About ATLANTA QUEST
FOUNDED IN 2002, WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT PERFORMANCE ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO YOUTH EDUCATION THROUGH THE PERCUSSIVE AND MUSICAL ARTS.
We push our membership to not only become passionate players and performers, but to become strong contributing members of our community both locally and nationally.
Known for high energy captivating performances, Quest continues to push the boundaries of what our performers are capable of with the help of some of the best designers and teachers in the activity.
Our designers and instructors consists of trained music educators and performers that provide our members with the highest quality skill and performance based instruction. This instruction is used to teach an eight minute production which is performed in a competitive environment in both local metro-Atlanta shows under the Georgia Indoor Percussion Association circuit, as well as Winter Guard International which hosts competitions throughout the United States. We also regularly perform throughout the southeast for corporate and entertainment events.
We are a 501(c)(3) organization
We rely solely on member dues, funds raised, and charitable donations from our supporters for our organization.
Atlanta Quest is 501(c)(3) youth education organization supported by the Georgia Alliance For Performing Arts Education (G.A.P.A.E). Atlanta Quest operates solely on member dues and charitable donations.
MEET OUR ADMINISTRATION
Benjamin Smart is a co-founder of Atlanta Quest Indoor Percussion. He has been the Executive Director for the past 15 years as well as serving as visual director in Quest’s inaugural season.
Benjamin has over 15 years experience in the marching/performing arts as both a performer and instructor with such ensembles as the Magic of Orlando Drum and Bugle Corps, Georgia Southern Marching Pride, Sprayberry High School, North Cobb High School in Marietta, GA, and Drum Major for ALLIANCE Drum and Bugle Corps.
Benjamin Smart is a video production coordinator for Artisan Picture Works in Atlanta, GA, as well as, CEO for the non-profit organization – Georgia Alliance for Performing Arts Education.
BENJAMIN C. SMART
Executive Director
Anthony Sears has been with Quest since 2002. First serving as a bass drum technician before becoming the CFO in 2005.
Anthony attended Georgia Southern University and received a degree in Criminal Justice. During his time there he was a performing member of the Southern Pride Marching and Indoor Drumlines.
After college Anthony attended John Marshall Law School in Atlanta Ga and worked for Homeland Security. He lives in Cobb County Ga. with his wife Reiko Sears and his three children, Jackson Sears, Annabelle Sears, and Emma Sears.
ANTHONY SEARS
Chief Financial Officer
Alan Sears is a co-founder of Atlanta Quest. He has been the music and program director since the beginning in 2002.
Alan now serves as the Director of Percussion for the Sprayberry High School “Band of Gold”, and is the Drumline Instructor and Arranger for the Kennesaw State University "Marching Owls". Alan arrangers for many ensembles and also has his arrangements published with CounterMotion Inc. Along with his work in the Band world, he also composes for corporate events and commercial projects.
Alan is married to Monna Sears and the proud father of two sons Hayden Alan Sears and Cole Alexander Sears.
ALAN SEARS
Program Director & Music Arranger
Entering his 8th year with the organization, Alex Shive will be returning this year in a new role as the Director of Q2. A native of Opelika, Alabama, Mr. Shive is a graduate of Auburn University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education.
In addition to his responsibilities with the Quest organization, Mr. Shive serves as the Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Percussion at Cass High School, the Percussion Caption Head of Atlanta CV Drum and Bugle Corps, the Battery Instructor for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band in New York City, and percussion consultant/clinician for multiple schools and universities including Auburn University, Georgia Tech, and Point University.
Mr. Shive holds professional affiliations with the National Association for Music Education (NAFME), Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA), Percussive Arts Society (PAS), National Band Association (NBA), and is an Innovative Percussion, and Sabian educational artist.
ALEX SHIVE
Director & Ensemble Coordinator - Q2