Autrey Mill Middle School Earns Music Program of the Year Award

Autrey Mill Middle School’s (AMMS) music program just set a statewide standard. It has been dubbed the best of the best by the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA). The school is the latest recipient of the association’s “Music Program of the Year” award. It is presented just once a year, making Autrey Mill a member of a very elite group that is “a note above the rest.” Earning such a distinction is not an easy feat.

“This honor symbolizes the dedication, talent, and hard work of our students and music educators, and it highlights our commitment to excellence in arts education,” Principal Trey Martin said. “It’s a proud moment that reflects the strength of our school community and its support for the performing arts.”

l-r: Andy Esserwein, President-Elect (incoming President) of GMEA; Vanessa Edwards, Choral Director; Trey Martin, Principal; Tim Anderson, Orchestra Director; Autumn Smith, Band Director; Susan Smith, Southern Region President of National Association for Music Educators.

 

The association considers music programs statewide for the coveted award. Each program is judged by its accomplishments from the previous three years, and AMMS has no shortage of achievements. Setting such a standard is important to Principal Martin.

“Maintaining a high musical standard inspires excellence, builds student pride, and creates opportunities for growth both artistically and academically,” Martin added. “It also reflects our belief that every student deserves access to a high-quality, enriching arts education.”

The school’s orchestra, band, and chorus consist of nearly 630 students combined. The orchestra, led by Tim Anderson, was recently awarded third place in the nation at the American String Teachers Association’s national orchestra festival. In addition, dozens of students have been selected for the All-State Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Fulton County Youth Orchestra, Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestras of Atlanta, and Franklin Pond Chamber ensembles.

Among the chorus’ most notable achievements is the 2023 GMEA Exemplary Performance Award. The choir also consistently earns superior ratings in GMEA’s performance evaluation program. At the helm of the young singers is Vanessa Edwards. She and Anderson have been instrumental in the music program’s success for over a decade.

AMMS band leader Autumn Smith joined the team two years ago. She is still building on a legacy of musical excellence that includes pitch-perfect performances at several events such as the North Gwinnett Jazz Festival, Fulton County Jazz Festival, and Athena Band Camp. Her ensembles have also earned superior ratings yearly in GMEA’s performance evaluation program.

In addition, students in the music department take two yearly performance trips to the Southern Star Music Festival in Norcross and the OrlandoFest Music Festival. Each group consistently earns superior ratings at both events, but it is something special that makes being named music program of the year stand out.

“The faculty and students were thrilled and deeply honored,” Martin said. “There was a real sense of excitement and pride throughout the school. It validated their hard work and reinforced how impactful the music program has been for our community.”

Principal Martin plans to see that his school’s music program continues to strengthen its collaboration with Johns Creek High School. He envisions a seamless pathway for music education that offers more advanced opportunities and mentorship for students as they progress.