In 1970, the JOHS Band uniforms looked like this.  Thank goodness times have changed!

Some History of the John Overton High School Band

Welcome to the web site of the award winning John Overton High School Band. There are few organizations of any kind so rich in tradition and success that also include so many real-world experiences for student and boosters alike. The 06-07 school year gives us all the opportunity to carry on this outstanding tradition of excellence. The John Overton Band provides musical activities that encompass a wide scope and allows everyone a chance to reach the highest possible level of success.

The John Overton Marching Band has a history of excellence. During the 00-01 school year, the Band, along with the entire John Overton Music Department, was one of 16 schools nationwide to be chosen a Grammy Gold Signature School by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), which is the Foundation that awards the Grammys for musical excellence to professional performers also. John Overton received a "Grammy" and a $5,000 check.

The John Overton Marching Band TWICE won the John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Shield Marching Band Award, including winning the inaugural Sudler Shield Award.

In addition to many national awards, the Band successfully competes on the state level, having been named the State Marching Band Champion of Tennessee five times. They have consistently placed in the top four at the prestigious "Contest of Champions" for the past eighteen years and have been named Grand Champion on two occasions. They have been nationally recognized for their marching excellence and performed in the 1984 and 1992 Fiesta Bowl Parade, the 1987 Tournament of Roses Parade, and the 1990 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. An organization of this magnitude requires extreme dedication and pride on the part of each member.

While the musical activities are the core of our program, the total band experience provides the student far more opportunities. During the year, students are able to participate in leadership development programs, learn and apply planning, financial budgeting and team building skills, while spending time with other students and adults who have direction and goals as an integral part of their lives.

The fall season emphasizes the excellence of our five time State Champion Marching Band. Our performances include home and away football games, as well as several marching competitions. These competitions include the MTSBOA Marching Festival, the Music City Invitational, Bands of America Contests, a WGI Friendship Cup Contest (for which the John Overton Band acts as host), and the "Contest of Champions."

The John Overton Band program features three outstanding concert organizations that have developed a reputation for musical excellence through concert and festival performances. The Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble present several public concerts, as well as perform in the MTSBOA Concert Festival in the spring.

In addition to ensemble successes, members of the John Overton Band distinguish themselves through individual efforts in All-Midstate and All-State auditions, Solo and Ensemble Festival, and other Honor Band activities.

The award winning John Overton Winter Guard and Winter Drumline offer activities involving small groups of students. Both groups are nationally ranked and travel to compete throughout the country. Between them they have won three WGI World Championships.

The John Overton Winter Guard and Winter Drum Line won back-to-back-to-back WGI World Championships in 1994, 1995, and 1996. The Winter Guard was named 1994 Scholastic A World Champions and repeated as 1995 Scholastic Open World Champions. In 1996 the Winter Drum Line picked right up with the 1996 Scholastic Marching Percussion AA World Championship. The Winter Percussion Ensemble finished 3rd in the 2000 WGI World Championships.

The cornerstone and legacy of the John Overton Band program is striving for excellence through dedication, learning, experience, and a team effort from students, boosters, and staff. The substantial recognition that the Band receives is in no small way a result of the success acknowledged in the past at racing for and obtaining excellence. The 2000-2001 year looks to be an exciting opportunity to build on that legacy. It is also important to note that one side benefit to the total band experience is the fun and lasting relationships and memories that are developed by students and parents.

Hard-working students, dedicated staff, involved and active parents, and a supportive administration and community, all combine to make it possible for the John Overton Band Program to offer an outstanding array of musical opportunities. Our students are expected to set and reach high goals for themselves and their program, and the rewards of meeting those expectations are immeasureable. Members of the John Overton High School Band develop musically, emotionally, mentally, and socially.