09/04/2026
This one is extra special for our Little Haven family. ❤️🎶
Little Haven was born six years ago, around the same time my son began his band journey as a middle schooler. Since then, we’ve had the privilege of growing our little coffee shop while watching him and so many other young musicians grow through the Crestview Band program.
Now, in his senior year and serving as a Drum Major for the BIG RED MACHINE, we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate the Crestview High School Band for being named a 2026 Earl D. Irons Program of Distinction, one of only TWO band programs in the nation to receive this honor this year and the FIRST from Florida! 🏆
Behind an accomplishment like this are countless hours that most people never see: early mornings, multiple band classes, evening rehearsals, Friday night games, competitions, practices, dedicated directors, supportive families, and students who continue showing up for one another.
At Little Haven, we believe deeply in community, hard work, relationships, and making an impact right where you are. Seeing a program from our own Crestview community receive national recognition for those same qualities is something worth celebrating!
Congratulations to every student, director, parent, middle school program, and supporter who has helped build this legacy.
Little Haven is proud of you, BIG RED MACHINE! ❤️🎺🥁
What an incredible honor for our Crestview community!
BIG RED MACHINE: The Crestview High School Band has been named a 2026 Earl D. Irons Program of Distinction by Phi Beta Mu International, making it one of only two band programs in the nation to receive the honor this year and the first from Florida.
The award recognizes band programs that exemplify the ideals established by Phi Beta Mu founder Earl D. Irons, including superior achievement, moral uprightness and the advancement and development of bands internationally.
The selection committee praised the Crestview Band program for its excellence and commitment to students.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor for our students and our entire band program,” said Jody Dunn, Crestview High School Band Director. “This prestigious award represents the total Crestview Band program, including our incredible middle school bands and their outstanding directors.”
Full story: https://getthecoast.com/crestview-high-school-band-named-national-program-of-distinction-by-phi-beta-mu/