By Taylor M Coffman
Herald Correspondent
Crooms Academy of Information Technology has always been known for its technology-focused curriculum, but now it's looking at expanding its horizons by bringing back an old tradition with the revival of the Marching Panthers.
Though it may seem surprising to anyone familiar with the school today, the Crooms Academy's marching band, known as the Marching Panthers, was once a staple of the local community. Pasha Baker, CEO of the Goldsboro Museum, called it a “deeply rooted cultural institution that once defined school spirit and unity within the historic Goldsboro community.”
After the Marching Panthers were disbanded as desegregation hit Seminole County Public Schools in the 1970s, the idea of Crooms Academy having a marching band faded into obscurity, especially as the school grew into its reputation as an exclusive, technology-focused magnet program with a unique AA Pathways course for interested and ambitious students. However, as the school approaches its centennial, an over $5,000 grant from United Arts of Central Florida has allowed Crooms Academy and its partners at the Historic Goldsboro Museum to resurrect a long-forgotten piece of local culture.
“This grant represents a powerful step toward restoring not only a band, but a legacy,” said Baker. “We are reclaiming a tradition that once united our community and inspired generations. Bringing back the Marching Panthers is about healing, pride, and ensuring our history continues to live through our youth.”
For Crooms Principal Brandon Hanshaw, bringing back the school’s marching band is a dream nearly ten years in the making. Progress towards a full band has been incremental, according to Hanshaw - the school’s drum line was created in 2017, not long after he began his tenure as principal, to participate in Sanford’s MLK Day Parade. Last school year, the school put together a “Symphonic Groove Ensemble”, featuring students playing a variety of wind instruments, drums, and even electric guitar.
The grant from United Arts will allow the school to make further strides in bringing back the Marching Panthers, as Hanshaw reports that funding has been the “biggest hurdle” towards re-establishing the marching band. In addition to bringing back a cultural tradition, Hanshaw and other administrators at Crooms Academy are also aiming to grow the school's burgeoning music department.
When asked if the revival of the Marching Panthers was an attempt at diversifying the school’s technology-forward image, Hanshaw replied that it was.
“These days, all high schools have robust technology programs,” he said. Although Crooms will remain focused on providing students with cutting edge technology skills, we need to continue to give students and families even more reasons to love Crooms Academy.”
Once established, the new Marching Panthers band will be available to students of all grades, with instruments divided between those provided by the school and students’ own instruments. Currently, Crooms Academy hopes to have the Marching Panthers established in time for its centennial celebration during the 2026-2027 school year, but an official timeline has not been established.
Anyone interested in donating instruments should contact Assistant Principal Donnan at [email protected].
