Monica Brokenborough addressing the audience about her time at MCHS
Madison County High School held their final Spring Band Concert under the supervision of Monica Brokenborough at the North Florida Community College Van H. Priest Auditorium Thursday, May 28.
Band director Monica Brokenborough made some shocking remarks regarding hardships she faced while employed at Madison County High School.
The Spring Concert included performances from her student’s jazz band, symphonic band, and indoor guard.
Brokenborough expressed how proud she was of her students, and that she would no longer be their band director at Madison High.
“This is my second and final concert as band director at Madison High School. I’m surely proud of them and the progress in their musicianship,” said Brokenborough.
Being the director at Madison High came with a few challenges and obstacles Brokenborough stated.
“Quickly I was met with ignorance regarding people who do not welcome diversity or change,” said Brokenborough. “Several individuals rallied against me with ignorance, lies and fabrications in an effort of my termination of employment.”
Brokenborough mentioned how several parents withdrew their kids from the band program when they saw that she was not leaving.
Audience members sat astonished as others begin to chatter amongst themselves. Some felt indifferent about the news while others expressed concern.
Demetria Jackson, a member in the audience was shocked by the things she heard.
“It’s crazy at the amount of hatred today,” said Jackson..
The concert ended in a standing ovation, awards given to members of the band, and a token of appreciation by the band to Brokenborough.
Indoor Guards presented flowers to now former band director
Parents were entertained by the band’s performance.
Regina Jones, the mother of band mate Michael Jones, was excited and very entertained by the performance.
“I enjoyed the show. I learned something too,” said Jones.
While employed at Madison High Brokenborough spoke about being evaluated by “unqualified” evaluators, however, her time at Madison County High only made her stronger. Despite the negative backlash her students were able to learn and improve.
“Even though this has been a very up and down roller coaster school year, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, because it made me stronger,” said Brokenborough. “More important these students learned something this year.”
Brokenborough has accepted a position at the District of Colombia where she will be continuing her expertise in music.