Written by Gordon Snyder, Director of Fine Arts & Bands

From an early age, I was drawn to the sights and sounds of the band. Hearing the blasts of the brass, the tweets of the woodwinds, and the diddles of the percussion was more than my young heart could handle. It was euphoric and joyous. Music has always had a hold of me right down to my core so when I got the chance to participate, I did so with passion as I wanted to share my excitement. It was there, I was taught to work hard, not make excuses, and how to recover from mistakes. Some of the strongest friendships I have ever had were with band mates as there was something important on working towards a common goal. Because of these experiences, I came to realize each member of the band was important and brought something special to the group. When someone graduated, a new band formed but the foundations presented remained the same. Together we could create things we never thought possible and were impossible on our own. We were stronger together.

It is due to these experiences, I have continued to be a part of the Fine Arts. I have had the chance to be a part of most every aspect and have come to find my home in teaching and development of others. During the last two years, the department has seen a growth and unity and together we have accomplished much. The visual arts brought the spirit of Christmas to downtown Winter Garden. The choir stepped out and took on new opportunities like All State. The theater was reinvigorated and rose to new levels at Districts and States. And the band has seen success as it has received local, regional, and national accolades. Together we are a part of something bigger than ourselves; we are a family.

Ephesians 4:4 says, “There is one heart and one Spirit just as you were called to one hope when you were called . . . “

We have been called to a spirit of oneness. It is through unity we find strength. An experience of one is felt by all and because of this we can create and bring people to understand the fullness of Christ. It is with this understanding, the 2019 Marching Show entitled, Hope, was created. The show takes place in a living cathedral where the guard is the stained glass. We used the colors of gold, blues, and purples to represent strength and reverence. In the first movement, we explore radiance and beauty and contrast that in the second movement where we find destruction. The third piece allows for refection while the closer exclaims Praise God from whom all blessings flow and ends with an exciting arrangement of the Doxology. Together, the sights and sounds tell the story of one heart, one spirit, one Hope.