The Amador Valley High School Marching Band began in 1928 with 23 students. The band has since grown to around 300 members, making the Marching Dons the largest single campus activity and one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious marching bands in California.

Amador's Marching Band is a 17-time state contest finalist and a 5-time Bands of America Regional finalist. The band appeared in the London New Year’s Day Parade in 2005 and 2009. In 2019, Amador finished first in its division at the Fiesta Bowl National Marching Band Competition.

For the Fall 2024 season, band camp will be Aug 3, 5, 6, and 7. Once school starts (Aug 8), practices are Mondays 6-9pm (percussion and color guard), Wednesdays 6-9pm (full band), some Fridays 4-6pm (winds, 5X Aug-Nov) and some Saturdays 9am-4pm (full band, 6x Aug-Oct). The Marching Dons perform at home football games (some Friday nights), Saturday field show competitions (Oct 19, Oct 26, Nov 1-3, Nov 16, Nov 23-24).

Band students need to enroll in a year-long concert band course. Color guard members practice after school and join all band practices, football games and competitions. 

After marching season, interested students can join Winter Percussion or Winter Guard (Dec-Apr).

Musicians and guard members who complete two seasons of marching band (or fall season plus Winter Guard) receive a waiver for 10th grade P.E.