About the band
The Sebastian River High School Band Program has been one of excellence since its inception in 1994. The program provides an outstanding musical experience for 225 students that make up the Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Caribbean Steel Drum Band, Percussion Ensembles, Color Guard, The Pride of Sebastian River, and The Marching Sharks.
The concert bands at Sebastian River High School have earned statewide, regional, and national recognition for musical excellence. The Wind Symphony has performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, three times at the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival at Butler University in Indianapolis, and the Western International Band Clinic in Seattle, Washington. The Wind Symphony has also performed at the President’s Concert at the Florida Music Educators Association Conference in Tampa, the College Band Directors National Association Conference at Columbus State University in Georgia, the University of South Carolina Honor Band Festival, the University of Florida Concert Band Invitational and the Stetson University Concert Band Invitational. The bands have also performed at other festivals in New York City, Boston, Atlanta, Nashville, Washington D.C., and New Orleans.
Students in the SRHS Band also regularly participate in the Florida Bandmasters Association All-State Band, the Indian River All-County Band, Indian River State College Four County Honor Band, and the FBA Solo & Ensemble Assessment.
The Jazz Band and Steel Sharks perform music of many genres and styles and have both earned First Place awards at competitions. Both ensembles enhance the SRHS Band Program and add variety and multi-cultural experiences for students and audiences alike.
The Color Guard performs as a part of the Marching Sharks and Pride of Sebastian River in the fall and competes in Winter Guard competitions and events in the winter/spring. They enjoy a tradition of “Best in Class” awards at marching competitions and Superior ratings at all evaluations. The Winter Guard won the Florida Federation of Color Guards circuit Gold Medal in 2018, silver in 2019, and were a 2019 Winter Guard International Scholastic A Finalists.
The marching band has been named Grand Champions at the Crown Jewel Marching Band Competition nine times, Grand Champions at the Pride of Florida Band Competition in Cape Coral six times, Grand Champions at the Battle on the Border in Valdosta, GA twice and Grand Champions at the Space Coast Island Classic in 2017. They have also been named Grand Champions at the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl Marching Competition in Atlanta, Georgia, the First Coast Classic in Jacksonville, the Lion’s Pride Band Competition in Tampa, the Santaluces Marching Chiefs Invitational in Palm Beach, and the U.S. Bands Marching Competition in Leesburg. The Marching Sharks also performed in the 2019 New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The success of the band program comes from the dedicated effort of our students and parents, as well as the support of the school administration and school district. Continued support from our community is greatly appreciated as the program continues to serve the students of the Sebastian area.
