After having a groundbreaking this past December, a ribbon cutting was held Tuesday at the new Athens High School band hall. During concert season, when it becomes necessary to divide students into varsity and JV bands, many students for years had nowhere to go but the gymnasium to practice. The new band hall now stands adjacent to the original one, providing the needed space for the band program. The project was one result of the school district having saved up $4.5 million over the course of the past 10 years. Pictured are (from left) Athens Mayor Jerry Vaught, AISD Superintendent Blake Stiles, Drum Major Jessica Yancey, Band Director Rusty Lay, Drum Major Mollie Davies and AISD Board President Robert Risko. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)