A Times Editorial

Exceptional Citrus High band deserves accolades

For the members of the Marching Canes from Citrus High School, the announcement Saturday afternoon was music to their ears. They had reached the goal that band director Jason Koon set for them way back in the early summer. The Marching Hurricanes are indeed state champions.

All of Citrus County should applaud and be proud of the top-notch efforts of the 72 members and their team of dedicated directors, clinicians and boosters.

The victory over 10 other bands in the 2A division of the Florida Marching Band Competition in Orlando on Saturday wrapped up the most successful season in Citrus County history for a marching band. Band officials noted that while the county has had a number of state champions in individual sporting events, the Canes have become the first local school-based team of any sort to capture state honors.

The band began the season determined to improve on last year's third-place finish. All summer long, the teens toiled in the sweltering heat and humidity to learn the program, Caliente De Muerte. The grueling practice schedule continued into the fall, when the band practiced each weekday, sometimes into the darkness, performed each Friday night at football games and spent Saturdays either practicing more or performing at festivals, at which they captured a truckload of trophies and impressive scores.

In our sports-crazed culture, sometimes the efforts of bands and cheerleaders go unnoticed at athletic events. Spectators tend to take them for granted, as sidelights to the main attraction -- the players on the field. The Canes' performances this year made even die-hard football fans sit up and take notice.

Their hard work and determination to succeed might go unseen as musicians are not thought of as being competitors. Koon, a homegrown success story (he graduated from Citrus High and is in his fifth year as director), instilled in his team the same drive common in any winning program. While music remains the focus, Koon and his chief lieutenant, Charlene "Chaz" Iannaci, challenge the youngsters to strive to be the best at what they do.

Now, they have the proof that such efforts can be successful.

At a time when state budget crises and emphasis on the FCATs are leading politicians around the state to consider dropping arts programs to focus on the so-called three R's, the success of the Marching Canes should demonstrate to these leaders the value of enhancing a child's education through the arts and humanities.

The lessons of life come in many forms. The confidence, discipline and teamwork that youngsters learn through such programs will make them better, well-rounded adults.

The School Board and the administration at Citrus High have been very supportive of the band and should seek ways to keep such programs alive throughout the county. Their value in a child's development is immense.

For now, district officials should take the lead in honoring the band. Perhaps a parade down Main Street is in order.

Which raises the question: When the band is being honored, who marches in the parade to supply the tunes?

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