All concert bands study the literature of the wind band providing students an opportunity for individual growth as well as develop skills as an ensemble player. Emphasis is placed on tone production, idiomatic performance technique, articulation, and rhythm decoding. Private lesson instruction is strongly encouraged of all students to further develop skills beyond the ensemble setting.

Prerequisites: Audition, previous (middle school or high school) experience on the flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, tuba, or percussion.

Requirements of students enrolled in Concert Band classes:
* Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone players: a fully-functioning intermediate model instrument
* Bass Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Baritone, Euphonium, & Tuba players: a fully-functioning intermediate model mouthpiece
* Participation in Marching Band
* Participation in Summer Band Course (last two weeks of summer break)
* Participation in FBA Solo & Ensemble Music Performance Assessment
* Participation in all assigned concert performances
* Participation in all assigned after-school and evening rehearsals

The Concert Band opportunities at Freedom High School:
1. Wind Ensemble
2. Symphonic Band
Placement in Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band is determined by audition.
3. Percussion Ensemble
All percussionists enroll in Percussion Ensemble studying the idiomatic literature of the percussion ensemble as well as accompanying the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band.


OCPS Extra-Curricular Participation Requirements
Even though performances are an activity required of course curriculum, OCPS policies dictate that students follow OCPS Policies regarding Extra-Curricular Participation and Grade Point Average:

1. Students must currently have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA
2. Students will be removed if the GPA falls below 2.0

Students who have a GPA below 2.0 or whose GPA falls below 2.0 will be assigned an alternative assignment that mirrors time commitment of their classmates.


CONGRATULATIONS to the Freedom High School Wind Ensemble (straight superiors) & Symphonic Band (overall superior) for each earning a Superior Rating at the FBA District Concert MPA during the weekend of March 6. This is the FIRST TIME in the history of Freedom High School that both ensembles have earned a Superior Rating!

Symphonic Band (OVERALL SUPERIOR):
* Ft. Canterbury March - David Holsinger
* English Suite - Michael Golemo
** Mvmt 1
** Mvmt 2
** Mvmt 3
* Peregrin: A Traveler's Tale

Wind Ensemble (STRAIGHT SUPERIORS):
* American's We - Henry Fillmore
* Trio from Act III of Der Rosenkavalier - Richard Strauss
* Incantation and Dance - John Barnes Chance