AHS Band to premiere original march honoring John Glover
May 20 spring concert to include reception for beloved former band director
The Athens High School Band is set to premiere a newly commissioned work by renowned composer Dr. Timothy Rhea, director and conductor of the famous Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. The march, titled “Pride of the Hornets,” was composed exclusively for the Athens High School Band and is dedicated to John Glover.
Glover was at Athens ISD for 36 years — 32 of those as a band director, including seven years when he also served as assistant principal at Athens High School. He spent his final four years with the district as assistant superintendent.
The premiere performance will take place during the annual spring concert on Tuesday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the competition gym at Athens High School (708 East College Street). Glover will be in attendance for the event, which will be followed by a public reception in his honor. All community members — including former students, colleagues, friends and family — are encouraged to attend.
“John Glover’s heart for students and his lasting influence on the Athens ISD band program are immeasurable,” said AISD Director of Bands Nick Durham. “This is a special opportunity to honor someone who has given so much, while celebrating the continued excellence of our band students.”
The current school year has been a landmark one for the Athens ISD Band program. The AHS band earned a First Division rating at the UIL Marching Contest and advanced for the first time to the UIL State Military Marching Band Championship; the AHS non-varsity band earned a First Division rating at the UIL Sight-Reading Contest, while the varsity band earned a UIL Sweepstakes with First Division ratings in both Concert and Sight-Reading; and the Athens Middle School Symphonic Band also earned a UIL Sweepstakes award in Concert and Sight-Reading.
“We are incredibly proud of our students’ accomplishments this year,” said Durham. “The spring concert will be a moment of celebration, both for our musical success and for the legacy of a man who helped shape that success.”
