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“Music is life itself.” ~ Jazz Legend Louis Armstrong

Whether you are a musician or hope to raise a talented music prodigy, Traditions of Braselton may be your ideal destination. While the quality of our schools is always a major allure for families with school-aged children, we often solely focus on the excellence of their academic and athletic programs. Since March is Music in Our Schools Month, it’s the ideal time to highlight the brilliance of Jackson County High School’s award-winning band program. It’s about so much more than playing under the Friday night lights at Panther Stadium!

It’s Hard to Beat Our Bands

Since its launch in 1979, The Jackson County Band Program has traveled and performed at numerous locations around the country – often coming home with a grand championship win. In 2016, the indoor winds program earned the gold medal at the WGI Winds World Championships. The winds ensemble has also received invitations to perform at the Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Festival at Georgia State University, The University of South Carolina Band Clinic, the University of Georgia January High School Band Festival, and the Georgia Music Educators Association’s In-Service Conference. The jazz ensemble has participated in the Essentially Ellington regional competition at the University of North Carolina and has performed at the Georgia Music Educators Association’s In-Service Conference.

Led by Director of Bands William E. Kilgore, The Jackson County Band Program consists of a marching band, percussion ensemble, color guard class, three full-sized concert bands, and a jazz ensemble. Some years, it has also featured an indoor drumline, winter guard, WGI winds, and a second jazz ensemble. Kilgore and the band program are supported by Assistant Director of Bands Matt Tinnell, Color Guard Director Beth Pitman, and Percussion Instructor Taylor Sexton. Since it’s essential to tap into that musical talent as early as possible, West Jackson Middle School also offers a band program led by Director of Bands Alisha Bowden. If your student attends Jefferson City Schools, the high school band program is led by Nick Golding, and the middle school band program is led by Michael Pace.

If being in the band isn’t your child’s “jam,” but music is still an interest, both Jackson County High School and Jefferson High School also offer chorus and musical theater.

Is it Time to Tap Into that Musical Talent?

If you haven’t considered the positive impact that playing a musical instrument or being in a band might have on your child(ren), here are just a few of the benefits…

• Being in a band will give your young musician a sense of belonging and connection – similar to what they might experience in participating in a team sport
• It will also teach your child the value of being part of a team and bringing their own unique talents to work towards a common goal
• Being in a band will foster a sense of school pride and spirit
• It may also showcase your child as a future leader in an environment of camaraderie and healthy competition
• Playing an instrument is a terrific outlet for creativity and self-expression
• Because reading music, playing music, and marching inherently involve multi-tasking, being part of a band is an excellent opportunity for cognitive development
• Being part of a band is a chance to make friends with others who share a common interest
• Being part of a band helps teach the importance of time management as they juggle practice, their studies, and performances
• Being part of a band helps your child hone vital life skills like critical thinking, communication, discipline, work ethic, and collaboration
• Studies show that students involved in arts programs often boast better academic performance and higher SAT scores
• Playing a musical instrument can decrease stress by lowering cortisol levels
• Being in a band can boost self-confidence

Get Schooled on Available Schools at Traditions of Braselton

Pair a focus on music with excellent academic performance and the quality of athletic programs at schools available to Traditions of Braselton homeowners, and you have a winning combination. Add the fact that you are afforded your choice of either Jackson County Schools or Jefferson City Schools (upon acceptance of application), and it’s no wonder why so many families have elected to make Traditions of Braselton their home. In the event that you select Jackson County Schools for your child’s education, you’ll be happy to note that our community is within walking distance of both Gum Springs Elementary and West Jackson Middle Schools. Jackson County High School is the most desirable high school in the county, with a 94% graduation rate. If you select Jefferson City Schools for your child’s education, they will attend Jefferson Elementary, Jefferson Academy, Jefferson Middle, and Jefferson High Schools. If accepted to the system, out-of-district admittance is tuition-based.

Quality of schools aside, families are also drawn to Traditions of Braselton for our scenic surroundings, resort-inspired amenities, expertly crafted homes, and proximity to I-85. Learn more about how you can live life on a high note at our 1140-acre master planned community by visiting www.TraditionsofBraseltonHomes.com.

KB 2/18/25

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