By Kelly Kazmierski
mail@floridanewsline.com
April 18, 2025, is a day that won’t soon be forgotten by the members of the Bartram Trail High School band, their director and their families. After months of rehearsals and fundraising, under the direction of Jason Duckett, student musicians performed at the prestigious National Band and Orchestra Festival at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City — a magical and unforgettable experience.
“This performance was a bucket list for sure,” said Duckett. “A once-in-a-lifetime experience that will never be forgotten.”
Duckett is retiring this summer after a 35-year teaching career, including the last 25 years building Bartram Trail High School’s band program into one of the best in the state.
The performance didn’t come easily. Over the past year, the band community came together to raise approximately $200,000 to fund the trip. Through car washes, bake sales, silent auctions, a golf outing, sponsorships, and generous donations, the students and their supporters turned a far-off dream into a proud reality.
Once in New York, the excitement was palpable. Students toured iconic landmarks, experienced the vibrant culture of the city, and prepared for their big moment. On Friday, April 18, members of the Bartram Trail High School bands stepped onto the historic stage of Carnegie Hall, a venue that has hosted legends from Tchaikovsky to Billie Holiday.
Under the lights, the Bartram Trail Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble delivered powerful and polished performances that moved the audience and filled the hall with emotion. The energy was electric, the acoustics breathtaking, and the experience is one the students will carry for the rest of their lives.
But the magic didn’t end with the final note. In a touching gesture, Duckett was presented with the day’s marquee sign featuring the band and school’s name — a tangible piece of history the students brought home. It now serves as a symbol of what passion, dedication, and community support can achieve.
Bartram Trail’s Carnegie Hall appearance marks a proud chapter in the school’s legacy — a moment where heart and harmony made a dream come true.
