Both seniors and alumni from the Ocean Lakes band find themselves in Live on Atlantic All-Star Band after an audition process. Manny Hernandez, a Cox High School alumni, instructs the group of 12 musicians gathered from VBCPS to play four performance blocks a night, five days a week until August 10.

“I’ve always wanted to entertain people and this gave me a chance to have an unbiased audience to perform before,” said senior trumpeter Theo Young.

The band encourages audience participation, incorporates elaborate drill and foot choreography, and conducts small bits of stand-up as they execute their performance.

“I feel energetic while doing it, but tired afterward,” said senior marching baritone player Jackson Varga.
Large crowds gather to listen and enjoy the production, and individuals are often later found complementing the musicians’ showmanship afterward.

“Music seems like a more viable option now,” said Theo. “We get huge crowds of people every night; an audience of people who want to listen. It just makes me more hopeful for my future with music.”