That familiar sound of the national anthem sounds across the football stadium. Flute trills, the trumpet blasts, and the cymbals ring out. The Marching Band is giving their all up in the stands.
The Coral Springs High School Marching Band has a history of greatness. If you look around the band room, you will find hundreds of trophies and awards, dedicated to the achievements made by the band.
Due to the long-time Band Director Mr. Dawson left right before the COVID-19 Pandemic, the band program suffered. A switch in band directors twice was no help to the struggling program, but it is finally finding its footing again.
Bryan Ardila, or Mr. A as his students call him, is the current Band Director at Coral Springs High. He has been working hard to rebrand the marching band into something akin to its former glory days.
In this new rebrand, the school group formerly known as the Marching Colts, are now the stampede.
Ardila says his biggest push in this marching season is to get better than last year. “We are far further into the music and show than we were last season, and I will always advocate for self-improvement.”
The stampede performed their first halftime show of the season at the CSHS football home opener. This marching season, the band is performing a Bruno Mars-themed show.
This theme goes hand in hand with the push to get new members in the band, trying to appeal to the general population with a sensational artist like Bruno Mars.
“Our number one priority is for our members to have fun. We also want to please our audience, and this music is one of the ways we do that.” Said Mr. A.
As the Percussion Captain of the marching band, I have been able to witness firsthand the changes this season. Higher morale, more dedication, and the overall push for success is overwhelming.
Captain Campbell Bezet had this to say when asked about the responsibilities of a captain. “I’m here to make sure everyone is doing what they need to be. Staying on top of their music, and practicing.”
The Senior also said it’s important for captains to motivate their fellow bandmates and create a positive environment where everyone can enjoy the activity. “Marching band is a lot of fun; it has definitely changed my high school experience.”
The Marching band season is long, and rigorous. Spanning from the middle of May to early November, it is one of the longer sports seasons.
Things are looking up for the marching band, as their first competition kicks off on October 5th, at Flannagan High.
Many people don’t know how the activity is scored and have questions about the competition aspect.
Different bands are separated by class/size, which means how many people are in the Band. The smallest class is 1A, and it increases until 5A.
Scores are split into distinct categories. General, Visual, Music, Percussion, and Auxiliary.
These distinct categories are scored by judges and added together to a total of up to 100.
Sophomore Gabby Charles said she loves the competitions. “It’s a chance to watch other bands perform.”
The overall scores are then compared to the other bands, to determine placement. Awards are also given to those with the highest points in each category. Best Percussion, Best Visual, etc.
The Drum Major is the leader of the band, who conducts and keeps time.
Drum Major Mandy Ramirez is excited for the season to really get moving. “I get to be around people who are like family to me. It’s an opportunity to make memories I’ll never forget.”
While the band wears the traditional black and green uniforms, Mandy gets an all-white uniform, to clearly show her authority and leadership status.
Justin Beauregard, CSHS Junior, and first-year marcher, had this to say about the marching band. “It’s a great community.” He says he enjoys playing the saxophone and has made many new friends in the band this year.
Last season, there were many different events held by the band. Practices at Mullins Park, Barbeques at Tradewinds, or Game nights in the band room, it’s always a good time.
Mr. A says that this program is like no other. “Here, I get to feel the authenticity of the students’ personalities. I’ve worked with many programs, but Coral Springs has built the best connections.”
The band is always looking for new members, so stop by the band room, 425. You don’t need any experience, and you’ll get the opportunity to learn some music.
Ruthshaelle Eugene has this to say. “Joining the band was the best decision I ever made.”
