Hey Leesville Band Alum! I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Alyssa Montgomery and I am the current band director here at Leesville Road High School, now finishing up teaching in my 8th year here! That is crazy for me to even write. This band program means so much to me, not only as its Director, but as an alumna myself. I played oboe under the amazing direction of THE Mr. Dave Albert. He let me join the Symphonic Band as a Freshman and it changed my life. I was also a member of the drumline for marching band, and then eventually became the Drum Major for my last two years of high school. I auditioned for all-district and all-state, played piano in the jazz band, and anything else I could get involved in. I attended college at Appalachian State (go Mountaineers!!) and majored in – you guessed it – Music Education, along with a piano performance degree.
It is an absolute honor to be here at Leesville. This band program changed my life, and, I know, many of yours as well. The sum of the individual parts — the music, the good times and memories, the relationships, the leadership skills we learned – adds up to something much bigger in total. I can’t quite put my finger on it. I think it has to do with this community of people coming together for a common purpose, while growing, individually and as a group, beyond what we ever imagined we could.
We have been super intentional at keeping this band program looking much like you remember it, with a few 21st century updates. 😊 We still count-off before every rehearsal, have the student officer positions for upperclassmen, go to Lees McRae College for band camp, and bring in that Dave Albert guy to keep us in check. We also now have an online music library, added an Instagram account (@leesvilleband) with student administrators, have a wireless PA Device for the practice field, and a virtual portal for students to turn in assignments and pay dues. We even just recently updated our website. Check it out at https://www.leesvilleband.org.
I couldn’t be more grateful to Mr. Albert as well as all of the former and current students, parents, and community members that have helped make this band what it is today. Looking forward to sharing with you more and looking forward to seeing you next Spring!!!