Fleming Island started working on its routine for the Florida Marching Band Championships months ago, and its “This Human Heart” earned Eagle Band One a runner-up finish the Class 5A competition last Saturday in St. Petersburg. Oakleaf finished fourth in 5A, while Orange Park was fourth in 3A, Ridgeview was seventh in 2A, and Middleburg was ninth in 1A.

Senior tuba player Seth Massey celebrated the success of Fleming Island High’s second-place finish last Saturday instead of ruminating about not finishing first.

“We gave 100%, and that’s all you can ask for,” Massey said. “We were very pleased with our finish. It will make them work twice as hard (in the future).

Fleming Island earned 87.1 points after being judged for music and visual effects in three categories – ensemble, individual and general effects. Orlando’s Timber Creek was awarded 90.85 points.

According to Assistant Director of Bands Alexander Buck: “The icing on the cake was the Best Individual Visual Caption award, recognizing the students’ exceptional mastery in maneuvering and handling their bodies while marching.”

Long-time Band Director Mara Rose said this year’s championship ended her career on a high note.

“I am so proud that this group of students got to be my last,” she said.

Fleming Island was one of five Clay County schools to finish among the top nine in their classifications. Oakleaf was fourth in Class 5A, while Orange Park was fourth to Pembroke Fines Somerset Academy in 3A; Ridgeview was seventh to Hialeah Gardens in 2A and Middleburg was ninth to Wesley Chapel Wiregrass Ranch in 1A.

“We were very satisfied with our show because we did the best we could do,” said Chau Tran, drum major for Fleming Island. “I’m proud of our medals. It was really interesting to see the ideas other schools came up with.”

The Eagle Band One’s season isn’t over. After marching in the New Year’s Day parade in London to kick off the year and finishing second in the state competition, Fleming Island will march on to one of the most famous stages in the world. The school will play at Carnegie Hall in New York City in April.