Wind ensemble sweeps Orlando festival

Adding to its National Adjudicators Invitational Grand National Championship on April 24, the Discovery Middle School Wind Ensemble swept all the categories entered at Orlando’s Festival Disney National Competition.  With nearly 4,000 student musicians from all over the country competing throughout the weekend, The Discovery Wind Ensemble outscored participating middle school and high school groups and brought home a stash of 15 trophies.

“Discovery is so proud of our band program.  These people just keep on winning,” Discovery Middle School Principal Sharon Willis said. “This is the most highly decorated band in the history of the school, and we could not be more pleased.  These students and their directors are a credit to all of us in the school system for their hard work, determination and success.”

Under the direction of Johnny Nash, the Wind Ensemble bested every other group by a margin of more than four points in the Concert Band category.  Discovery earned all superior ratings in every entered event — Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band and Percussion Ensemble.  Each of the four competitive entries won Best in Class honors as well as the coveted Gold Award for best overall performances.

In addition to the group awards, ninth grade trombonist Brenton Nash was named the Most Outstanding Jazz Soloist for the second consecutive year for his performance with the Discovery Jazz Band.