Tarpon Springs Outdoor Performance Ensemble

The Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts is a national pilot program that focuses specifically on leadership through the arts. The goal of our program is to teach students that leadership requires service to others. Under the direction of Mr. Kevin Ford, the Tarpon Springs High School Marching band, or Outdoor Performance Ensemble, has become one of the top High School Bands in the country most recently being awarded 1st place at the 2014 Bands of America Grand Nationals Championships. The Outdoor Performance Ensemble is a seven-time National Champion marching band and has received straight superiors for 19 years. In addition to the band's Fall achievements, the Wind, Jazz, and Percussion ensembles have been invited to perform at venues that include the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Color Guard, or Auxiliary, have had the privilege to perform all over Florida and were awarded 2014 WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio.

This year we have another milestone to celebrate. The Marching Band received an invitation to represent the State of Florida in the 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®! This is an honor only bestowed upon 11 bands in the United States. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase our students’ talents in front of more than 30-million Americans is a tremendous honor. However, the invitation also represents a huge financial obstacle for our families. As an organization, we will do everything possible to make sure that no student is left behind because of an inability to pay for this trip.

We are seeking financial assistance from individuals, corporations, and civic organizations. We remain hopeful that our community, whether it be Tarpon Springs, the state of Florida, or nationwide, will see the value in this trip for our students and provide us with financial assistance.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated.