History of the Manatee High School Marching ‘Canes

Origins and Early Years (1890s–1940s)

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Manatee High School was founded in 1897 (originally Braidentown High), but its marching band program truly began to take shape in the early 20th century. By the 1940s, as high school bands gained popularity across Florida, Manatee High assembled a pep band to support school games and events. A major turning point came in 1947, when nearby Palmetto High merged into Manatee County High School. The school adopted the “Hurricanes” mascot and new red, white, and blue school colors, replacing the old “Golden Wave” moniker. This sparked a renewal of school spirit and traditions – including the marching band’s identity. In the fall of 1947, the band introduced a halftime drill team that would become an integral part of its shows. Initially known simply as the Manatee Drill Team, this all-female squad of 44 students performed precision marching routines at football halftime shows in Hawkins Stadium, wearing patriotic red, white, and blue uniforms with classic saddle shoes. The late 1940s thus established the foundation of the Marching ‘Canes tradition: spirited musical performances on the field, supported by coordinated drill routines.

 

The Manatee High “Sugar ’Canes” drill team (dance squad) remains an integral part of the Marching ’Canes performances, continuing a tradition that began in 1947. The marching band and its drill team grew in prominence through the 1950s. Under the leadership of director Charles “Chick” Quarmby – himself a Manatee alumnus – the band developed a reputation for excellence. (Quarmby later even served as the state Bandmasters Association president in 1957–58, reflecting his influence in Florida’s band movement. During this era, the Marching ’Canes became fixtures at local events like parades and festivals. For example, the band regularly marched in Bradenton’s annual De Soto Celebration parades and “Stadium Show” pageants, entertaining the community with patriotic music. By the early 1960s, the Manatee band program was thriving and even expanding beyond a single ensemble. In April 1963, Manatee High achieved a remarkable statewide milestone – it became the first school in Florida history to qualify two complete bands for state competition, with both groups having earned superior ratings at the district level. This feat demonstrated the program’s size and quality at the time. That same school year, the drill team earned its enduring nickname: they were officially dubbed the “Sugar ’Canes” in 1963, a playful nod to the Hurricane mascot. By 1964, the Sugar ’Canes had swelled to 81 members, reflecting the band’s growing ranks and popularity. Manatee’s band and drill team dazzled audiences at the 1964 De Soto Celebration show, and the band continued to dominate in music festivals. Longtime drill team director Mildred Emmelhainz, who had led the squad since its 1947 inception, retired in 1968 – marking the end of an era. The late ’60s also saw changes in the school itself: Manatee High was racially integrated and split off a new crosstown school (Southeast High opened in 1962), but the Marching ’Canes carried on their traditions with students from all backgrounds joining the ranks. By 1970, the band program had solidified its place as a centerpiece of school life and pride.

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Growth and Achievements in the Mid-20th Century (1950s–1970s)

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Through the 1950s and 1960s, the Marching ’Canes established a legacy of excellence in both performance and competition. At Friday night football games in historic Hawkins Stadium, the band’s rousing fight song and drill routines became a beloved spectacle. Halftime shows featured a blend of martial precision and popular music flair – one 1960s show memorably had the band itself attempt some dance steps (to “Tea for Two”), a novelty that bandleader Chick Quarmby insisted upon despite initial student protests. Such anecdotes reflect the band’s evolving style in the ’60s, mixing traditional marches with light showmanship. Musically, the band consistently earned top ratings. In addition to the groundbreaking two-band state qualification in 1963, Manatee’s band regularly received Superior ratings at Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) festivals. For instance, in 1972, Manatee hosted the District 9 marching festival on its home field, where a capacity crowd watched the Hurricanes’ band and Sugar ’Canes deliver a Superior-rated performance. Fans were entertained by contemporary tunes like “Get It On” and “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” in the 1970s shows, reflecting how the band kept its repertoire up-to-date. The 1970s also brought changes in leadership and look. Band director Robert Greatwood took the helm by the late ’60s and led the program through the 1970s, continuing the Superior rating streak. During Greatwood’s tenure, the cooperation between the band and the drill team remained strong. In fact, in 1973 the band and Sugar ’Canes seniors jointly choreographed a special integrated routine for the final halftime show – forming the number “73” on the field while playing and twirling to “You’ve Said It All,” to a huge crowd applause. The Sugar ’Canes themselves underwent some modernization: after performing in the same iconic uniforms for over 25 years, the drill team finally got new attire in 1974. The new look – stylish blue dresses with white boots, gloves, and headbands – marked the first uniform change since 1947. Around this time, the auxiliary units expanded too; flags and rifle squads were split into a separate color guard unit in 1974, allowing the Sugar ’Canes dance squad to focus more on dance choreography. Despite these updates, tradition remained paramount. The band continued to support the Hurricane football team (which won its first state title in 1973) and performed at community events. In 1979 the Marching ’Canes were invited to perform at a Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL game as part of an All-Star high school ensemble – showcasing Manatee’s reputation beyond the local area. By the end of the 1970s, the Marching ’Canes had firmly established themselves as one of Florida’s proudest high school band programs, seamlessly blending time-honored pageantry with contemporary flair.

 

Modernization and Notable Performances (1980s–1990s)

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The 1980s ushered in a new era of growth, travel, and continuous superior performance for the Marching ’Canes. The band and Sugar ’Canes drill team kept audiences engaged with more elaborate field shows, incorporating upbeat pop tunes and creative routines. In 1980, director Beverly Barron introduced a more free-form dance style for the Sugar ’Canes, adding showbiz pizzazz to halftime performances. As the decade progressed, the band did not miss a beat in FBA evaluations – it maintained a streak of Superior ratings at district marching assessments that began in the late 1980s and would continue for decades. A significant leadership change came in 1988 when James “Jim” Bruce became Director of Bands. Bruce, an alumnus of Florida State University’s famed marching band, brought fresh energy and a commitment to excellence that elevated the program even further. Under his direction, Manatee’s bands upheld their long tradition of superior ratings at both district and state  (in fact, by 2015 the Marching ’Canes had earned straight Superior marks for 29 years running). The late ’80s also saw a complete makeover of the band’s look. In 1989, the entire marching band got brand-new uniforms, updating the style for the first time in years. The new uniforms featured a bold design in the school colors (royal blue jackets with red and white accents, paired with white trousers and shakos), giving the band a modern and unified appearance on the field. This coincided with new Sugar ’Canes dance uniforms and a refreshed visual program. Beyond appearances, the Marching ’Canes began expanding their horizons with high-profile performance trips. In November 1987 the band traveled to perform at Walt Disney World, and in December 1987, they performed at the Orange Bowl in Miami during the bowl game festivities. These trips not only rewarded the students with unique performance opportunities, but also put Manatee’s band in front of national audiences. The band’s excellence was attracting attention – in 1992 the Marching ’Canes were honored with an invitation to perform for U.S. President George H. W. Bush during a presidential visit. That performance for the President capped off an exceptional early ’90s run in which the band consistently earned top competition ratings and accolades. By the mid-1990s, Manatee High’s marching band was regarded as one of the premier programs in Florida. It routinely earned Superior scores at the annual Marching Music Performance Assessment and was a fixture at local marching showcases. The Hurricanes football team won state championships in 1983, 1985, 1989, and 1992, and the Marching ’Canes proudly supported the team at championship games and pep rallies, bolstering school spirit. Through the 1990s, Jim Bruce’s bands continued the legacy: concert and jazz ensembles excelled as well (though separate from marching season) and the Marching ’Canes remained a model of consistency. Every autumn, the band’s 100+ members took the field in full regalia, delivering crowd-pleasing halftime shows and representing Manatee High with pride at festivals. The late ’90s saw the Marching ’Canes begin to set their sights beyond state lines, laying the groundwork for international appearances in the next decade.

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National and International Showcases (2000s–2010s)

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In the 2000s, the Manatee High Marching ’Canes stepped onto the international stage, achieving some of the most notable performances in their history. The band continued its streak of Superior ratings at Florida marching assessments annually, while also taking on ambitious travel opportunities. Under Jim Bruce’s leadership – alongside longtime assistant director Linda Boone – the Marching ’Canes performed in numerous prestigious events across the country and overseas. A major highlight came in 2003, when the band received the honor of marching in the London New Year’s Day Parade in London, England. That transatlantic trip was a resounding success and paved the way for future international ventures. (So beloved were the Marching ’Canes in London that they were invited back to perform in the 2009 London New Year’s Parade as well. In between those London appearances, the band also traveled to Scotland in 2006 to perform in the Edinburgh Easter Festival, an international gathering of bands – giving Manatee’s students the chance to march in the historic shadow of Edinburgh Castle while representing their school. These overseas performances exposed the Marching ’Canes to huge international audiences and earned them accolades for their showmanship abroad. Closer to home, the band was busy with high-profile events as well. In 2003, the Marching ’Canes were invited to perform at the inauguration celebration of Florida Governor Jeb Bush, showcasing their talents at the state’s Capitol. The band also frequently performed at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando, entertaining park crowds with their upbeat music. They took part in regional marching band competitions such as the “Lion’s Pride” invitational and performed in notable parades around the U.S. – for example, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Parade in Winchester, VA, and parades in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, often returning home with trophies. The Marching ’Canes also made an excursion to Washington, D.C.: in 2012, the band traveled to the nation’s capital and gave a special performance at the World War II Memorial, honoring veterans with their music. Throughout the 2000s, Manatee’s marching band balanced these travel opportunities with its commitment to local duties – performing at every Hurricanes football game, local holiday parades, and civic events. Impressively, despite the added demands of touring, the band never faltered in competition; it kept earning straight Superior ratings year after year at the FBA Marching MPA. By 2010, Jim Bruce had led the program for over two decades, and his contributions were recognized when the Florida Bandmasters Association presented him with a lifetime achievement award (a testament to Manatee’s sustained excellence under his direction). The late 2010s saw a transition in leadership as Mr. Bruce retired after 30 years at the helm, passing the baton to a new generation of band directors. Yet the Marching ’Canes did not miss a step – the culture of excellence persisted.

 

The Manatee High Marching ’Canes posing in 2017 with their modern uniforms (blue, red, and white), including musicians and Sugar ’Canes dancers in front. In the past decade, the Marching ’Canes have continued to flourish, achieving new milestones while preserving their rich history. The band’s membership has often exceeded 130 students, allowing it to produce a full, powerful sound and complex field drill formations. In 2017, the band embarked on another international adventure, traveling to Italy to perform in Rome’s New Year’s Parade on January 1, 2017. Marching through the ancient streets of Rome – under holiday lights and amidst cheering crowds – was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the Hurricanes, and it capped off the band’s 120th anniversary year in grand style. Back home, the band remains a dominant force in Florida marching circles. For example, in the 2016–2017 season, the Marching ’Canes earned Superior ratings from every judge at the District 11 MPA festival, continuing a multi-decade streak, and went on to receive Superior at the state level as well. The Sugar ’Canes dance team and color guard still perform side by side with the band at halftime, just as they have since the 1940s, now incorporating contemporary choreography and eye-catching props. Each fall, the band debuts a new field show production – often blending classic fight songs with modern hits or movie themes – and they consistently wow audiences at football games and band competitions. As of the mid-2020s, the Manatee High marching band program is under the direction of Carlos Galletti, who continues the legacy set by his predecessors. The Marching ’Canes still perform at every Manatee Hurricanes home game and lead local parades, and they look forward to future trips (the band is always planning “the next” big performance tour). Through all these years, the core identity of the Marching ’Canes remains unchanged: it is a proud, spirited ensemble that combines music, marching precision, and school pride into an electrifying package. In the words of their own mission statement, being part of the Marching ’Canes means joining “a proud tradition of consistent Superior Ratings” and getting to “travel and enjoy many social events, both in and out of the country.. From its earliest origins over 75 years ago to its present-day performances, the Manatee High School Marching ’Canes have built a rich historical legacy – one marked by innovation, award-winning performances, community spirit, and a commitment to excellence that has made them a true pride of Bradenton.

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Notable Directors and Leadership

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Throughout the marching band’s history, dedicated directors have shaped its success. In the mid-20th century, Charles “Chick” Quarmby (a Manatee alumnus, Class of 1939) served as band director and helped establish the band’s superior reputation. Quarmby not only led the Marching ’Canes to early contest victories but even influenced school culture – in 1959, he famously proposed the name of the yearbook (“Cane Echo”) as a nod to the Hurricane spirit. Following Quarmby’s tenure (he retired from Manatee in 1961), a series of capable directors continued to build the program. Robert Greatwood took over by the late 1960s and guided the band for roughly a decade, during which the band consistently earned top honors and hosted events. Greatwood was known for fostering collaboration between the band and drill team (his own son was a drum major in the early 70s), and under his leadership, Manatee produced multiple All-State musicians. The modern golden age of the Marching ’Canes, however, came under Jim Bruce, who assumed directorship in 1988. Jim Bruce would become the longest-serving band director in Manatee High history, spending three decades (1988–2018) at the helm. Under Bruce’s guidance, the band not only maintained a Superior rating streak at festivals but also expanded its horizons through travel and contemporary show design. Bruce, alongside assistant director Linda Boone, emphasized both musical precision and a fun, family-like band culture that endeared him to generations of students. His impact was recognized in 2016 with a Florida Bandmasters “Lifetime Achievement” honor. Upon Bruce’s retirement, Carlos Galletti stepped in as director (with Jasper Miller heading percussion and Angela Babroski coaching the Sugar ’Canes dance team). This new leadership team has carried the torch forward. They have kept alive the traditions – like the rousing fight song “Hail Manatee” and the annual Alumni Band reunion at Homecoming – while also infusing fresh ideas to keep the Marching ’Canes on the cutting edge. Each director, from Quarmby to Galletti, has left their mark on the program, but all share credit for nurturing the pride, discipline, and joy that define the Manatee High School Marching ’Canes.

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Awards, Honors, and Legacy

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Over the decades, the Manatee Marching ’Canes have accumulated a long list of awards and honors. While Florida does not have a single “state champion” for marching band (bands are evaluated on ratings rather than ranked placements), Manatee’s consistent Superior ratings are a championship-worthy feat in themselves. The band has straight superior ratings spanning over 30+ consecutive years at FBA adjudications – a streak virtually unmatched in the region. The Marching ’Canes have also earned grand championships or first-place trophies at numerous invitational competitions. In the early 1990s the band was a Class 4A Grand Champion at the Florida Tournament of Bands, and in 2007 they won top honors at the Lion’s Pride Competition in Tampa. The Sugar ’Canes dance team, for their part, have been national finalists in the National Dance Team Championships, placing 5th in the nation in 1990 and again in 1994. The band’s travel resume is itself an honor roll: performing by invitation in two London New Year’s Parades, a Rome New Year’s Parade, the Edinburgh Easter Festival, Disney’s Magic Music Days, the National Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington D.C., and many more. The community has frequently recognized the band’s contributions as well. The City of Bradenton declared a “Manatee High School Band Day” in 2009 upon the band’s return from London as a nod to their ambassadorial role. The band program’s legacy is also evident in the many alumni who have gone on to careers in music education and performance, inspired by their high school experiences. In 2022, Manatee High celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Sugar ’Canes drill team, honoring the women who pioneered that program back in 1947. At Homecoming games, it is now tradition for dozens of band and Sugar ’Cane alumni – from recent grads to those from decades past – to join the current band on the field for a rousing performance of the fight song, symbolizing the enduring camaraderie and Cane pride that transcend generations.

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From its earliest drumrolls in the 1940s to the bold fanfare of today, the Manatee High School Marching ’Canes have built a rich historical tapestry that reflects both the school’s history and the broader evolution of American marching band culture. They began as a small-town band in a then-rural Florida county and grew into an award-winning, internationally performed ensemble. They’ve changed uniforms, songs, and directors along the way, but their core values – school spirit, musical excellence, and tradition – have held steady. As Manatee High moves into the future, the Marching ’Canes will undoubtedly continue to add new chapters to their history, always “Blowin’ Up a Storm” (as one band motto goes) and carrying on the proud legacy of those who marched before. In the words of a local news report celebrating their long-running superior streak: the Marching ’Canes have truly “kept a remarkable streak alive” through hard work and Hurricane heart. Their past is illustrious, their present is strong, and their future – like a well-charted halftime show – looks bright and full of excitement for the Manatee High Marching ’Canes.