The Coral Springs Charter High School Marching Panthers earned straight superior ratings, the top category, at the Music Performance Assessment held Oct. 24 at Cypress Bay High School. It is the third consecutive year the band has received superior marks in every category.
The band scored superior in percussion, color guard, general effect, visual and music. Band director David Cardona said the group began targeting those areas at summer band camp, and that returning students know what is expected of them.
The band also had a strong fall season. On Oct. 17, it took first place in Class 1A at the Palmetto Ridge Marching Band Invitational in Naples, winning top honors in music and general effect. On Oct. 3, at the Falcon Sound Invitational at Flanagan High School, it placed first in Class 2A and won the First Half Competition, which included Class 1A and 2A bands.
Cardona said the program includes students from sixth through 12th grade, and that middle schoolers learn from high school members. Drum major Leah Delgado, a French horn player, said she enjoys practicing and performing with the group.
The next test comes Oct. 31, when Charter competes at a Bands of America event in Clearwater. Cardona said the band will face some of the strongest programs in Florida in order to gain experience at a higher level.
