Marshall Middle band concert was a wonderful showcase of talent, energy, and community spirit.
Photos courtesy of Jason McLemore
The cacophony of middle school musicians tuning their instruments, mingling with the low hum of human voices, created an ambiance this writer had not been exposed to in quite some time. The Tomlin auditorium was not full, but it was alive.
There were a good number of notable school district employees there to support the World Premiere of Common Ground, “an original composition inspired by the history, culture, and unity of Plant City.” This was being presented by Marshall Middle Magnet IB World Community School’s band.
“The Marshall Middle Magnet IB World School Band has experienced tremendous growth over the past five years, earning Superior Ratings 10 times in both Jazz and Concert Band Music Performance Assessments. This achievement reflects not only the students’ dedication and development, but also the support of the Plant City community, which has generously provided instruments, uniforms, and essential resources,” said Dr. Jeffrey Cayer, the band director.
“Students have demonstrated maturity, confidence, and pride in our band program,” he continued. “As an expression of appreciation, the Marshall Band commissioned a new musical work celebrating the rich traditions and diverse cultures of Plant City. Composer Larry Clark worked closely with the band, spending several days in the classroom to understand the ensemble’s strengths and collaborate on a piece that tells the community’s story through music.”
What is that community story, according to the composer, and those who worked with him? The answer comes directly from the program notes:
Common Ground…reflects the diverse cultures and shared history that shape Plant City today. The piece is a concert suite in three diverse and independent movements.
I. Cultivo
The word cultivo, a Spanish noun, refers to the act of cultivation—growing and farming crops.
Beyond agriculture, cultivo also represents the cultivation of the mind. Often expressed in Spanish as cultivo de la mente or cultivo propio, this idea emphasizes the intentional development of one’s mental, emotional, and intellectual capacities. Like tending a garden, it is a lifelong process of growth, discipline, and self-improvement, leading toward greater wisdom and personal fulfillment.
Music for the first movement uses as its basis the Mexican danzón, which is an elegant ballroom dance.
II. Union
The Plant City Union Depot opened in 1909 and operated until 1971. Built and shared by two competing rail companies—the Atlantic Coast Line and the Seaboard Air Line—it featured a unique “double diamond” track system, where rail lines intersected at the station.
By 1911, tracks extended in five directions from Plant City, making it the largest inland shipping point in Florida. At its peak, between 50 and 60 trains passed through the town each day.
This movement pays homage not only to the railway system that supported Plant City’s agricultural success but also to the broader idea of unity—different paths and cultures intersecting and working together toward a common purpose.
III. Bing
The Bing Rooming House Museum is named after the late Mrs. Janie Wheeler Bing. Built in 1928, the structure served as a rooming house during the era of segregation, providing lodging for African American musicians, professionals, entertainers, and Negro League baseball players who were not permitted to stay elsewhere.
Mrs. Bing’s grandson, E. L. Bing, served as principal of Marshall High School from 1954 to 1967. Marshall High School was later converted into a junior high school.
This section honors the resilience and contributions of Plant City’s African American community, preserving a legacy of strength, culture, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The composer uses the Blues/Jazz style in a symphonic context, leaning into the sound of metallophone percussion instruments to emulate the sound of the “bing” that is heard throughout this movement.
They did not perform this commissioned piece until the end of the concert. A student director led the first piece. The staccato of the trumpets evoked intrigue. Then the Director entered. The clarinet solo in the second piece was well played. And then the shift!
People were momentarily stunned. The music was proud. Unhindered by its seeming invisibility. And then, from the right front, drums. Then back to the balcony. A true concert in surround sound. It was a joy to encounter.
There were fabulous musicians represented here in guitar, bass, piano, sax, flute, trombone, all the instruments. Some pieces were so well-loved by the students that you could see them moving to the music.
Finally, it was time.
From behind the center curtain, a deep rumble. You could feel it in your chest. Anticipation. And then the curtain opened. The first movement was light; the flutist played with enthusiasm, and the trombones were a pleasure to watch.
The second movement was lower-pitched and ended in a somber emotional place. There were some futuristic sounds inside this one that made one think of bubbles popping.
But the end piece, that one created an old-timey dance party image, complete with Poodle Skirts and Bobby Socks. A little more modern in the mind’s eye than the storyline suggests, but fun.
Overall, the band did a fabulous job. The whole concert felt alive, and that’s an accomplishment to applaud. May all these young musicians go on to do mighty and glorious things.
