The 2001-2002 year got off to a fast start with a first-ever "Rookie Day" during the June Mini-Camp.  First-time members were joined by the leadership in a day-long session that focused on teaching the fundamentals of marching.  The session was a huge success, as many freshmen got off on the right foot (no pun intended) when the full band reported for Mini Camp the rest of the week.

    At the August Camp, the work began on putting the show together: Music from the "Gladiator" motion picture by Hans Zimmer.  Despite a tough week, the band was able to learn the entire opener and part of the 2nd tune.  The terrible events of September 11th put everything in perspective, and a planned trip to Europe was cancelled after the terrorist attacks in NYC and Washington D.C.  The band fell behind due to lost rehearsal time, but gamely worked harder to put the show together, and despite our limited practice time, we managed to place 2nd at the Vero Beach Crown Jewel Competition, only a few points from the Championship.  At the FBA Marching Evaluation, JPT received its 21st consecutive Superior rating.

    The Orchestra was off to a strong start as well, bigger and more determined than the year before.  Despite returning from an away game at Key West High School in the early morning hours, we were well represented at All-State, with 7 members of the Band and 4 members of the Orchestra achieving the highest individual musical honor in the state.  Likewise, we had several members make Tri-State. Festival of Winds, All-County Band, Jazz, and Orchestra, and the South Florida Honors Band.

    In late September/early October, Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Pilato were given an opportunity to travel to Japan at the invitation of the All-Japan Band Association.  Showing their trust in the wonderful members of the JPT Program, a portion of this trip fell on a football game night.  The members rose to the ocassion, setting an example of leadership and determination, as Mr. John Nista of Ramblewood Middle volunteered to help out at the game.  The game went off without a problem, thanks to the dedication of the JPT members and parents.

The second year of the new Winter Prism Concert, featuring at least one performance by every performing ensemble at JPT, in addition to solo & ensemble presentations and skits, was a huge success, generating much buzz about the program.  It was great to see so many alumni return to see the festivities.

    In February the Jazz and Fusion Ensembles participated in the FBA District 15 Jazz Evaluation, with the Fusion Ensemble receiving a Superior rating, and the Jazz Ensemble receiving an Excellent rating.  In March, all three concert ensembles participated in the FBA District 15 Concert Evaluation, with the Wind Orchestra and the Wind Symphony receiveing Straight Superior ratings, and the Symphonic Band receiving Straight Excellent ratings.  The Wind Orchestra and the Wind Symphony also participated at the State Concert Festival, where the Wind Orchestra received Straight Superiors, and the Wind Symphony received a Superior in Sightreading, and an Excellent rating on stage.

    In late March, the Orchestra performed at the District Orchestra festival and received their second consecutive Straight Superior rating, performing an extremely difficult program and turning quite a few heads to the beautiful sounds being made in the Orchestra side of the program.

    In place of our cancelled trip to Europe, the Band & Orchestra travelled to Virginia to compete at the Williamsburgh Music Festival.  The JPT Band and Color Guard swept every trophy on the way to a Grand Championship.  Free time around Williamsburgh and at Busch Gardens was enjoyed by all, and the trip seemed to bring the Band, Guard, and Orchestra members closer together.  All in all, the 2001-2002 year was quite successful for the J.P. Taravella Band & Orchestra.