A.C. Reynolds Band

Mr. Dodson, Director of Bands

Mr. Clif Dodson, Director of Bands

Welcome to the A.C. Reynolds Band Program!

Our band program is a vibrant and integral part of the A.C. Reynolds High School community. Under the direction of Mr. Clif Dodson, our band strives for musical excellence and fosters a passion for performance among our students. 

Our current band website can be found here: https://sites.google.com/bcsemail.org/acrhsband

Mr. Dodson’s staff web page can be found here: https://sites.google.com/bcsemail.org/clif-dodson/home?authuser=0

Mr. Clif Dodson has taught in the A.C. Reynolds school district for twenty-two years. With a rich background in music education and a passion for inspiring young musicians, Mr. Dodson brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our band program. You can contact Mr. Dodson via the STAFF webpage message link under his name.

About Our Band

The A.C. Reynolds Band is open to students from all grade levels, offering a variety of ensembles and musical opportunities:

  • Concert Band: Focuses on a wide range of concert literature, performing at school concerts, state performance adjudications, and national festivals.

  • Marching Band: Known for dynamic field shows, our marching band performs at football games, parades, and competitions.

  • Jazz Band: Explores jazz standards and contemporary pieces, providing students with opportunities to develop improvisational skills.

  • Pep Band: Energizes our school’s athletic events with lively performances.

  • Chamber Ensembles: Features small groups like woodwind and brass quintets, percussion ensembles, and clarinet choirs, allowing for focused, specialized musical experiences.

Honors Band: 

At A.C. Reynolds, students participating in either band class can earn Honors Credit over two semesters. The Honors Band operates as a "class within a class," meeting concurrently with the Symphonic Winds or Concert Winds class. In addition to fulfilling regular class requirements, Honors Band students are expected to prepare for and audition for the BCS All-County Band, WNC All-District Bands, and the NC All-State Honor Band, if eligible. Enrollment in this course requires Mr. Dodson's permission. Once approved, students must register for both the Fall and Spring semesters.

Our Achievements

The A. C. Reynolds Bands have accomplished great things over the years:

  • 2024 Heritage Music Festivals Invitational

  • 2024 Recording sessions in Nashville’s famous Sound Kitchen and Studio B. 

  • 2023 Symphonic Winds selected to be the premier ensemble in Manhattan Concert Productions' nighttime concert “Jubilate” 

  • 2018 National Adjudicators

  • 2016 Grand National Adjudicators Invitational

  • 2015 Dixie Classic

  • 2014 Dixie Classic

  • 2009 – Symphonic Winds and Chorale performed a series of concerts in The People's Republic of China as a guest of the United States– China Cultural Educational Foundation.

  • 2007 – Symphonic Winds performed on the stage of Carnegie Hall at the “Field Studies International Winter Music Festival.”

  • 2005 – Symphonic Winds performed on the stage of Carnegie Hall at the “National Concert Band Festival.”

  • 2002 - Symphonic Winds performed on the stage of Carnegie Hall at “A Spring Concert.”

  • Since 1995, the Symphonic Winds band has consistently achieved Superior Ratings at the State Concert Band Festival, performing at the highest level of difficulty, Grade 6. A.C. Reynolds High School made history as the first school in Buncombe County to perform at this prestigious Grade 6 level and has performed many masterworks in this category. 

Join the Band

We welcome new members at the beginning of each school year. Interested students should attend our middle school band night, spring training, and curriculum night, where they can meet Mr. Dodson, learn about the program, and sign up for auditions if necessary. No prior experience is required for beginners—just a love for music and a commitment to practice.

Rehearsal Schedule

Rehearsals take place in the A.C. Reynolds Band Room 512:

  • Concert Band: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

  • Marching Band: Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

  • Jazz Band: Wednesday mornings from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM

  • Pep Band: As needed for events and games

Upcoming Events

https://sites.google.com/bcsemail.org/clif-dodson/band-calendar?authuser=0

Testimonials

"Being part of the A.C. Reynolds Band has been an incredible experience. Mr. Dodson's leadership and passion for music have truly inspired us to perform our best." – [Student Name], Senior

For more information and to stay updated on our events, follow us on [Social Media Links].

Past Directors of the AC Reynolds Band Program: 

Sean Smith

Mr. Sean Smith 2010-2020

Bill Bryant

Dr. Bill Bryant 1986-2010

Mr. Ralph Caldwell 1982-1986 (no image)

Johnny Clark

Mr. Johnnie Clark 1970-1982