*This story was originally published in the second quarter issue of the Eagle Eye*

Music week kicked off on Dec. 4 and ended on Dec. 8, with musical performances during both A and B lunches from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students. Unfortunately, due to the scheduling conflicts with the school calendar, the Thursday of the week coincided with a professional study day, so no performances took place in that day.

Last year, brothers Marcos and Christian Lecky, now a junior and senior respectively, came up with the idea to have students display their musical talent under the gazebo in the main courtyard as a way to encourage more musical activities at MSD. In a school that won 1st place at the 2017 Florida Marching Band Championship (FMBC), the promotion and fostering of musical talent is a part of the schools identity.

Orchestra teacher Stewart Rabin helped the boys organize and develop their idea by figuring out the dates for the event and getting approval from the school to perform. Rabin helped the brothers set up and transport the necessary equipment for every different performer, along with providing instruments for the students who wanted to participate but were unable to bring their own. While most guitar players did bring their own guitars, the main issues were concerning drumsets and keyboards.

The Leckys came down to the music building 15 minutes before each lunch and brought all the equipment out to the gazebo in order to give the students performing ample time to prepare.

“Last year was the first year we ever did it. It took us a little bit longer to get the idea confirmed by the school because they were a little scared of it due to it being a new event. This time we got permission to do it for a whole week, whereas last year it was only three days of performances,” Marcos Lecky said.

In order to publicize the event, the brothers posted an announcement on the school website, put up posters all around campus and even convinced Mr. Porter to advertise it on the morning announcements. As word of the event spread, people became aware of the audition dates and began to attend the event in force.

“We held auditions for people interested, so we could determine who is eligible… thankfully everyone qualified, so we were able to have about 13 to 15 acts,” Christian Lecky said.

The week featured the lyrical and instrumental stylings of the individual performers, along with several groups of friends who decided to come together to perform as makeshift bands and duets for the day.

One of the bands, Cosmic Blitz, was made up of a bassist, Jorge Garrido, guitarist and backup singer, Leah Ronkin and lead singer, Anna Buyak who are all sophomores. Cosmic Blitz performed on Dec. 5 during both lunches. They played a cover of “Kids in America” by Kim Wilde.

“[It is] my second year participating. It was a lot of fun and I’m really glad I got to participate,” Buyak said.

Thanks to the Lecky brothers, MSD now has a new tradition. The fact that the younger Lecky brother, Marcos, will still be at the school next year suggests the fact that next year’s Music Week will have a familiar face at its helm.