FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Students are hitting the stage with the pros this season at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, where shows from around the world give audiences a front-row seat— while students get behind-the-scenes access. During the recent Bronx Wanders performance, five Flagler Schools band students got an even bigger thrill: performing front and center with the stars.
Watching from the audience, Flagler Palm Coast High School band director John Seth beamed with pride.
“I’m very excited to see the students have the opportunity to be a part of a professional live show,” Seth said, noting the students only had one rehearsal before the big performance.
Seth was impressed with how the students handled the spotlight, predicting it would be a memory they’d cherish forever.
“They’re such a fun group and just really interacted with the audience. They just seem outwardly, very positive towards the students and towards the crowd and our community. I think this is a really unique opportunity for the kids to have. It’s not often that professional groups allow them to be a part of their actual group. So, it’s a really cool experience,” he said.
Eleventh-grade trumpet player Matthew Marchand embraced the moment with enthusiasm.
“They told us beforehand that no matter how much we mess up, just have fun. So, we just had fun,” Marchand said.
Senior trombonist Erick Dang shared similar excitement, once he shook off the nerves.
“It was pretty nerve-wracking and all that because it was the first time, well, the high school was doing this. But it was pretty fun, you know, and hopefully we’ll be doing it again,” he said.
Flagler Auditorium Governing Board member Sarah Ulis praised the collaboration, calling it a highlight of the season.
“This is one of the best I’ve ever seen,” Ulis said. “Every show is better than the last.”
She added, “It was a wonderful thing to do. That’s what this place is all about, developing talent and developing young people, and part of these ticket sales goes to a program in the schools. These students are going to be developing into the future scene of Broadway, performing arts, singing and dancing. They are it, and I love it.”
Bronx Wanders’ music director Vincent John was equally impressed by the students’ performance.
“Honestly, I was kind of nervous when this whole thing happened because the songs are really hard, really complicated. But these kids knocked it out of the park,” he said.
“I wish I had this music department at Flagler at home. I really wish I did, because what these kids accomplished in less than a week was mind-blowing. And I would be honored to play with them any time, ever again. Honestly,” he added, giving a nod to Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center director Amelia Fulmer.
“It was just kind of her idea. She put this whole thing together and made the stage look amazing.”
The night was a triumph not only for Bronx Wanders but for the students of Flagler Schools, who experienced firsthand what it means to perform at a professional level—and have a blast doing it.
