Feb. 5, 2026 – For Darryl Moore, leading the band at Andrew Jackson is more than just an honor. It’s a point of pride.
“My mom, her brothers, and sisters graduated from here, so it’s kind of like full circle,” he said. “A lot of people have a lot of pride in the Andrew Jackson band.”
Moore said that pride in the school’s band stems from a rich, well-known history within the community. But over time, the band dwindled in size and participation.
“When I got here, it was just a drum line. It was about seven kids, drums, and dancers,” he shared.
Moore, who was previously a music teacher at Andrew Robinson Elementary School, began spending his afternoons with the band after school. A year later, he became full-time at Andrew Jackson, determined to grow the band and expand the program.
“We’ve learned a lot from him,” said Jakobe Smith, an 11th grade drum major. “He’s the main reason why we’re where we are now.”
Moore set out to recruit students to the band, including those who had never played an instrument before. He said as students began working together and practicing every day after school, he saw incredible growth –– musically, and personally.
“We really start from the ground up, and I pride us on the work we get to do,” he said. “It’s hard work, but you don’t notice the work because it’s a lot of fun.”
“My work ethic really changed when I joined,” added Smith. “The way I looked at being a leader –– it changed my whole mindset.”
Moore’s recruitment, training, and discipline have paid off. In November, the band earned a superior rating from the Florida Bandmasters Association. It was the school’s second year to compete, and an important moment of validation for Moore and the program.
“We’re something that people can hold their heads up about. Not just the football team, not just the basketball team, but also the band,” he shared. “The band program is one of the higher-rated bands in Jacksonville.”
As the band continues to grow and flourish, Moore said he takes every opportunity he can to encourage prospective students to join, including those in nearby middle schools. His promise to students: to not only grow in their skills, but also as people.
“A lot of the kids come in, and they don’t really have an identity. But then they get friends, they get family,” he said. “By the time they're seniors, they're full of character, full of life. And I think it speaks to what music does.”