Santa Fe High band takes state title, other local bands in top three

For the second straight year, the Santa Fe High School band has brought home the state championship.

The Santa Fe Raider Regiment was named the 2010 Champion in Class 2A at the Florida Marching Band Championship, which was held this past weekend at the Tropicana Dome in St. Petersburg. This is the band’s eighth state championship, including the 2009 title. The school has now won more state championships than any other band in Florida.

“Never have I seen student musicians and color guard members perform with such passion,” said band director Nate Bisco. “These students have practiced countless numbers of hours since August, fighting through injuries and intense heat to fulfill their dream.”

“From the first note, I knew I would be holding a banner later that night,” said Hannah Zombory, Santa Fe Raider Regiment senior drum major of her band’s performance. “I've never been so proud of the Raider Regiment.  With only 58 members, we've made history."

Other local bands also made outstanding showings at the competition.  The Gainesville High School Hurricane Marching Band took second place in the Class 3A division, while the Buchholz High School Golden Regiment took third place in class 4A. Earlier in the competition, both schools had taken first place in their semi-final competitions, with Buchholz winning Best in Class Music, General Effect and Visual awards and GHS the winner of the Best in Class Music and General Effect awards.

The Newberry High School Band of Pride was among the top 20 semi-finalists in the Class 1A Division.

“I am so proud of our wonderful high school bands,” said Dan Boyd, Superintendent of Alachua County Public Schools. “To do so well at the state level requires an enormous amount of hard work and dedication from the students, staff and parents. They’ve certainly earned these honors.”