The Okaloosa County School District is proud to announce that all five district high school marching bands earned Straight Superior ratings at the 2025 Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) Marching Music Performance Assessment held Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Riggs Stadium, Fort Walton Beach High School. Bands from Baker School, Choctawhatchee High School, Crestview High School, Fort Walton Beach High School (pictured here), and Niceville High School each received the highest possible rating across all judged categories. This remarkable achievement underscores the strength of the district’s fine arts programs.
District 1 of the Florida Bandmasters Association includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties. Of the three, Okaloosa County was the only one where every high school received Straight Superior ratings. This distinction highlights the exceptional dedication of Okaloosa’s directors, students, and music educators. The FBA Marching Music Performance Assessment serves as the musical equivalent of the Florida School Music Association (FSA), evaluating bands on marching execution, general effect, musical performance, and auxiliary performance. Adjudicators are trained and approved by the FBA Adjudications Committee, ensuring consistent, high-level evaluations statewide.
“Okaloosa County continues to shine in every arena - academics, athletics, and the arts,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “These results reflect the extraordinary talent, passion, and leadership of our music educators and students. We are proud of their commitment to excellence and the joy they bring to our schools and community through music.”
