SEBRING — Almost every year, at least one of the district's three high schools loses a band director, initiating a sometimes difficult search for a replacement. This year is no different with both Avon Park and Lake Placid high schools looking for a new head for their music departments. Hill-Gustat Middle School just filled its opening. After his first year as a teacher, Lake Placid High Band Director Larry Glenzer decided to find a job closer to home in Wisconsin, School Board of Highlands County Teacher Recruiter Sean Rego said Monday. ...more

June 23, 2008

AVON PARK — Xavier McLeod liked the sound of the trumpet, which inspired him to take up the instrument five years ago. Now the 16-year-old high school junior plays the horn as a member of the Avon Park High School Grenadier Band. Early in the fall he was accepted in the West Coast Symphony Orchestra. He travels to Sarasota every Monday evening to practice with the symphony. McLeod also takes private lessons. "I'm looking at making music as a career right now, but it might change in the future," he said. His present plans are to go to college as a music major, but hasn't yet decided on the college he will attend. ...more

February 9, 2008