Get to Know Us - Tooting Horns and Banging Drums!
You all know Jessica's friendly voice when you call Daybreak Financial Partners and that she is our client service extraordinaire, but did you know she is also a band geek?
Music has always been an important part of her life – singing, playing percussion and hand chimes – and to this day she helps others to make it a part of their lives as well.
In the summer of 1999 she began teaching at Westbrook High School as a front ensemble instructor. For those not up on the various sections of marching bands, the front ensemble is the stationary percussion group typically placed in the front of the football field. This means she worked with the students who play all concert percussion equipment but do not march on the field.
In her first year, the group was crowned Maine State Champions and went on to represent Maine in the Citrus Bowl parade and music competition in Orlando, FL. The group took home first place honors in their division as well as top honors for percussion.
After taking a break when her sons Gabe and Lucas were small, Jess returned to teaching in 2010 eventually transitioned to the Assistant Band Director (2013-2016) where her role added more responsibility in assisting the director with teaching the visual aspects of the shows.In her first year, the group was crowned Maine State Champions and went on to represent Maine in the Citrus Bowl parade and music competition in Orlando, FL. The group took home first place honors in their division as well as top honors for percussion.
In 2017, Jessica took on the new role of Visual Director which was a new challenge with more involvement with the visual staff and show development – think music selection, marching routines and costuming.
The band, with their 2017 Program – Nostradamus; featuring the music of The Planets by Gustav Holst - went to US Bands National Championships in Allentown, PA and placed 13th in their Division and received US Marine Corps top honor – the Esprit de Corps Award for Pride, Patriotism and Professionalism which is given to one group per Division.
Watch Jessica's Band performing at National Championships in Allentown, P.A.
Photos by Scott Linscott