-Dynamic Rays Marching Band In Full Swing

By: M. V. B.

The IEHKS Marching Band during a parade.

“The Ivanna Eudora Kean High School has the best marching band in the territory. The IEKHS marching band represents the Devil Rays Family. The faculty and staff of the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School have to be the Dynamic Rays Marching Band’s support team,” said Jequan Dias, a member of the Marching Band.

Ms.Dionne Donadelle, Music Director

Who is the driving force behind the band, you may ask ? “Ms. Dionne Donadelle is the master behind this wonderful marching band that represents the Kean Family, ” said Ms. J. Rhymer, a music teacher at the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.

Ms. Donadelle is an accomplished musician. “I can play all the instruments in this band room, but I am [originally] a trumpet player, ” said Ms. Dionne Donadelle. “ I knew I had a love for music after enjoying it from such a very young age, and I was also the top trumpet player when I was in high school.”

Ms. Donadelle attended Bradley University , a music school. She said, “ It was where all the magic happened. It was where I learned what I’m here at the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School teaching.” Ms. Donadelle added, “I listen to various [types of] music, but I favor jazz.”

The IEHKS Marching Band shirts on Display

Ms. Donadelle was the creator of the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Marching Band. For the first three years the band marched in t-shirts and khaki pants. The band finally received their reward for playing their hearts out at parades, concerts etc when they received new uniforms, which took three years and $65,000.

Dondre Dias, During Veterans Day Parade

Since the 2011-2012 school year, the Marching Band has had two drum majors and about 70 members, including flag girls and dancers. This year, the band first performed while marching from Gomez Elementary School to the Tutu Park Mall and back. The Marching Band also performed for the Night Out and for the Mini Smith Bay Carnival in September. The Marching Band also led the parade for the Teacher of The Year, Ms. Faye Richardson and for the Homecoming Prep Rally.

These experiences has prepared the band to face the challenges against the rival Chicken Hawks. “The band seems confident and very aggressive that they will bring home the title of Battle of the Bands in 2013,” said Jason Young. “I am a proud member of the Dynamic Rays Marching Band, and I am also the percussion section leader: I am ready to put my all into this band and win Battle Of The Bands.”

Orlando & Oriel in a recent Parade

Although the Battle Of The Bands is usually the climax of the year, this year the Marching Band, along with the IEKHS school choir, will be going to California for one week in the month of May. The Marching Band is confident that they will be bringing home a trophy.

“The battle between the IEKHS Marching Band and the CAHS Marching Band never ends. The winner is not really the one that walks away with the trophy, but the winner is the one that keeps their head up and best foot forward and is determined to make the school, community and world proud. Every time the marching bands plays, they represent themselves, the school, their parents and the community,” said Dawn Callwood, a parent of a band member.

The IEHKS Marching Band In Orlando

After hearing the band, some students may ask, How can I become a band member? “In the late summer, the Marching Band normally has a band camp and then try outs, “ said Sherwin Williams, a saxophone player.

“The Band is the center of attraction at the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School. It shows how much pride and joy the students have for music, the band and the school,” said Ms. Ana Theodore , a parent of a band member.

“The IEKHS Marching Band performs its best on the road; they might have their days where they might not be too good, but they put on an awesome performance every time they perform,” said Ms. Callwood,

“It makes me want to be a part of the band,” added Mr. Samms, another parent.

Ryan, Mia, Ala & Dukera in the government hill parade

“I absolutely love the Marching Band. I'm happy, excited, and very ecstatic,” said Dr. Sharon Ann McCollum, Kean High Principal.

Dr. Sharon Ann McCollum