WINK Digital Team
•7/30/2026
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK) — A high school marching band is gearing up for another season, with students finding more than just music in their practice sessions.
For some members, band has become a lifeline. Samantha Spratt joined the program after her father passed away in March, discovering that music gave her a reason to keep going.
"My dad passed away in March, and I didn't know what to do with myself, so I joined band, and music became a big part of who I am, and basically is the only reason I'm still going today," Spratt said.
The program emphasizes perseverance during difficult times. Spratt encourages others facing challenges not to give up on their passions.
"When times get hard, don't sit there and be like, 'I'm gonna give up and I'm gonna like not do this anymore,'" she said.
For Yoreily Machuca, band has been a constant throughout her school years. She's been involved since middle school and considers it central to her identity.
"I've been in band since I was in middle school. It's kind of like my life. It's like my passion," Machuca said.
The band incorporates Spirit Week during band camp to keep morale high, with themed days like Hawaiian Day adding fun to the rigorous practice schedule. Ace Holmes, part of the leadership team, explained the tradition helps energize the group.
New member Makayla Magagnos felt an immediate connection to the program. She describes the experience as both enjoyable and welcoming.
"When I got here, I just knew I should be. I should be here. It's a great time, and you just have fun," Magagnos said.
Last season brought a memorable victory when the band competed at Lehigh High School. The group earned the highest score among three bands in their division, a moment that validated their hard work.
"We got like first in their whole division, almost the whole thing," Machuca said. "It was kind of like a rewarding feeling. Like we worked so hard to get there, and then we finally did it."
The band's leadership emphasizes staying motivated and involved as key principles. Machuca shares this message with fellow students looking for their place in high school.
"I would say stay motivated, get involved, stay involved," she said. "That's one of the mottos here at our school."
