“You Get More of What You Celebrate.” Success cannot be measured by just one thing. Success in the music classroom can look many different ways and we should acknowledge and celebrate ALL forms of success. In an effort to support each other and band programs all over the state, this page will highlight good teaching and positive experiences for students in a variety of settings. Every program may not see success in the same way but that doesn’t mean there is an absence of success and good teaching.
The William M. Raines High School Band under the direction of Mr. Kuronde Washington has shown great growth and success the past 14 years. This high school band performs at Marching, Concert, Solo & Ensemble, and Auxiliary MPA events on a regular basis while maintaining a heavily active community performance schedule with various parades and other activities. Why is this so amazing? Because Mr. Washington does this without any middle school feeder programs and with no staff other than himself! The students are so fortunate to have Mr. Washington and District 17 is lucky to experience his commitment to his students and colleagues.
Ian Crumpton took over the Rockledge band program in August of 2022 and made a positive impact on both his students and the band community. His students are kind, positive, hard-working, and enthusiastic, which is exactly how anyone who knows Ian would describe him. This year, the Rockledge Wind Ensemble attended State MPA and sent students to State Solo & Ensemble, as well as having several students selected for many honors ensembles such as the Tri-State Band Festival, All-State Honor Band, and the Brevard All-County band. The Rockledge Jazz Band has become a regularly performing ensemble at the Brevard School Board and other community events. Ian is truly an incredible person and band director and a wonderful addition to the Brevard County music family.
Myles Moore has been the band director at Baker County High School for the past 7 years. In this time, the Baker County Band program has experienced consistent musical growth and development, as seen in their assessment ratings and growth in numbers. Myles has established a positive culture among his students not only in musical excellence but also in service to our organization. We are excited that music education is alive and well at Baker County High School!!! "Success Happens in Many Different Ways!"
Ashley Crosby is the band director at Golden Gate Middle School as was recently acknowledged as a Collier County "Golden Apple" award recipient. This is from her article: A best practice Ms. Crosby incorporates daily is using challenges to empower success an build resilience in her students. When learning something new in music, it doesn't sound great right away. Failure can be paralyzing to many students, especially when they are performing an instrument and feel exposed. Ms. Crosby provides students the tools to meet those challenges and work through them until that "failure" becomes success! Utilizing several techniques, students are able to gain confidence and master the music, leading to both personal and cooperative success. "Success Happens in Many Different Ways!"
The Edward H. White High School Band in Jacksonville is under the direction of Ms. Stephanie Jones. The Ed White Band returned to Marching, Concert, Solo & Ensemble, and Auxiliary MPAs this year. To many of us, this may seem as normal practice, however, the band program does not have any middle school feeder programs. It is up to Ms. Jones to recruit members from the school population while starting them as beginners in high school and getting them fundamentally sound for adjudication as well as numerous community and school-related performances. The tremendous growth shown by Ms. Jones and the band has been remarkable. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to more greatness to come. Mr. Jones has been at Ed White High School for over 6 years now, proving that staying in a school and building a positive culture, regardless of the obstacles, can be achieved by a dedicated director and supportive community! "Success Happens in Many Different Ways!"
Adam Chasteen started as a band director at Liberty County High School in January of this year. Not missing a beat, Adam hit the ground running choosing appropriate MPA music, performing at MPA in March (Improving upon previous years' ratings), and is looking forward to the next year. Currently, he is choosing a marching band show, selecting officers and leaders for next year, preparing for spring performances this year, and building a positive culture for students. We are excited about the future of the Liberty County High School Band Program! "Success Happens in Many Different Ways!"
Julia took over the band program at the brand new Kelly Park K-8 School in Apopka this January, shortly after the FMEA convention. Although the band did not perform at MPA in early March, she still brought all of her 7th and 8th grade students to observe the MPA process. Here students were fully engaged in the band performances as they completed adjudication sheets led by Ms. Freeman's guided instructions. The students were attentive, well-behaved, and they also played MPA Bingo! It was nice to see how well they interacted with each other and their teacher in such a short period of time. Everyone made it to MPA and back home safely. "Success Happens in Many Different Ways."