Sebastian River High School musicians have been putting in work, crafting their skills since the beginning of November in preparation for a jovial showcase and an annual tradition. Now, residents can witness the performances during the PRISM series, a non-stop, two-hour holiday concert featuring a variety of performances by the school’s concert bands, jazz band, drumline, the flag and dance line, choir, percussion ensemble, color guard and the Marching Sharks.
“It’s amazing. The fact that the community supports this year after year – it’s humbling to have that much support. We have tickets for all shows still available,” Director of Percussion Doug Moser said. “It’s our students’ favorite time of the year. They look forward to this more than anything else.”
The PRISM concert is a tradition dating back to the year 1994 when the school first opened, organizers said. The holiday event – featuring nearly 200 student musicians – is led by Director of Bands Brandon Jenkins, Associate Director Blake Horde, Director of Percussion Doug Moser, Choir Director Larry Stanley and Color Guard Director Tanner Wetzel.
Sebastian River High School held a V.I.P. Media Night on Wednesday where students performed their last dress rehearsal for the concert. The PRISM series is the largest fundraiser for band programs at the campus.
The award-winning concert has six shows that run Thursday through Sunday at the school’s performing arts center, located at 9001 Shark Boulevard in Sebastian. One of the shows that will run Friday morning is just for students in the school district and not open to the public, Moser said.
Moser said the show for the school district brings in young musicians from elementary and middle schools in north county. Moser described that particular showing as a community outreach and recruiting event.
“That’s the (Sebastian River High) students’ favorite show because the kids are screaming with excitement,” Moser said.
The Sebastian River High School band has received superior ratings at nearly all district marching and concert band evaluations attended since the school’s opening, said Brenda Carley, band booster president. The band has competed across the country in cities such as Washington D.C., New York City and New Orleans, and has performed in national competitions hosted by Bands of America, a music education advocacy organization.
Moser said the PRISM concert series is unique.
“I don’t think there’s another school in southeast Florida that does a concert as extravagant as ours,” Moser said.
PRISM Concert
7 p.m. Thursday Dec. 7
Morning Friday Dec. 8 (Not open to the public)
7 p.m. Friday Dec. 8
2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday Dec. 9
2 p.m. Sunday Dec. 10
Photos by Joshua Kodis
