They call themselves The Beast from the East, and once you hear them play, you'll know why. The Abramson Sci Academy Band is closing out our Behind the Band series for the 2024-2025 school year with a roar. They're not just loud in sound, but in purpose, passion, and pride. At the helm is Band Director Johnnie Van Buren II, an alum of Marion Abramson himself, who returned to his roots after attending Southern University. For the last nine years, Van Buren has used music as a tool to uplift, inspire, and shape a new generation one note at a time. "Every day my name gets called thousands of times," Van Buren jokes, reflecting on the deep connection he’s built with his students. But behind the big sound is a deeper mission. “It’s not always about having the best band. It’s just about having that fun experience and winning, of course, but winning doesn’t always mean that you’ve won the competition if you put your all into it," Van Buren said. For Van Buren, returning to lead the band wasn’t just a career move. It was a calling. Read more here: https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/behind-the-band-the-beast-from-the-east-abramson-sci-academy-band/289-23d0990f-f02d-4e6b-98ff-e5206cef135a