This past weekend Spirit of Jupiter (SOJ), the Jupiter High School (JHS), band went to their Florida Federation of color guard’s Circuit (FFCC) competition; at The Villages High School and broke the last record.
The previous record was set by JHS in 2022 with a score of 90.5, recently beaten this year by Spirit of Jupiter with 91.78.
“In the last three years we’ve gone from a 3A band to a 5A band, the second largest category of bands at FFCC, and we’re really grateful that we’ve been able to get such high scores with so many people,” Camille Lyn, junior marimba player in SOJ, said. “We’ve worked really hard this season so it’s really nice to see it pay off, even if we don’t get first”
Before the competition on Nov. 12, 2025, there was a final send off show that allowed students, facility and parents to come and support the band. “The band has grown a substantial amount, giving it more impactful sound quality and flow,” Christa Muller, senior vibraphone player in SOJ, said.
The show had a theme of how industrialization has shifted into nature, this included themed props, matching with the color guard and their flags.
“The show had beautiful colors and props that supported the show’s theme of transitioning from industry to nature. The music was also very impactful, it had many small components that made it both unique and memorable,” Muller said.
The preparation for competitions start in May; lasting about six months before they compete in the final FFCC competition.
There are other competitions that lead up to FFCC finals, including two in November to help prepare students for what to expect.
With many different motivations the band surpassed their expectations and it has opened new opportunities for them.
“Now that we’ve reached the record-breaking milestone, the band will, of course, continue to thrive for even better scores in the future,” Muller said. “The program will likely continue to perform in both the FMBC and FFCC finals in order to maximize their performance opportunities, proving the band’s capability to exceed musically.”
The band grants students the opportunity to meet new people, make memories, become better musicians and get involved with our school.
“It’s important to be involved in school so you have memories to look back on when you’re older and you learn valuable lessons,” Ava Orlando, junior in SOJ, said.
As the season progresses there is more and more focus on the preparation for competitions. With school and band consuming students time they are pushed to succeed in a classroom, and on the field.
“The band had many opportunities to still have fun even though the competition season was stressful. The band parents held fun events such as the trunk or treat and holiday parties,” Muller said. “Having a balance between fun and focus was perfect for keeping the band motivated through the season.”
There were many people who helped behind the scenes of the band including director Ryan Ross and many parents.
“My motivations were the seniors because I know how great it would be to win or beat the record your senior year. Also, our band director, Mr. Ross along with many other techs, really helped motivate us through stressful school and long rehearsals,” Lyn said.
The band had a very successful season and is moving onto more events. As they prepare to break the record again.
“My favorite aspect of being in the band is all the friends I’ve made over the last 3 years,” Lyn said. “I have such a nice friend group in the band and we’re together all the time so they’re like a second family.”
