Santa Fe High School Band Brings Art to Life

ALACHUA ‒ The Oct. 7, 2024, Alachua City Commission meeting was more than just a civic gathering — it was a showcase of the profound connection between performing arts and the community. The Santa Fe High School Symphonic Band took center stage, captivating attendees with stirring renditions of the Santa Fe High School Alma Mater and “The Thunderer” march by famed composer John Philip Sousa.

The performance, led by Santa Fe High School band director Jacob Massena, transformed the commission chambers into a vibrant musical setting, reminding everyone of the powerful role the arts play in expressing thoughts and emotions. As the band’s notes filled the room, commissioners, city officials, and community members alike were moved by the students' dedication to their craft.

Music, long considered a universal language, has the unique ability to foster a sense of unity and shared experience, and the Santa Fe High School Symphonic Band exemplified this by bringing the crowd together. Performing live in front of local government leaders, the young musicians highlighted how the performing arts offer a bridge between individual expression and communal identity.

Following the band’s performance, Mayor Gib Coerper and Massena presented certificates to the talented musicians, recognizing their artistic achievement and commitment to excellence.

The inclusion of the Santa Fe High School Symphonic Band in the commission meeting served as a testament to the city’s ongoing support for youth arts programs and the performing arts in general. Events like these provide a platform for students to engage with their community, demonstrating how the arts can enrich public life and strengthen human connection in ways few other mediums can

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