Golden Eagle Band
Encyclopedia
The Golden Eagle Band is the official instrumental ensemble of North Georgia College and State University's Corps of Cadets. It serves as one of the featured units at all Cadet Reviews and military ceremonies during the school year. The unit also regularly travels off-campus to perform in parades, festivals, and military ceremonies throughout the Southeast.
The Golden Eagle Band of North Georgia College and State University
is the oldest specialty unit on campus. It was created along with the founding of the college in 1873. Throughout the history of North Georgia College the GEB has always been an integral part of NGCSU's Corps of Cadets. The Band's name has changed several times, been housed in many different locations, and has fluctuated in size throughout the years. But one thing about the GEB has remained the same...it has continued to be the heartbeat of the Corps of Cadets.
In the early 1900's the GEB was known as the Boar's Head Brigade Band. At that time, the band lived and practiced in a building that was located at the site where Young Hall is currently located. The Commandant of Cadets also lived with the band at this time. After WWII, the band moved to Barnes Hall and created a large Boar's Head to hang over the fireplace. Later, this same Boar's Head was presented to the college and now hangs in the student Great Room in the Student Center. While in Barnes Hall, the band was the largest it has ever been. This was partly due to the fact that the Commandant of Cadets would personally take people from other companies who knew how to play an instrument and place them in the band. The name of the band changed to the Tiger Band, and the director of the band wrote NGCSU's Alma Mater.
In 1969, the Band moved to their current residence at Sanford Hall but was forced to cut its numbers to accommodate to the living space. Other problems that the band faced during this growing phase were places to practice. Starting in the Canteen, they eventually moved to the gym and Young Hall. They then moved to El Maguey, a local restaurant located on the square. It was at this time that the band painted it gold to show everyone who practiced there and who the restaurant supported.
In 1972, the GEB finally changed its name to the Golden Eagle
Band. The Band's distinctive patch was designed in 1989 by Jasper GA artist Mary Russell, mother of one of the cadets. At this time, the Band had its own unique uniform that consisted of a black helmet with a large golden eagle on it. At the end of this decade, the band moved once again to Gailard Hall. Once situated there, they painted a mural on the walls of their wing and placed a gold brick in the wall to show everyone how much hard work they have dedicated to the school. It was also at this time that the band's practice area changed once again to the newly constructed Nix Center in which they had their own practice room.
Due to the growing size of the Corps of Cadets, the band was forced to relocate back to Sanford hall in 2003. The band will there until the new barracks are constructed in 2010.
Also throughout its history, the GEB has produced many capable young leaders that are now serving the Army as Second Lieutenants in the Aviation, Engineer, Field Artillery, Armor, Medical Services, Infantry, and most recently Military Intelligence branches.
The Golden Eagle Band's mission is to "provide quality musicianship, discipline, and leadership through both military and musical training. We set and maintain the highest standards to represent North Georgia College & State University's Boar's Head Brigade."
Generally, participation in the GEB is open to anyone with a background in music. People who have previously played in high school bands are preferred, but this is not a requirement. Everything that a member of the GEB needs to know about performing in a military marching band is readily available to be taught by instructors and the student leadership.
The GEB is also an academic class that is worth one credit hour for each semester enrolled. Civilian students need only to register for the class during registration periods throughout the semester while participants in the Corps of Cadets can either request to be put in HHC and live with the GEB or live with one of the many line companies on campus and attend the class, although living with the band is highly recommended and preferred.
Throughout the semester and the duration of their participation in the GEB, participants will be challenged in a variety of ways not just limited to their abilities as a musician. Rather, they will be presented with unique challenges to develop themselves as individuals, as a member of a team, and be tested in their abilities of leadership. Throughout the year, the members of the GEB in the Corps participate in tactical training and leadership evaluation techniques and go on their own FTXs as most of the time they are not able to make the regular Corps training periods because scheduling conflicts with class and Band Camps.
Every fall semester the GEB conducts special training in which participants will able to earn a spot inside the GEB "family", and in the Spring semester these same people are able to participate in a more thorough examination of their knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to be a fully accepted and recognized member of the GEB.
History
North Georgia College and State University
North Georgia College & State University is a four-year public university located in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia. Founded as North Georgia Agricultural College in 1873, it is the second oldest co-educational institution in the state. The university is renowned for its ROTC program, and is...
is the oldest specialty unit on campus. It was created along with the founding of the college in 1873. Throughout the history of North Georgia College the GEB has always been an integral part of NGCSU's Corps of Cadets. The Band's name has changed several times, been housed in many different locations, and has fluctuated in size throughout the years. But one thing about the GEB has remained the same...it has continued to be the heartbeat of the Corps of Cadets.
In the early 1900's the GEB was known as the Boar's Head Brigade Band. At that time, the band lived and practiced in a building that was located at the site where Young Hall is currently located. The Commandant of Cadets also lived with the band at this time. After WWII, the band moved to Barnes Hall and created a large Boar's Head to hang over the fireplace. Later, this same Boar's Head was presented to the college and now hangs in the student Great Room in the Student Center. While in Barnes Hall, the band was the largest it has ever been. This was partly due to the fact that the Commandant of Cadets would personally take people from other companies who knew how to play an instrument and place them in the band. The name of the band changed to the Tiger Band, and the director of the band wrote NGCSU's Alma Mater.
In 1969, the Band moved to their current residence at Sanford Hall but was forced to cut its numbers to accommodate to the living space. Other problems that the band faced during this growing phase were places to practice. Starting in the Canteen, they eventually moved to the gym and Young Hall. They then moved to El Maguey, a local restaurant located on the square. It was at this time that the band painted it gold to show everyone who practiced there and who the restaurant supported.
In 1972, the GEB finally changed its name to the Golden Eagle
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is one of the best known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. Once widespread across the Holarctic, it has disappeared from many of the more heavily populated areas...
Band. The Band's distinctive patch was designed in 1989 by Jasper GA artist Mary Russell, mother of one of the cadets. At this time, the Band had its own unique uniform that consisted of a black helmet with a large golden eagle on it. At the end of this decade, the band moved once again to Gailard Hall. Once situated there, they painted a mural on the walls of their wing and placed a gold brick in the wall to show everyone how much hard work they have dedicated to the school. It was also at this time that the band's practice area changed once again to the newly constructed Nix Center in which they had their own practice room.
Due to the growing size of the Corps of Cadets, the band was forced to relocate back to Sanford hall in 2003. The band will there until the new barracks are constructed in 2010.
Also throughout its history, the GEB has produced many capable young leaders that are now serving the Army as Second Lieutenants in the Aviation, Engineer, Field Artillery, Armor, Medical Services, Infantry, and most recently Military Intelligence branches.
Mission
Generally, participation in the GEB is open to anyone with a background in music. People who have previously played in high school bands are preferred, but this is not a requirement. Everything that a member of the GEB needs to know about performing in a military marching band is readily available to be taught by instructors and the student leadership.
The GEB is also an academic class that is worth one credit hour for each semester enrolled. Civilian students need only to register for the class during registration periods throughout the semester while participants in the Corps of Cadets can either request to be put in HHC and live with the GEB or live with one of the many line companies on campus and attend the class, although living with the band is highly recommended and preferred.
Throughout the semester and the duration of their participation in the GEB, participants will be challenged in a variety of ways not just limited to their abilities as a musician. Rather, they will be presented with unique challenges to develop themselves as individuals, as a member of a team, and be tested in their abilities of leadership. Throughout the year, the members of the GEB in the Corps participate in tactical training and leadership evaluation techniques and go on their own FTXs as most of the time they are not able to make the regular Corps training periods because scheduling conflicts with class and Band Camps.
Every fall semester the GEB conducts special training in which participants will able to earn a spot inside the GEB "family", and in the Spring semester these same people are able to participate in a more thorough examination of their knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to be a fully accepted and recognized member of the GEB.
Scholarship and Award Opportunities
The bands at North Georgia College, including the GEB, offer many scholarships to prospective students. One particular scholarship of interest to prospective members of the GEB is the Roy E. Bottom Scholarship.Roy E. Bottom Scholarship
This scholarship covers the entire academic year with regards to the Spring and Fall semesters. It is a one-year scholarship, but it may be re-awarded to the same recipient in subsequent years as the Director of Bands sees fit.Student Eligibility
- Student must be a Georgia Resident as defined by NGCSU
- Student must be an Undergraduate
- Student must be on full-time status at NGCSU each semester the scholarship is awarded (12hrs)
- In order to continue receiving the scholarship, the student must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA (incoming students may omit this)
- Student must be a participating member of the Golden Eagle Band as defined in the acceptance letter
Application Procedure
- Complete the full application including the essay section
- Complete an audition for the Director of Bands
- Complete an interview with the Commandant of Cadets and Director of Bands
Leadership History
| School Year | Commander | Executive Officer | Bandmaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1873 | ? | ? | ? |
| 1987-1988 | C/CPT Mike Ammons | ? | ? |
| 1988-1989 | ? | ? | C/MSG Shawn Mullins Shawn Mullins Shawn Mullins is an American singer-songwriter who specializes in folk rock, instrumental rock, adult alternative, and Americana music. He is best known for the 1998 single, "Lullaby", which hit number one on the Adult Top 40 and was nominated for a Grammy Award.-Career:Mullins was born in... |
| 1989-1990 | C/CPT Drew Brown | C/1LT Shawn Mullins | C/MSG Mike Russell |
| 1990-1991 | C/CPT Mark Fiorentino | C/1LT Lee Sears | C/MSG Jim Asher |
| 1991-1992 | C/CPT Jim Asher | C/1LT Chet Thomas | C/MSG Scott Cooper |
| 1992-1993 | ? | ? | ? |
| 1993-1994 | C/CPT Michael K Davis | C/1LT Michael Bearden | C/MSG Darren Smith |
| 2009-2010 | C/1LT Kelly Foley | C/2LT Andrew Sparks | C/MSG Jonathan Likovetz |
| 2010-2011 | C/2LT Jonathan Likovetz | C/SFC Neville Williams | |
| 2011-2012 | C/2LT Neville Williams | C/SFC Ian Williams |