Drum major Michael Stott displays his Outstanding Drum Major award while Maryellen Mouch, a junior at Notre Dame Academy, shows off a marching band trophy won by the Toledo St. John’s Jesuit High School Marching band during the Outback Bowl Band Field Show. (Photo courtesy of St. John’s Jesuit High School)

“Mike has continued the tradition here at St. John’s of producing outstanding student leaders,” says Xavier Smith, director of music. “From day one, he has understood the philosophy of leader as servant and has thrived in that environment. This award acknowledges what we have known all along — Michael’s passion for music and this organization have driven him to achieve above and beyond the call of duty.”

The band received participation trophies as well as a Bronze rating for Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble.

“The students learned a lot from nationally recognized adjudicators/clinicians and playing in a festival setting with 25 bands from around the nation,” Mr. Smith exclaims.

The parade was held in Ybor City, Tampa’s little New Orleans, where a general atmosphere of Mardi Gras was evident. Performing at the Raymond James Field, home of the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers, “easily one of the finest stadiums in the world,” was a thrill says Mr. Smith.

The game featured the Iowa Hawkeyes and the South Carolina Gamecocks. The director says in addition to the festivity, it was a plus to “witness one of the few Big 10 Bowl victories.”