About

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Ashley Ridge High School was founded in 2008 in Summerville, South Carolina. The Ashley Ridge High School Band was formed under the direction of Sue Alexander.  Sue served previously as Director of Bands at Travelers Rest High School, Riverside High School, and Associate Director of Bands at Summerville High School.

In 2008, the newly formed high school band entered the 2A South Carolina classification but did not field a competitive marching band.  Instead, a small pep band was created with a focus was on building community and spirit within the new high school.  It of course was a magical time and a huge success!

In 2009, the school fielded its first competitive marching band.  In this first year of competition, the band fielded 53 total students and made state finals in the 2A division.  Winter percussion and winter guard were added to the list of band performance ensembles.  In their first year of competition, these two groups won the SCBDA (South Carolina Band Directors Association) state indoor championship.

Ashley Ridge High School has now grown to nearly 2500 total students. Due to this large number of students, the marching band is now classified in the 6A SCBDA division, and has since grown to include a thriving jazz band program, chamber ensembles, and three concert bands.

Ashley Ridge Band Directors

Sue Alexander, 2008 - 2010

Josh Hinkel, 2010 - 2014

Chad Pence, 2014 - 2018

Ben Pouncey, 2018 - 2021

Meredith Melven Henjes, 2021 -

Ashley Ridge Marching Band earns Superior Rating at Esprit de Corps at Irmo High School, 2021