By Martie Thompson
editor@floridanewsline.com
The wind ensemble from Bartram Trail High School, under the direction of band director Jason Duckett, has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in April 2025. The prestigious National Band and Orchestra Festival will host elite musicians from across the country who had to audition for their invitation. Bartram Trail’s performance will not only highlight the band’s achievements, but also highlight the school and community as a place of musical excellence.
“We are incredibly proud of our students and excited about the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall,” said Duckett. “This experience will not only enhance their musical education, but also provide memories that will last a lifetime. We are grateful for the support of our community in helping us make this dream a reality.”
According to Kelly Kazmierski, Bartram Trail High School Band Boosters Association president, it is Duckett’s intention that every musician in the 185 member band be able to experience the trip to Carnegie Hall, which will include arriving a few days before the performance for rehearsals as well as some New York City experiences.
“We expect the trip to be expensive,” Kazmierski said. “For one thing, getting all of our concert instruments to New York will be no easy task.”
In light of this, the band boosters have planned a massive fundraising effort, called “Start Spreading the News,” to take place over the next several months.
“Every fundraiser you can think of, we will be doing in the next nine months,” Kazmierski said.
Planned are events ranging from a gala at Flagler College in November to a golf tournament in January with car washes, a color run, gift wrap and candle sales in between. There will be something for every student to participate in — and participation from students will be required as buy-in for the undertaking. Kazmierski is also busy working on corporate sponsorships, and community and alumni donations are welcomed. So far around $45,000 of the goal of $250,000 has been raised.
For more information about the fundraising campaign and upcoming events, visit www.spiritofbartram.com or contact Kelly Kazmierski at bthsbandboosters@gmail.com.
Photo courtesy Bartram Trail High School
The Bartram Trail High School Wind Ensemble with director Jason Duckett.
