Band Program

The Lyman Ward Band program is one of the academy's most involved and successful with particpants performing at a wide variety of functions during the school year. The Marching Rangers perform for sporting events, parades, ceremonies, and civic events each year. These events include performing a broad repertoire of music ranging from marches to rhythm and blues. Past performances by the Lyman Ward Band include invitations to the Talladega 500, Mardis Gras, the National Veterans Day Parade in Birmingham, the Peanut Festival in Dothan, as well as several command performances for the Governor of Alabama. The Band also performs annually at Christmas parades in Opelika and Alexander City. Our Band and its members are an integral part of campus life because of their support for athletics and the cadet battalion. Members also participate in leadership roles as well as other activities.

Each year band members have the opportunity to participate in off-campus festivals and compete for individual awards. One such event would be the Alabama Bandmasters Solo and Ensemble contest in April. Several Lyman Ward band members have also been selected to the prestigious Auburn University Honor Band that performs in February each year.

Students who have no instrumental experience may choose to enroll in the Beginning Band class. This class is mainly comprised of 6th and 7th grade students who are trained in the basics of band instrument performance. These students also learn to read music and instrument care as they progress toward performing in the marching band. The Lyman Ward Band program is directed by Joe Watson, a graduate of Auburn University and a 23 year member of the Lyman Ward faculty.

Band Students rehearse for Alabama Solo and Ensemble Contest

Cadets Nick Yauch and Zack Fowler practice their chosen selections for Solo and Ensemble Contest held annually at Auburn University. Both students are past medallists at the event which is sponsored by The Alabama Bandmasters Association to increase the individual student’s performing ability.