MAYPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM

Mayport Middle School is the middle school for the students of Atlantic Beach, and its band program is unparalleled in Duval County.  The band has been directed and nurtured for 26 years by Ms. Debbie Keezel, who is so dedicated that she actually designed and purchased the symphonic band’s uniforms herself many years ago.  She came to Mayport Middle School from Tennessee, after teaching a high school band for seven years, and before that graduating from University of Tennessee with a degree in Music. She says the band is “her life,” and it shows.  She spends countless hours teaching and tutoring students, even before and after school.  She takes her personal time to enroll them in judged events, just so that the students can gain experience.  And what is the result of this hard work and effort?  Ms. Keezel has had at least one of her band students selected for All-State Band every year she has been at Mayport Middle School, which is an incredible achievement.  Thousands of students from all over Florida compete for a few spots in the All-State Band, which she likens to the “Olympics for band students.” 

Mayport Middle’s Symphonic (performing) Band has an excellent reputation in the beaches community, and therefore is invited several times a year to play at various events.  Their performances this past year include:

*Naval Station Mayport in June of this year, for the homecoming of two ships

*Atlantic Beach Christmas tree lighting in Town Center every year

*Ponte Vedra Inn and Club at Christmas-time last year, and again in the spring

*Duval County School Board building for a meeting in April of this year 

*Atlantic Beach Elementary’s middle school night in January

*Fletcher High School homecoming parade in October

*Numerous concerts at the school, including all Mayport Middle pep rallies and Home football games, two annual in-school concerts for students and families, MMS Shark Showcase Open House every February, and the PTA’s Annual Family Night Spaghetti Dinner in November

*Two elementary school performances for Drug Awareness Week in the fall

*One elementary school performance for an FCAT pep rally in March

Mayport Middle’s band is truly the “face” of Atlantic Beach when it performs!