Opening to the beat of a different drum, and tuba, and flute

It was, in a word, fun.

The Lakewood Ranch High School marching band helped Wawa, the convenience store/gas station, open Friday on the corner of S.R. 70 and Lorraine Road.

Customers hustled inside to buy items, but then slowed down as they checked out the band as the students jammed and danced.

"A big part of what we do is to function as ambassadors of Lakewood Ranch," said band director Ron Lambert.

Lambert runs a program that is very competitive in competition, but Friday's event wasn't about being scored.

"Sometimes, it is more important to have fun," Lambert said.

With the students and the customers enjoying themselves, it made things fun for Wawa General Manager Paul Mitchell. "It is amazing that the band would come out," Mitchell said. "It was a real treat.

"We wanted to have the public come out for this event and all these kids live in this community."