AHS Pride of the Valley Band

The Pride of the Valley Band is the name of the band program at Andrews High. Also known as the Wildcat Band, the program has a long legacy of success in all its ventures. The band has a lot to offer!

Basic Information

Pride of the Valley Band

Samuel Kolodski, Director

50 High School Drive,

Andrews, NC 28901

Beginnings

The Andrews Wildcat Band began in 1973 under Franklin native Mary Ruth Byrd. The band started as a Jr. High program until 1975, when it also extended to Sr. High. The first "uniforms" were a pair of white pants with a red shirt. Uniforms were purchased in 1975.

Early Recognition

The band was already receiving much recognition early on. In 1977, at just nearly four years of existence, the band was invited to participate in the inaugural events of NC Governor Jim Hunt.

Later Years

The band continues to be successful in winning numerous awards at competitions every year. In recent years, the band has been invited to play in the Outback Bowl and Chick-fil-A Bowl. The Pride of the Valley Band continues its legacy with its marching and jazz band programs.

The Pride of the Valley Today

It wasn't until around 2016 that the name 'The Pride of the Valley' was used to name our band. Ever since, it has stuck and has become the official name. The band still competes and wins high awards.

This past season, the Pride of the Valley Marching Band competed in two competitions: the Blue Ridge Mountain Marching Festival (Fannin County HS, GA, 10/4/2025) and the Cedar Cliffs Classic Tournament of Bands (AC Reynolds HS, Asheville, 10/11/2025). The band won third place at the BRMMF and won third place in percussion, first place in music, and first place in Class 1A at the CCCTB.

Watch the BRMMF performance! https://www.youtube.com/live/WV8o-j1isnA?si=a6ybWrQSdLiW6KEo&t=4705

**Directors of the AHS Band**
Mary Byrd (1973-1979)
Wynn Justice (1979-1985)
Dave Pressley (1985-1986)
Mike Wilson (1986-1988)
Lori Aldridge (1988-1992)
Anthony Higdon (1992-2001)
Krista Miller (2001-2003)
Chad Higdon (2003-2009)
Joslyn Parker-Booth (2009-2022)
Samuel Kolodski (2022-)