Band History

 Located in sunny Niceville, Florida, the Rocky Bayou Christian School (RBCS) Band program was established in 2003.  RBCS is comprised of students from K-3 through 12^th grade with a total enrollment of 820 students.  Since 2003, the band program has grown to over 175 students and has expanded to include a 5^th grade Beginning Band, Jr. High Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band and the “Marching Knights” Marching Band.  The RBCS Symphonic Band consists of 9^th-12^th graders as well as select 8^th graders that meet fifty minutes every day for regular class instruction and on Monday evenings for two hours. 

Over the past four years, the Symphonic Band has performed at numerous events throughout the Southeast.  Accomplishments include: 2005 - 1^st Place at the Association of Christian Schools National Fine Art’s Competition held at Bob Jones University in Greensboro, South Carolina; 2005 & 2006 - State titles at the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools Fine Arts Competition; 2005 & 2006 - Straight Superior ratings at the District Florida Bandmaster’s Association Concert Music Performance Assessment (MPA) Festival; 2007 - Superior rating at the State Florida Bandmaster’s Association Concert MPA Festival; 2007 - Southern Star Music Festival Sweepstakes Champions in Atlanta, Georgia; 2008 – Invitation for the Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble and Marching Band to participate in the 2008 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Music Festival in Dallas, Texas.  While in attendance, they have the opportunity to participate in the Cotton Bowl Pre-game and Half-time festivities. 

The Symphonic Band regularly performs grade IV-VI wind band literature and explores a wide variety of new literature available to wind bands.  In 2006, the RBCS Band Program had the honor to work with composer Mr. Robert W. Smith. The 5^th grade Beginning Band, the Jr. High Concert Band, and the Symphonic Band had the honor of performing his works. The Jr. High Concert Band had the privilege of premiering one of Mr. Smith’s new works entitled, “Lullaby for Band,” which was written for his daughters Savannah and Madison Smith.  The Symphonic Band had the honor of performing his Symphony No. 1: The Divine Comedy, inspired by the works of Dante Alighieri.
 

Rocky Bayou Christian School
A Ministry of the Northwest Florida Christian Education Association
201 North Partin Drive     Niceville, Florida  32578
(850)   678-7358       FAX:  (850)   729-2513   
Updated:  Tuesday, July 08, 2008