Charlotte Amalie High School Music Competes in Orlando

Hit Makers & Rum Chasers is proud to have raised funds and presented a check to the Charlotte Amalie High School Music Department to help send students to compete at the 2026 World Strides Orlando Heritage Festival. This great week of music helped send seven ensembles to represent St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands on a national stage.

Students began preparing in August and committed to months of rigorous rehearsals, sectionals, and full ensemble practices before departing on March 25th. Their hard work, guided by dedicated directors and coaches, produced outstanding results, including a 1st Place finish, multiple Gold Standings, and the prestigious Spirit of Orlando Award earned among all participating schools nationwide.

The success of the CAHS Music Department is a testament to the power of community. Because of your generosity, these students didn't just travel, they competed and excelled. Thank you for your contributions to Hit Makers & Rum Chasers, and for believing in them!

COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Concert Band — 1st Place
• Symphonic Band — 2nd Place
• Jazz Band — 2nd Place — Gold Standing
• Auxiliary Flag Corps — Gold Standing + Adjudicator's Award
• Mello Hawks Steel Orchestra — Gold Standing + Adjudicator's Award
• Concert Choir — Silver Standing
• Jazz Choir — Silver Standing
• Jaeden Thompson (12th Grade) — Maestro's Award — Jazz Band
• Charlotte Amalie High School — Spirit of Orlando Award — earned among ALL participating schools