From left to right: Katie Doyle, Denise Whitehead, Makaya Whitehead, Cheryl Worlow, Chris Bowen, Clint LaFlam, and Dylan Tedders. [Photo by Richard …

OKEECHOBEE- The Okeechobee County School Board approved a proclamation designating March as “Music in Our Schools” Month at their March 19 meeting.

For more than 30 years the National Association for Music Educators has recognized March as Music in Our Schools Month, with the goal of raising awareness of the lasting positive impact music has on students.

Band Booster Denise Whitehead attested to the impact music education had on her family. Denise revealed that her daughter, Makaya Whitehead, struggled in her early education. Until one day she came up, lit up with excitement, talking about Mrs. VanBeek’s music class at Central Elementary. Then at Osceola Middle School she found an advocate in OMS music teacher Chris Bowen. Bowen saw potential in Makaya and pushed her to to move forward and become a better musician and student.

OHS band director Clint LaFlam speaks to the Okeechobee County School Board. [Photo by Richard Marion/Lake Okeechobee News]

“She started playing in music ensembles far above her age,” said Denise. “As a 12 year old she was playing next to band directors. From there she joined Clint LaFlam’s program at the high school. And all of a sudden this kid who cried over math homework was performing solos in front of thousands of people.”

“She found confidence, poise, and self esteem,” continued Denise. “Those are things our music programs teach.”

This year the OHS Brahman Band finished in fifth in the state in Class 4A at the Florida Marching Band Championships.

Before their performance in the state finals, the Brahman Band secured first place at the Braden River Marching Band Invitational on Nov. 4. Okeechobee earned honors for Best Music, Best Percussion, Best General Effect, and Best Marching at the invitational.