The Pride’s Story
The Central-Carroll Lion Pride Band, proudly representing Central High School in Carrollton, Georgia, has a long-standing tradition of excellence, discipline, and community spirit. What began as a small school band has grown into a powerhouse of musical talent, creativity, and leadership that leaves a lasting impression on audiences both locally and across the region.
The band is known for its vibrant marching performances, powerful symphonic works, and unwavering commitment to fostering student growth on and off the field. Whether performing on Friday nights under the lights, competing at regional and state-level band competitions, or bringing music to community events, the Lion Pride Band exemplifies unity, pride, and precision.
Under the direction of Ms. Riley Mitchell, Central High School’s Director of Bands and a proud alumna of the program, the band continues to flourish. With a vision rooted in tradition and innovation, Ms. Mitchell leads a program that not only builds musicianship but also nurtures leadership, perseverance, and camaraderie among its members.
Joining her IN 2025 is Mr. Luke Bass, the new Associate Band Director. Mr. Bass brings fresh energy and a wealth of musical knowledge to the program. Known for his passion for music education and his ability to inspire young performers, he plays a vital role in shaping the sound and spirit of the ensemble. His dedication to excellence, combined with his approachable teaching style, helps students develop not only as musicians but as confident, well-rounded individuals.
Each year, the Lion Pride Band tells a new story through its competitive marching productions, stories of resilience, creativity, and heart. These shows are the result of countless hours of rehearsal, teamwork, and a shared passion for performance. But beyond the notes and steps, the story of the band is one of legacy of students past and present coming together to represent their school, their community, and themselves with pride.
OUR HISTORY
The Central Bands have performed for millions of people all over the world. The Marching Pride has performed twice in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. The band has also traveled and performed in Hollywood, California; New York, New York; New Orleans, Louisiana; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Nassau, Bahamas; San Francisco, California; Orlando, Florida; Washington D.C.; London, England; and Brisbane, Australia. Students in the Central-Carroll band program have the opportunity to participate in a variety of performing ensembles and classes, including two concert bands, a jazz ensemble, a marching band, two competitive indoor winter guards, percussion ensembles, music theory, visual ensemble class, and numerous small instrumental ensembles.
THE TRADITION OF
THE TOWELS
It has often been asked, “Why are there paper towels on your trophies?” For the answer, we must take you back to the 1999‐2000 School Year and our show, "Vacation ’99.” The Pride was performing at the Rockdale County Marching Contest, and it was a dreary day in Conyers, with a steady rain coming down as the Marching Pride entered the field. Following their energetic and crowd-pleasing performance, the Pride entered the stands for the awards ceremony. The seats were very wet, being saturated by the constant rain. So, the Marching Pride Booster Club gave each student a towel to wipe off their seat. Legend has it that no students used their towels to dry the seats. Rather, the towels became rally towels to support the Marching Pride. As it turns out, this contest was the first of more than 25 Grand Championships the Marching Pride has won and is often credited for the Pride’s continued love for performing in the rain! Today, the tradition of students and parents waving the towels and hanging the towels on each trophy continues. The towels do not represent wins but, more importantly, the incredible source of dedication, hard work, commitment, and PRIDE our students and parents have for our band program.
GO PRIDE GO!!!
PREVIOUS MARCHING BAND SHOWS
2019 – “Once Upon A Time”
2018 – “Through the Years”
2017 – “The Modern Prometheus”
2016 – “Wanderlust”
2015 – “Clock:Work”
2014 – “Dreamscapes”
2013 – “The Great Potato Heist”
2012 – “Golden Brown and Leaving Town!”
2011 – “What's Up With the Potato?”
2010 – “The Road to the Roses”
2009 – “How the West Was Really Won”
2008 – “Way Down Yunder”
2007 – “On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!”
2006 – “Viva Las Vegas”
2005 – “A Love Story of Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head”
2004 – “Welcome to Planet Earth”
2003 – “Music of the South”
2002 – “Lost In Europe”
2001 – “Time Warp”
2000 – “The Search for Waldo”