At 27, Robinson High band director Jeremy Klein isn't that far removed from his students. He jokes with them, uses their analogies and vernacular while teaching and has enough energy for the program's 100 students, and then some. ...more

January 21, 2008

The former music teacher and band director at Pasco Middle School faces between 22 and 45 years in prison after admitting Monday to carrying on a sexual relationship with a former student. ...more

January 10, 2008

The former music teacher and band director at Pasco Middle School faces between 22 and 45 years in prison after admitting Monday to carrying on a sexual relationship with a former student. ...more

January 8, 2008

Although this particular incident at the University of Wisconsin's Camp Randall Stadium took place years ago, the time frame is of little importance simply because in some form or fashion the story repeats itself pretty much every Saturday of every Badgers football season. ...more

December 27, 2007

SEBRING — For 66-year-old Mark Manley, Monday night was the first time since 1960 – when he graduated – that the bass drummer stepped foot into a high school. Manley was preparing for a joint Christmas concert with about 40 members of the Highlands County Concert Band and 40 Sebring High School musicians. "The students enjoy music and performing – it's their spirit and enthusiasm for music," said Manley. "They want to show what they can do." It was difficult to hear the voice of concert band director Vic Anderson between tunes, during what he said was a "chaotic scene," but when the instruments were raised, the high school band room turned into a winter wonderland. "The kids are better behaved than the adults," said Anderson. "The adults act like junior high kids. The adults are all talking and the children are all listening." ...more

December 7, 2007

SEBRING — Appearances aren't everything. Only after they were told, did some judges realize that a trumpeter in the Sebring High School Marching Band was blind. Junior Cody Breen marches and plays in formation so well that many in the audience never know he's been completely blind since birth. A guide shadows Breen on the field and corrects the trumpeter if he takes a wrong turn. "If I'm off a little bit, they'll put me in the right direction," said Breen. "I'm just trying to keep up with everybody else. The fun part is, I like surprises." ...more

November 27, 2007

My husband and I are school bus drivers for the Sebring School District. We have been fortunate enough to have driven the Sebring Marching Band to several competitions throughout the state in the past two years, the most recent being last Saturday at Bradenton. We must say that it was a pleasure to have accompanied such a wonderful and talented group of young adults. They are fine ambassadors for the city of Sebring. The band director, Colorado Paniagua, is to be commended for the band's success. Getting to the state semifinals is no easy task as the competition is fierce. Her dedication and hard work is apparent. She seems to bring the best out of her students. I would also like to commend the band volunteers who work tirelessly for the students by providing meals and other support on these trips. They are admirable and deserve a big thank you from the community for their hard work. ...more

November 20, 2007

SEBRING — Off came the drums, tubas and flutes. About three dozen Sebring High School marching band members celebrated while unloading a trailer-load of instruments on Tuesday. The band qualified for the Florida Marching Band Coalition Championships this Saturday at the Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton. The Blue Streaks earned a "Superior" ranking, and along with 16 other high school bands in their division, will compete for the state crown. Eligible to qualify at several competitions during the season, the 78-member Spirit of Sebring Marching Band qualified at the last possible moment on Saturday, at the University Classic in Orlando. This is the first time that a Sebring High School band earned statewide honors. Band Director Colorado Paniagua wore a pin on Tuesday that read , "I Love My Band" and talked about the group "making history." In only her second year at Sebring High School, Paniagua said she never expected to rise so high in the ranks, so fast, since it usually takes four years to move up a notch. "Last year was a little difficult," said the band director. "A lot of people didn't buy into me or like changes." ...more

November 14, 2007

The Bloomingdale High School football field exploded in light, color and music as thousands of musicians decked out in their school colors performed at the recent Florida Bandmasters Association's annual competition. ...more

November 9, 2007

Bob Hicks warns he might have to take breaks to rest his voice. But his mind evidently ignores his body. It romps throughout his speaking, relishing the conversation about his life. ...more

September 27, 2007