Director's Welcome

Welcome to the online home of the Lemon Bay High School Band!  Here you will find information about all aspects of the band program, including upcoming events, recent performances, and general news about the band program.  Located in Englewood, Florida, the Lemon Bay High School Band has served as a strong center of community cultural arts and will seek to continue that tradition.  As the new director of bands, I am excited to begin working with the students, parents, administration, and community to help develop the band program into one of the best high school bands in Florida.

Sincerely,

Mr. Joshua Grossnicklaus

Director of Bands

Thursday, February 25 - LBHS Jazz Band Glenn Miller Tribute Concert

This concert will feature the Lemon Bay High School Jazz Band, performing a a variety of Big Band swing tunes made famous by the Glenn Miller Orchestra!  Also featuring tunes made famous by Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman.  A silent auction will also be held at the concert, which will begin at 7:00 PM.  Students are to report at 6:30 PM.  Come out for a swingin' good time!

FBA Music Performance Assessment

Our annual Florida Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment (the "band FCAT") will take place on Saturday, March 6 at North Port High School.  We are scheduled to perform at 1:30 PM.  Students will need to report to the band room by 11:00 AM, in their concert attire.  We will also need chaperones for the event as well.  Please contact Ms. Lisa Sallee, the booster contact for chaperones if you are interested and available!

Florida Bandmasters Association Best Practices Report

This past year, the Florida Bandmasters Association formed a committee to develop formulate a set of "best practices" describing what the ideal high school band program would look like.  The findings in this report encompass a survey of over 100 high schools from around the state and as such are what are considered to be common practice among Florida bands.  Over the next few years, we shall be using the Best Practices report to guide and implement changes to improve the strength and standing of the Lemon Bay High School Band program.  The entire report can be viewed here.

Musical Performance of the Month

Narashinodai Daiichi Elementary School Band performance of "Slava!" by Leonard Bernstein at the 2009 Japan Wind Orchestra and Ensemble Competition.  An incredible performance!!!

Objectives of the Lemon Bay High School Band Program

• Educational: To develop interested and well-trained musicians who are skilled in the basic fundamentals of solo, small, ensemble, and large ensemble performance.

• Cultural: To foster the continued development of music appreciation and understanding through the study and performance of quality musical literature and repertoire.

• Service: To lend color and atmosphere to certain school and community events while promoting and enhancing the dignity and reputation of Lemon Bay High School at all times.

• Citizenship: To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of the team, to enhance the students' ability to interact with others in a positive manner, and to develop the ability to function as a responsible member of the community.

• Recreational: To provide all students with opportunities for worthy use of leisure time, an emotional outlet, and wholesome, worthwhile social experiences.

Program Development Goals

In order to establish and develop the Lemon Bay High School Band program into a premier music program in the state, the following are stated as our immediate goals for the band program:

1. Increase overall enrollment in the band program by at least 30% each year over the next 3 years, reaching a goal of over 100 students total in all band and color guard classes.
2. Foster development with our feeder school, L.A. Ainger Middle School, by continued development of a mentoring program between high school and middle school students
3. Achieve overall ratings of "Superior" at all Florida Bandmasters Associations (FBA) assessment events for marching, jazz band, and concert band.
4. "80 + 80" - Have over 80% participation at FBA Solo and Ensemble Festival, with at least 80% of all students receiving a rating of "Superior" over the next 3 years.