Marshall Band Receives First Superior Rating in Recorded History

By Cierra Craft

On April 21, the Florida School Music Association hosted its FBA District 7 April Concert & Jazz Music Performance Assessments at Plant City High School. Middle and high schools across eastern Hillsborough County performed for the panel of judges. Marshall Middle Magnet School received two straight Superior ratings for both its Symphonic Band and Jazz Band. According to Marshall Band Director Dr. Jeff Cayer, this is the first time in recorded history the Marshall Band has received a Superior rating.

“About 120 students entered into the Music Performance Assessment in the categories of Solo & Ensemble, Concert Band, and Jazz Band,” said Dr. Cayer. “The students received straight Superior ratings, meaning the judges rated the band Superior across the board.”

The judges use a letter system from A to E to rate the school’s performance. Marshall received 81 A ratings and 3 B ratings.

41 students entered the solo and ensemble assessment, with 9 Marshall students receiving Excellent ratings and 31 students receiving Superior ratings for their individual performances. Marshall’s Student Conductor also received a Superior rating for his performance.

In addition to the outstanding ratings at their assessments, several members of the Marshall Band were selected to perform in honors ensembles across the state, including 5 members in the

All-County Jazz Band, 8 members in the All-County Concert Band, 6 Members in Symphonic Celebration and one in the All-State Honors Band.

Dr. Jeff Cayer joined Marshall as a part-time instructor in 2020, and this school year is his first year full-time, according to Principal Dennis Mayo.

“We are blessed to have Dr. Cayer at Marshall,” said Mayo. “He’s created a stellar band program and the kids are eager to learn and we’re proud of our first Superior rating.”

Mayo says the band classes are large due to the demand from students to be a part of the program. The students are practicing before school, after school, and during lunch, and Mayo says the students are assessing their own performances in class, empowering them to be much more apt to improve.

“Dr. Cayer reached out to his network on Facebook, and people across the country donated instruments to our students,” said Mayo. “While earning his doctorate, he sought funds to purchase new uniforms. He is a master BBQ competitor and raised money selling pork ribs. Dr. Cayer is providing opportunities and reducing barriers for Marshall students, and the support of others is making a difference.”

Dr. Cayer said that as the program continues to grow, he is looking for monetary and instrument donations. Those interested in sponsoring Marshall Middle Magnet School Band can call Dr. Cayer at 813-757-9360 or email him at jeffrey.cayer@hcps.net