J.P. Taravella marching band. {JPT}
By David Volz
The J.P. Taravella High School Marching Band accomplished major feats this year.
They received straight superior ratings at the Florida Band Masters’ Association Music Performance Assessment held at Cypress Bay High School. Moreover, they won competitions at the John I. Leonard Lancer Jamboree, the Park Vista Striking Cobra Invitational, and the Boca Raton Cavalcade of Bands.
Their performance “2123” examines AI’s role in society in 100 years. The marching band excelled in music, effect, and color guard.
With 70 dedicated members, Band Director Jonathan Cooper said he is in the process of growing the band and hopes to gain more members in the coming years.
Cooper said being a marching band member is like being part of a large, caring family. Band members develop relationships while going to and from competitions and football games.
“They work together during practices and go through challenges together. Over time, they develop close friendships,” said Cooper. “I have seen how members form strong bonds while riding on the bus to and from competitions.”
He says success in the marching band takes hard work and discipline. Students have to be willing to practice long hours and master music.
Xander Fraser, a sophomore, plays the baritone and loves being in the J.P. Taravella band. He has enjoyed participating in competitions, marching in football games, and has met many friends.
Ruben Lopez, a junior, plays the trombone and baritone. “I like to play music and hang out with my friends in the band,’ he said.
Fraser and Lopez spent part of the holiday season participating in a gift-wrapping fundraiser at the Coral Square Mall. Band members and their parents wrap people’s gifts at no charge. However, they accept donations.
Melanie Fraser, mother of Xander, cares about the program and believes young people benefit from being a member. “They have a lot of good camaraderie, and they work together to put on good shows,” she said.
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Author Profile
- David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.
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