In January 2013, BAY created Belmopan’s first ever Marching Band under the leadership of band director, Mr. James Gentle and choreographer, Mrs. Rhonda Ochaeta, and some drums gifted by Governor General H.E. Sir Colville Young. Only two months later, the band debuted – with 51 members - as a competitor in Love FM’s Annual Band Fest, held in Belmopan, capturing third in the Drum Corps category and Best Uniform - a proud moment for the Capital City of Belmopan.

With a larger group of 80 members, the Marching Band returned for the second year of competition but this time under the direction of band director, Mr. Richard Pitts, and choreographer, Mrs. Vilma Ugarte. In 2014, the BAY Marching Band celebrated emerged victorious in the Drum Corps Category, the title of first place and Best Choreography.

While the Marching Band is open to any youth, BAY has focused primarily on recruiting at-risk unattached youths and those who struggle with behavioral issues. The organization has sought a partnership with the Ministry of Human Development and the wider Government of Belize to provide social services support to its band members and by extension its general membership.

The Marching Band hopes to increase its membership by 15% and build its inventory of instruments to include wind instruments, and further compete in the Wind Instruments Category. Additionally, the band seeks to build its capacity by providing formal musical education and training for its band members and its leaders who have no formal training.

The Band intends to continue to participate in events throughout the country including Love FM’s Annual Christmas Parade, the National Agriculture and Trade Show, and the Belmopan’s September Celebrations’ Parades, to name a few.