Welcome to Alter Music!

Todd Tucker is in his 17th year as Director of Bands at Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio. Since 2007, Mr. Tucker has directed all aspects of the music department and band programs along with duties as the Fine Arts Department Chair. Since arriving at Alter, the program expanded from two extracurricular ensembles to full curricular concert, percussion and visual ensemble classes and co-curricular ensembles including the award winning marching band, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, color guard, winter guard, percussion ensemble, and chamber ensembles.
Under Tucker’s direction, the Alter Marching Knights have become the musical ambassadors for Archbishop Alter High School. Under his guidance, the Marching Knights have been crowned Mid States Band Association Grand Champions nine times (2012-17, 2019, 2021 and 2022). The Alter Marching Knights have also been Bands of America Regional Finalists multiple times as well as Grand National Semi Finalists six times. The Alter Marching Knights were crowned the Bands of America 2022 Class A Grand National Champion with their show Overjoyed, featuring the music of Stevie Wonder.
Their 2023 production is titled Scenes from an Italian Restaurant and features the Grammy Award winning music of Billy Joel.

#golittlebandgo

Honestly, this group has been a saving grace for my boys. They have learned performance skills, but also leadership, planning, implementation, how to pivot, teamwork, and so much more. The biggest thing they gained from this group is family. A place where they belong, a place where their differences are made into strengths, and a place where other adults love them guide them like they are their own children. It has also given our family cherished friendships. Encourage your kids to join an award winning group!

Beth, Band Parent

This group has been nothing short of amazing. What I am sure of is that what you will find is that this group accepts, supports and loves all the members. Every person on the field counts and is seen. And, when they are ready to shine on their own, the show will have a spot for them to do that. My kids have grown into caring, accepting, focused, active engaged, talented members of this group. But the impact it will have on them will last forever. It is a place to shine…. they achieved their highest success this year….there are great opportunities to join the group and soar to new heights!

Karen, Band & Guard Parent

Marching Band

The Marching Knights are the musical ambassadors for Archbishop Alter High School. In addition to their musical support and performances at football games, the band also appears at festivals and in parades in the community. The Alter Marching Knights are 9-time MSBA Class Grand Champion, 6 time Bands of America Regional Class Champion and 6 time Bands of America Grand National Championship Semi Finalist. The Alter Marching Knights were the 2021 Class A Runner Up at the Bands of America Grand National Championship and the 2022 Class A National Champion. The program is under the leadership of Director of Bands, Todd Tucker (2007-Present).

Concert Band

Our concert band is a comprehensive concert music ensemble for wind, percussion and string instruments, where students study their individual instrument as it relates to the current concert music curriculum and ensemble. Students are exposed to the latest technology as it relates to concert band. The group works and achieves technically and expressively by performing literature by the world’s finest composers.

Contact: todd.tucker@alterhs.org or 937-428-5328

Jazz Ensemble

The Alter Jazz Ensemble is one of the premier ensembles at the high school. The group prides itself on high quality, fun and engaging performances. The AJE provides students with an opportunity to study, discover and perform jazz music by jazz masters from multiple

Contact: todd.tucker@alterhs.org or 937-428-5328

Percussion Ensemble

Percussion Ensemble open to all students in 8th grade parochial school and Alter High School. Students learn a variety of percussion instruments. The Ensemble meets Thursdays starting in January at Alter and will culminate in a performance in April/May each year. Contact Mr. Todd Tucker or Mr. Andrew Seivert at 937-428-5328 or email todd.tucker@alterhs.org or ajseivert95@gmail.com

Color Guard

The Color Guard is a performance group using techniques and skills in dance, movement, and equipment. This high caliber group spins flag, rifle, and saber, as well as using all forms of dance choreography from ballet to contemporary. During the fall, the Color Guard is an integral section of the Marching Knights competing at the highest level. During the winter and spring the guard competes separately as the Alter High School Winter Guard. The group is led by Color Guard Director, Sarah Hoffman.

Contact: todd.tucker@alterhs.org or sa-hoffman52@hotmail.com