The marching band is a very important part of any high school, especially in New Orleans. De La Salle is proud to have Duncan Pray direct The Pride of the Avenue Marching Band as well as the Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, and all of the band courses at De La Salle. Under his direction, the band has grown from 28 students in 2012, when he began at De La Salle, to 56 students. The band is anticipating another growth spurt for the 2017-18 school year, with just over 60 students projected to be in the program.Duncan attended Loyola University New Orleans where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education as well as his M.A. in Tuba Performance. Outside of class, Duncan is an active leader in the music education world of New Orleans. In 2015 he served as the Director of the District VI Junior High Honor Band. In 2016, Duncan continued his work with the Senior High Honor Band by helping to coordinate auditions and serve as a judge during performances. Several De La Salle students have been accepted into this year’s honor band. Students Matthew Courcelle and Sal Marino both made the Junior High Honor Band, and Steven Mylie made Senior High Honor Band.
“Mr. Pray has overseen the tremendous growth of our marching band. From football games to pep rallies to masses to Mardi Gras parades, Mr. Pray’s band provides the soundtrack to our school activities. His tremendous dedication and hard work have rejuvenated this campus group.” –Principal, Paul Kelly ’83
Outside of De La Salle, Duncan also is a coach at his Crossfit club, and he enjoys hiking and kayaking.