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Canterbury Students Shine at USF’s Festival of Winds
Five talented Canterbury musicians—Caroline L. ’26, Braden B. ’27, Sam T. ’26, Sophia B. ’26, and Abby K. ’25—were selected to participate in the University of South Florida’s Festival of Winds, held December 5-8, 2024. This prestigious event brought together some of the best high school musicians from across Florida to perform in three elite concert bands, each consisting of approximately 100 students.
With no prior access to their music, the students had just three days to rehearse and master challenging pieces before their culminating concert on December 8. In addition to their rehearsals, they attended instrument-specific masterclasses, enjoyed performances by the USF Wind Symphony and Herd of Thunder Marching Band, and experienced a glimpse of life as a music student at USF.
A special connection to Furman University made the experience even more meaningful for Canterbury’s Upper School Band Director, Zach Deeter, who is a Furman alumnus. All three guest conductors at the festival had ties to Furman: Dr. Scott Tobias, a Furman graduate who conducted Mr. Deeter when he made All-District Band as a high school junior; Dr. Sue Samuels, an alumna and the current Director of Bands at Furman University; and Dr. Leslie Hicken, who was Mr. Deeter’s band director and education professor during his time at Furman.
Congratulations to Caroline, Braden, Sam, Sophia, and Abby for representing Canterbury with such skill and dedication!
