DBHS Band awarded all superiors  

For the first time in twenty years, the Marching Bucks were awarded a superior rating in every category at the Music Performance Assessment (MPA). The last time the band received a straight superior rating was in 1999 under the title The Spirit of the Bucks. MPA is one of the top prioritized events in band season. Marching bands from high schools all over Broward County meet to perform in front of experts, receive critical feedback, and categorize.

“It felt amazing after getting all superior”. Said DBHS Senior Band president and French horn/ Mello leader Mario Thomas. “Everyone in the band considers MPA as the most important performance of the year, and to make history at DBHS great!”

The DBHS band has prepared for this event since the beginning of the school year. Each section practiced numerous times among themselves to perfect their parts. The band practices Monday-Friday from 3-6 and sometimes later doing crunch time. Section leaders describe the most effective parts of their training process as repetition, teamwork, and commitment. They worked on fundamentals, tuning their instruments, did warm-ups, and spent time on the field perfecting formation. 

“I would say just the practices and sectionals we did. When it comes to perfecting the music, all it takes is time and commitment”. Said DBHS Junior, Clarinet section leader and band vice president Justin Cruz. “We never settle for anything less than perfect”.

“It took a lot of hard work, discipline, and teamwork. We would not have been able to do it without each other”. Said DBHS Senior Drum major Isaiah Gowdy. “Having self-control and a strong work ethic”.

Understanding that growth and mindset play a major role in how people perform is key. DBHS band Leaders and Members describe the change they saw in themselves and their peers in the days leading up to the ceremony. They visualized the passion, dedication, and level of seriousness. These changes in characteristics were to prepare and to change the mistakes or develop their skills further than where they were in the last MPA session.

⁠”That everyone became more in tune and serious”. Said DBHS Junior Ivan Stcyr, the band Trumpet section leader and vice president.

The band’s current goals are preparing for competition season, upcoming parades, battles of the band, and solo and ensemble. And to place superior for the concert band season MPA. Students interested can join the band and have the opportunity to develop their fundamental skills. It does require students to work hard stay committed and participate. Band leaders advise students joining the band to go for it and give it their all.

⁠”Our next goal is completing the football season and hopefully getting a superior at Concert MPA”. Said DBHS Senior Band president and French horn/ Mello leader Mario Thomas.

  DBHS Junior Ivan Stcyr, the band Trumpet section leader and vice president said, “that good is the enemy of great.”

Written by Widelandine Emilcar  | Graphic Designed by Widelandine Emilcar 

Published November 4, 2024 | ePathfinder | Feature