At Wayne County High School in Monticello, Ky., junior Placido Vicente continues to attend band rehearsal as the program steadily declines in size. A first-chair euphonium player, Vicente has earned multiple honor band placements while also serving as drum major and holding a high leadership position within the band.
“It makes me kind of sad, honestly. This isn’t the program I grew up knowing" said Vicente.

The Wayne County High School band rehearses as a reduced ensemble. Once a Class 3A program in the Kentucky Music Educators Association, it has since moved to 2A following years of declining participation.

The program has dropped from roughly 60 to 80 marching members in previous years to about 14 to 26 students today. The decrease has changed not only the sound, but the identity of the ensemble itself.
“It feels like we’re starting over from the ground up… like we’re at the bottom again.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, participation fell sharply, and rebuilding has been slow. Many current members are younger students still learning basic ensemble skills, requiring patience and constant adjustment during rehearsal.

Vicente remains one of the most active students in the music department and plays a key leadership role as drum major. In addition to band, he participates in choir, jazz band, percussion ensemble, and winterguard, balancing multiple commitments throughout the school year.
“Music is still where I feel most like myself… but it’s hard watching something you care about struggle.”

Within the ensemble, Vicente often shifts roles to support the group. While euphonium is his primary instrument, he also plays tuba and trombone when needed to fill gaps in instrumentation.
“Sometimes I just try to help wherever I can, because if I don’t, it feels like something’s missing.”

Despite his dedication and leadership role, Vicente says the program often feels overlooked within the school community.
“It hurts a little, because we put in so much work, and it doesn’t always feel like people see it.”

Assistant band director Jimmie Hafley works closely with students as the program continues rebuilding. While support still exists, he acknowledges it has not returned to previous levels. A spring music camp, now in its third year, serves as a recruitment effort to introduce younger students to band and rebuild participation for the future.

Even as the program struggles to regain what it once was, Vicente remains committed to music and his leadership role within it.
“I’m sad about how things have changed… but I’m not ready to let it go. I just hope it can grow back into something strong again.”