Welcome & Overview

Under the Direction of Mr. Tyler Odom, the Symphonic Band is the primary concert ensemble of the Mighty Marching Pirates and plays a key role in the musical development of our students. This class meets during the school day and focuses on tone production ensemble balance, technique precision and artistic interpretation through quality concert literature. Students perform a wide range of music and are given the opportunity to grow as musicians and performers.

Participation in Symphonic Band is required for all freshmen in marching band or band class. Sophomores and above can choose not to participate in the after-school portion of the Symphonic Band.

Concert Attire

Concert performances are formal events, and students are expected to wear designated concert attire to ensure a professional, uniform appearance:

Girls: Black Concert Dress $40-$45

Boys/girls: Black Tuxedo shirt and blue bowties $25

Uniform fittings take place in early November. Students will be responsible for purchasing and maintaining their concert attire. Alterations of uniforms are done by families, not the boosters.

Program Cost

To support the basic operations of the Symphonic Band program, including printing, sheet music, registration fees and participation in performance events, we collect a modest fair share fee: 

• Marching Band Students $25
• Non-Marching Students: $50

Fair share payment is due at the beginning of the season (no later than) November 20, 2025.

Who Can Join & When?

• Grade levels eligible to join are 9th-12th graders
• No prior experience required
• Must enroll in a Band Class 

Performance & Evaluation Opportunities

Symphonic Band performs two major concerts each year -- A Winter Concert and a Spring Concert. In addition, students may be selected to participate in the following Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) events:

• Music Performance Assessment (MPA): A district-wide evaluation where the full ensemble performs concert literature and sight-reads for a panel of judges. This experience provides feedback and ratings that help our students and directors improve each year.
• Solo & Ensemble: Students may prepare solos -or- perform in small ensembles for adjudication. This is a great way for motivates students to showcase their individual talent and musicianship. Participation is HIGHLY encouraged!
• All District Honor Band: A select group of students are nominated or audition for this opportunity, which brings together top musicians from across the district to rehearse and perform under a guest conductor.
• Tri-State Band Festival (FSU): A nomination based opportunity for Juniors and Seniors to work with university level musicians and conductors. This festival allows students to perform challenging repertoire and gain collegiate level experience. 

Instrument Repair

Any school instrument needing repair, will incur a $25 fee, unless the repair is a lesser amount. Families will be responsible for paying the fee prior to the instrument being sent for repair. The boosters will cover the remainder of the repair cost. Students must maintain their instruments to the highest of standards, and will be instructed in how to do that each August in class. 

Key Dates

Please note these dates are probable and are subject to change.

• November 13, 2025: After school rehearsals begin every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
• November 18, 2025: All District Auditions
• December 5-8, 2025: Tri-State
• December 11, 2025: Christmas Concert
• January 22-24, 2026: All District Rehearsals and Concert
• January 31, 2026: Evening Rehearsal
• February 13-14, 2026: Solo & Ensemble
• Feb 27-Mar 1: MPA Concert site 1 (TBD)
• March 7 or 8: MPA Concert site 2 (TBD)
• Last week in April: State Concert MPA
• April 18, 2026: Sugar Pointe Music Festival
• May 7, 2026: Spring Concert
• May 8, 2026: Band Banquet

Parent Involvement

All parents of symphonic band students are expected to attend our Band Boosters Association (BPA) meetings beginning in November. We also ask all families to participate in our biggest fundraiser in April (Sugar Pointe Music Festival). By doing this, we are able to keep costs of this program very minimal so every student has equal opportunities. 

Our #1 source of communication is through the BAND app. Download this app on your phone and email us to send you an invitation to avoid missing any important updates.

If you have a child in the Symphonic Band Class, please begin by registering on Booster Hub -or- emailing us at fbhsbandparents@gmail.com

For any child-specific questions, please contact Mr. Odom directly via email at: odomch@nassau.k12.fl.us