New band director at Coral Springs high school sets ambitious vision to transform the Colts program into a statewide leader
Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs High School’s band program is entering a new chapter this spring after the arrival of its new director, Chad McPhee. He officially took over the Colts band program in March, stepping into a role that carries both expectations and opportunity. His goal is direct and ambitious: to raise the program to the highest level in Florida and rebuild its long-standing identity.
For McPhee, the position is more than just a job. It is a chance to shape young musicians and restore momentum to a program he believes can reach statewide excellence. He has already set a clear direction for the students and staff as they begin working under his leadership. His message is focused on discipline, growth, and a return to strong musical foundations.
“I want to develop strong musicians and even better people. I want to rebuild and revive the Coral Springs band legacy and bring it to a state of excellence,” said McPhee.
That vision is rooted in his own background as a performer and educator. McPhee is a product of Broward County Public Schools and graduated from South Broward High School in 2017. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in music from Florida A&M University in 2023. At FAMU, he was part of the well-known “Marching 100,” a program widely recognized for its demanding standards and precision.
His experience there shaped how he views music education today. He did not just play an instrument—he also took on leadership responsibilities. As a tuba player, he guided a section of about 25 musicians, learning firsthand how structure and repetition can build strong performance skills. Those lessons, he says, still guide his teaching approach.
“FAMU trained me well. I took many music education and fundamentals courses,” said McPhee.
Before arriving at Coral Springs High School, McPhee worked at Pahokee High School in Palm Beach County, where he also led a band program. That experience gave him practical insight into building student participation, improving performance quality, and managing the daily demands of a school ensemble. Now, he brings that same energy to the Colts.
One of his main priorities is strengthening the basics of music education. He plans to focus on tone, rhythm, and consistency so that every student, regardless of experience, can improve steadily. He also wants to expand recruitment efforts by encouraging students from nearby middle schools to join the Coral Springs band program when they enter high school. For him, growth starts early, and building interest before students arrive is key.
Another important focus will be competition and evaluation. This past spring, Coral Springs ensembles did not participate in the district music performance assessment. McPhee has made it clear that he wants to change that moving forward, bringing the program back into regular assessment participation and higher visibility within the district.
Even with these changes ahead, there are already signs of strong individual progress among students. Several band members recently earned recognition at a higher level. Landon Gallman achieved an excellent rating on French horn, Jackson Sankey received a superior rating on tuba, and Sebastian Rapetti earned superior ratings on both flute and piccolo. These results point to potential within the program, even during a transitional period.
As McPhee settles into his role, expectations are high but so is optimism. With experience from elite marching programs, leadership training, and a clear educational plan, he is working to reshape the Colts band into a stronger, more disciplined ensemble. The coming months will show how quickly that vision can take shape on and off the field.
