On July 3, a group of outstanding middle schoolers from our Unity Band program had the experience of a lifetime at Drum Corps International 's BANDtastic! event in Rockford, IL — and what happened there was nothing short of amazing.

BANDtastic! is more than just a camp — it's a national celebration of student musicianship and the power of the performing arts. Hosted by the legendary Phantom Regiment, this one-day summer honor band camp gave our students the chance to:

✅ Learn from nationally recognized professional clinicians
✅ Rehearse alongside top middle school musicians from across the state
✅ Perform in front of hundreds of spectators at DCI's Show of Shows
✅ Witness the thrill of professional drum corps competition — a glimpse into what their future could be!

Back in March, Unity band directors Mr. Mayer & Mr. Monahan hand selected these students for this prestigious opportunity, choosing those who demonstrated exceptional musical talent, leadership, and commitment to excellence. These students represented our community with pride, passion, and incredible poise. 
But that's not all. One student's performance truly stood out.

🏆 Recent Unity graduate Diego Macias caught the attention of every clinician and director at the event. After the performance, they spoke about his musicianship, his leadership, his presence. So much so that the Phantom Regiment's administrative team personally reached out to Diego after the event — inviting him to audition for the Phantom Regiment Tuba section when he turns 18!

Let that sink in. One of our own students was recognized on a national stage — and now has a direct path into the world of professional marching arts.

We are beyond proud of Diego, our Unity Band students, and the passionate educators who continue to open doors and create unforgettable moments for our kids.

This is why the arts matter. This is why we invest in music. This is what happens when talent meets opportunity. 

🎉 SHARE this to celebrate our students. Let the world see what our students can do!