Presented by FLoatarama, Event Awards $46,000 in Student Scholarships
Submitted by Diana Hanford
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL.– The South Florida Pride Youth Band delivered a show-stopping performance at its 14th annual concert, presented by FLoatarama, at The Parker on Sunday, February 23. The highly anticipated event showcased the dedication and talent of young musicians while awarding an impressive $46,000 in scholarships to support the next generation of artists.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of scholarships to 25 outstanding South Florida high school band students, each receiving $1,500. Additionally, South Broward High School was recognized with a $1,000 award for recruiting the most students. The top honor of the night went to Brody Santos, a sophomore at North Broward Preparatory School, who was awarded the prestigious $7,500 FLoatarama Youth Pride Band Scholarship. Santos will also be featured as a soloist during the South Florida Pride Concert Band’s upcoming performance on May 10.
Performing alongside members of the South Florida Pride Concert Band, 80 students from public and private high schools across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties took the stage under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Cheldon Williams, Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at West Virginia University. The evening marked a culmination of weeks of dedicated rehearsals, resulting in a spectacular one-night-only showcase of musical excellence.
A Legacy of Inclusion and Mentorship
“For nearly four decades, our band has been a proud pillar of South Florida’s arts community, providing a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ youth,” said Dr. Adam DeRosa, board chair of the South Florida Pride Concert Band. “We are deeply grateful to our generous donors and sponsors, whose support allows us to nurture these talented students through financial assistance and musical mentorship.”
Now in its 38th season, the South Florida Pride Concert Band holds the distinction of being Florida’s longest-running LGBTQ+ arts and cultural organization
FLoatarama’s Commitment to LGBTQ+ Youth
“The FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund is dedicated to supporting organizations like the South Florida Pride Youth Band that provide essential resources for the one-in-five youth in Broward County who identify as LGBTQ+,” said Scott Schramm and Roderick MacKenzie, co-founders of FLoatarama. “It is incredibly rewarding to help these young musicians pursue their passions and education through scholarships.”
Since its inception in 2012, the South Florida Pride Youth Band has awarded a remarkable $266,000 in scholarships, reinforcing its mission to uplift and inspire young musicians.
“The need to invest in youth arts programs has never been greater,” said Dan Bassett, artistic director of the South Florida Pride Concert Band. “We’re honored to provide these students with the invaluable experience of rehearsing and performing alongside professional musicians, many of whom are alumni of our band.”
About the South Florida Pride Concert Band
The South Florida Pride Concert Band is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to enriching the community through music while fostering an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth. Now celebrating its 38th season, the band continues to be a beacon of artistic excellence and advocacy in Florida. Visit southfloridapridebands.org/
