RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. — A community marching band in Riviera Beach is making noise for involving multiple generations and keeping kids out of trouble.
"Without this band, a lot of these kids would still be hanging on the streets, would still be doing things of error," said Antoine Miller, the director of Sounds of Success Community Marching Band.
Miller, a former school band director, noticed a need in the community for extra curricular activities for recent graduates.
"Once you graduate, we forget about those kids that have been involved in activities for so long and now there’s nothing for them to be involved in," he said.
He initially started Sounds of Success Community Marching Band in February for adults. The band began with five members, but while practicing at the Boys and Girls Club, Miller realized children could benefit from the marching band too.
"Try to teach them what we know and bring them up under our wings and watch them fly," said Troy Johnson, who plays the tuba.
Now, the marching band has 70 members, ranging in age from 10 to 40 years old.
"To come in and mold the kids to really know how to respect themselves and others," said Elijah Thomas, who plays the trombone.
Miller said some parents even have children in the band. Siblings also participate together.
"I taught my little sister how to play the piccolo. She never played the flute before," said Infiniti Young.
The band practices for two and a half hours four days a week at the Boys and Girls Club in Riviera Beach. They have upcoming performances in other cities in Florida as well as Harlem, NY.
"Since November 5, we have had a performance every single weekend up until now," Miller said.
Miller said the band costs ten dollars per month for each participant to help cover some costs, but he has provided all of the instruments to the band members for free.
Miller said the band has grown so much in recent months, he has run out of instruments, particularly tubas. If you're interested in helping, donations can be dropped off at the Boys and Girls Club on W 13th Street Monday through Friday on behalf of the Sounds of Success Community Marching Band.
"It teaches you how to build your character, how to gain confidence," Jordan Jones said.
