Mustang Bands at the 2017 Outback Bowl @Dist_99 #99Learns #DGSPride

113 student musicians from the Mustang Bands recently participated in serious of events centered around the 2017 Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida.  In addition to experiencing theme parks in Orlando and Tampa, students participated in a myriad of performances and took part in an adjudicated music competition.

The Marching Mustangs performed for thousands of spectators in the Outback Bowl New Year's Eve Parade in Ybor City, Florida.  The Marching Mustangs were also part of a massed band halftime show for the 2017 Outback Bowl that featured more than 1,700 student performers comprised of 14 high school bands from 9 states and a large dance ensemble.  The DGS Wind Ensemble/Wind Symphony and DGS Jazz Ensemble/Lab Band took part in a competition that provided both formative and summative feedback for the student musicians.

The 2017 Outback Bowl competition and festival results for South High School Bands are as follows:

• The DGS Wind Ensemble/Wind Symphony placed 3rd overall and earned a Division I rating from the judging panel.
• The DGS Jazz Ensemble/Lab Band finished first place in their class, earned a Division I rating from the judging panel and were named Grand Champion of the Jazz Division.
• Senior Dan Piccoli was named the Outstanding Jazz Soloist of the competition by the panel of judges.
• The Marching Mustangs were awarded 3rd place out of 14 band in the Ybor City New Year's Eve parade competition.
• The Marching Mustangs were awarded Third Place out of 14 bands by the Outback Bowl Committee in the Best Crowd Appeal Category.

Some of the best feedback, however, came from the Outback Bowl personnel, tour guides and hotel personnel who consistently remarked on the professionalism and poise of the Mustang Band students on the tour.  This tour was a fabulous way to start the New Year, and, set the tone for what will be a great year to be a Mustang!

For more information about the tour, including images and videos, follow on Twitter @DGS_Bands.