrumental in the band's continued success. Reckelhoff would move to Hazelwood Middle School in 1994.

In 1994, Aaron Lambert took over as director and served for an impressive 19 years. During his tenure, Lambert led the winter percussion ensemble to numerous state and national finals appearances, cementing the band's reputation as one of the best in the state.

In 2013, Jon Esarey took over as director, bringing with him a passion for music education and a desire to push the students to new heights. Esarey served until 2017, when Desmond Anderson was hired to lead the band. Anderson led the band through a period of transition, working to maintain the program's tradition of excellence while also embracing the new opportunities and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The band's current director is Nick Scroggins, who took over in 2021. Scroggins brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the program, and is dedicated to continuing the band's legacy of excellence.  It was under the leadership of Mr. Scroggins that the New Albany Band received the ISSMA All-Music Award for the first time in school history.

Throughout its history, the New Albany High School Band has been a source of pride and excellence for the New Albany community. With a long list of talented directors and notable alumni, the band has established itself as a fixture in the world of music education and performance.

ISSMA All Music Award recipient

2023-2024

marching arts accolades

2023

Festival ShowcaseFestival ClassGold Rating

2021

Scholastic PrelimsScholastic ASilver Rating

2018

Festival ShowcaseFestival ClassSilver Rating

2016

Scholastic PrelimsScholastic ASilver Rating

2015

Scholastic PrelimsScholastic ASilver Rating

2005

State ChampionshipClass ASecond Place

2001

State ChampionshipOpen ClassFirst Place


2001

World Championship Scholastic OpenSecond Place

2000

RegionalClass ADivision I Rating

1996

DistrictClass ADivision I Rating

1989

DistrictClass ADivision I Rating

1987

RegionalClass ADivision I Rating

1986

DistrictClass ADivision I Rating

concert Band accolades

2024

ISSMA OrganizationalGroup IIIGold Rating

2023

ISSMA OrganizationalGroup IIIGold Rating

2019

ISSMA OrganizationalGroup IIIGold Rating

2019

2018

ISSMA OrganizationalGroup IIISilver Rating

2015

ISSMA OrganizationalGroup IIISilver Rating

1992

ISSMA OrganizationalGroup IGold Rating

1989

ISSMA OrganizationalGroup IGold Rating

1988

ISSMA OrganizationalGroup IGold Rating

JAZZ ENSEMBLE accolades

2024

ISSMA District JazzGroup IIIGold Rating