The Brahman Jazz Band performed a free winter concert in Okeechobee on Dec. 9 at OHS. [Photo courtesy OHS Brahman Band]

FORT PIERCE —  The Okeechobee High School Brahman Jazz Band earned Straight Superiors for their performance at the FBA District 13 Jazz Band MPA on Feb. 10.

The Superior rating is the highest during a MPA and is awarded to bands that demonstrate outstanding performance, going beyond technical accuracy into artistic expression. Bands that achieve this rating are recognized for their exceptional musicianship and performance quality.

MPAs or music performance assessments are a major assessment event for secondary music programs in which a musical performance is evaluated on specified criteria.  The assessments are held annually for marching bands, concert large ensembles and solos-ensembles. They’re considered a great measure of the success of a music program on a campus.

Members of the Brahman Jazz Band perform at the band's winter concert. [Photo courtesy OHS Brahman Band]

On Nov. 8 of last year the Okeechobee High School Brahman Marching Band performed at the Florida Marching Band Championships (FMBC) at Florida International University’s Pitbull Stadium and placed fifth in their region.

The Brahman’s earned a score of 81.525, which is the highest score Okeechobee has ever received at FMBC.

The Brahman Band placed fifth in back-to-back years at FMBC. The program has consistently found success over the years and maintained their standard of excellence.

“The past nineteen years I have been here,” said Brahman Band director Clint LaFlam, “the standard has been, ‘be better than you were yesterday’. I don’t like to compare previous bands to the current one. Every year has its own challenges and strengths. I want the kids to focus on what they can control and that is their attitude and effort.  Laying the groundwork during band camp is a key to a successful season.”