The Kanapaha Middle School Wind Ensemble’s first performance outside of Florida proved to be a successful one, with the group of 39 musicians earning first place for middle school concert bands at the recent Smoky Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 

“The icing on the cake was their 95.67 score out of 100, which was not only first place in their division, but the highest score given to all the groups that performed at the event, including all middle and high school ensembles,” said Michael Loffredo, who directed the ensemble with Summer Atteberry, in an Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) press release. 

Established nearly 40 years ago, the Smoky Mountain Music Festival “draws top student ensembles from throughout the U.S. and Canada,” according to the release. The groups are given the chance to demonstrate their talents in front of highly respected and internationally recognized judges. 

The Kanapaha Ensemble performed three pieces at the event, the release said, which marked the “first out-of-state appearance in the history of the school’s band program.” 

Two members of the ensemble were also singled out for special honors. Flutist MaryAnne Leko and trumpet player Laila McCaslin, both eighth graders, performed solos at the competition and were honored for outstanding achievement and performance.