Ponte Vedra High School marching band participates in first state competition

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Ponte Vedra High School’s Ocean of Sound Marching Band participated in the state competition for the first time Nov. 12, joining 10,000 other musicians from across the state at the event held in Tampa.

Ocean of Sound performed in the 4A Division, a category defined by the number of wind instruments (57-80) in a school band.

Director Jermaine Reynolds reminded everyone that this year was a learning year, and to not expect to battle with the top ranked bands.

“I’ve been to the FMBC State Competition 17 years in a row between playing in high school, attending in college and then through directing over the past several years,” Reynolds said. “I knew this was going to be a huge challenge but I thought it would be an invaluable learning experience for our band,”

Co- Captains Melanie Suppa and Daniel Wiggins, senior clarinet and snare drum players, respectively, said that both watching and performing in the largest arena of their band careers was an amazing moment.

“Marching at state was incredible,” Suppa said. “All of our hard work throughout the season paid off and we had the best run of the year at the most important competition of the year. The whole band walked off feeling a sense of pride. Seeing the excitement on Mr. Reynolds’ face made us realize how far we had come together as a band.”

Wiggins agreed. “My favorite part of state was the release at the end of our ballad,” he said. “Hearing it resonate through the Tropicana Dome and the excited response we received from the crowd made the past four years of work all worth it.”

Ocean of Sound placed 12th in its division with a score of 70.95 The top school in the 4A division was Gainesville High School, with a score of 84.95.

“I am so extremely proud of every member of this band," Reynolds said. “They have worked very hard on improving the show all season. They played their best program of the year and to do that at states is a major accomplishment. They sounded great, marched well and the Color Guard had their best show, too. It was a great day for Ponte Vedra High School.”

Photos by Robert Leverock

Band photos (no cutlines)