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Band

Welcome to the Forest Glen Middle School Band Program! 

Join Band!

Welcome!

Welcome to the Forest Glen Middle School Band Program information page. This program, with over 160 young musicians, is dedicated to nurturing the development of dedicated and passionate individuals in the Coral Springs community.

Our comprehensive program includes performance-based classes ranging from Beginning Band to Advanced Symphonic Band. In addition, we have an After-School Jazz Band. Our students participate yearly in various state ensembles, such as the Broward All-County Band, Broward Honors Band, and Florida All-State Band. Among these accomplishments, the young musicians also take part in performing prepared pieces to showcase their talent at the annual Solo & Ensemble Festival. These students continue to not only receive superior medals at the district level, but superior medals at the state level as well.

Important Information for all band students

We suggest that you do not buy an instrument during your first year of instruction. Please try to rent so as to protect your investment, and supply your child with the best quality instrument. If you are unable to rent or you are interested in another brand not listed, PLEASE CONTACT MS. PEREZ BEFORE taking any action. Some brands of instruments are simply unreliable and are not allowed in the band room. Ms. Perez will be happy to help you find a quality and bargain instrument.

For a detailed materials list, including vendors and brands, please contact Ms. Perez at jennifer.perez2@browardschools.com.

All band students need the following supplies:

  • Essential Elements Book 1
  • Foldable music stand
  • metronome/tuner (check out apps like Tonal Energy)
  • Pencils. Not pens. MULTIPLE pencils.
  • Index cards
  • Pencil pouch
  • One inch binder with 50 sheet protectors and 5 dividers labeled:
    • rhythm charts
    • technique builders
    • pass-off sheets
    • music
    • practice charts

Which instrument to choose?

Here are some general guidelines to use in making the best selection for a student musician. A few examples are listed below to help you in your selection. Remember, there is no such thing as a “ girls” or “boys” instrument!

FLUTE (Woodwind Family)

This is what Ms. Perez plays. The flute plays the highest notes in the woodwind family and is the only instrument played by blowing across a hole. The earliest flutes were hollow bones used by cavemen. Today’s flute is made of silver alloy. The best flute players have a rather flat upper lip with no “tear drop” in the center. Must be rented or purchased from a music company.

OBOE & BASSOON (Woodwind Family)

Both the oboe and bassoon have two thin flat pieces of wood sewn together (double reed) that goes into the instrument. The bassoon has a “seat strap” that the player sits upon and only has to balance the instrument rather than hold it up. These “double reed instruments” are made of either plastic or wood. They have a unique sound and are some of the more challenging instruments in the band. Instruments are provided by the school, but availability is very limited. Must have a good “ear” for music & an outstanding academic record. Piano experience is helpful. These instruments are not used in high school marching bands, so double reed players routinely perform in the sideline percussion section in high school. Enrollment is limited, and we have a “lottery” system to decide who gets to play this instrument. Due to the unique nature of these instruments, students playing these instruments are strongly suggested to take weekly private lessons. It is nearly impossible to be successful with this instrument without private lessons.

CLARINET (Woodwind Family)

The clarinet has a single, flat piece of wood (reed) clamped onto a hollow mouthpiece. The instrument itself is made of wood. It has a remarkable range from low to high sounds and from loud to soft. Must be rented or purchased from a music company. Good for those students who did well with the recorder in elementary music.

Note: Students who are double jointed are not good candidates for the clarinet.

SAXOPHONE (Woodwind Family)

A relatively recent invention (1840) compared to the other instruments, the saxophone combines the single reed of the clarinet and the metal body of the brass instrument. Its mellow sounds blend well with both woodwinds and brasses. The saxophone is an important member of the jazz band. Saxophones must be rented or purchased from a music company. Students who are double jointed are NOT candidates for saxophone. Enrollment is limited, and we have a “lottery” system to decide who gets to play this instrument.

TRUMPET (Brass Family)

The trumpet, with its high-pitched brilliant tone, is the leader of the brass family. A trumpet player can produce all the notes of the scale by pressing the valves and changing the lip vibration speed. The best trumpet players tend to have smaller sized lips, but this is not a rule. The trumpet is an important member of the jazz band. Must be rented or purchased.

FRENCH HORN (Brass Family)

The French Horn is made from 12-16 feet of brass tubing circled around and around. The tone is very mellow. In addition to using the lips and valves to change the pitch, the player places a hand in the bell to sometimes give a “muted” effect. Instruments are provided by the school, but there is very limited availability. You must have a good “ear” for music & an outstanding academic record. Piano experience is helpful. Due to their unique nature, students playing these instruments are strongly suggested to take weekly private lessons. It is nearly impossible to be successful with this instrument without private lessons.

TROMBONE (Brass Family)

This instrument sounds very brassy like the trumpet, but it makes a lower sound. The player changes tones by sliding one tube in and out of the other, rather than by pressing valves. The trombone is an important member of the jazz band. Must be rented or purchased from a music company.

EUPHONIUM (Brass Family)

Like a mini-tuba, the Euphonium plays the same notes as the trombone, but has a rounder, more mellow sound. Due to its valves, it can play faster passages of music with more smoothness and ease. Instruments are provided by the school, but very limited availability.

TUBA (Brass Family)

The tuba is the largest and the lowest of the band instruments. Its bass voice gives the deep, low tones that are the foundation of the band. When unwound, a tuba is 16 feet long. Instruments are provided by the school, but very limited availability. We have several girls in the Forest Glen Band that play tuba! You do not have to “hold it”, it sits on the seat of the chair. We have smaller tubas for beginners as well as some tubas to leave at home for home practice.

PERCUSSION (Percussion Family)

The percussion section of the band keeps the beat, builds excitement and adds color to the band. A percussionist does not just play drums; they play bells, xylophone, timpani, cymbals, triangle, and many other instruments (all school owned). Each member of the percussion section must work to create the aural illusion of one giant percussion instrument. A 6th grade Percussion Kit must be rented or purchased from a music company. It consists of a Practice Pad, practice xylophone, stand for both, and sticks and mallets. Enrollment is limited, and we have a “lottery” system to decide who gets to play these instruments. Due to their unique nature, students playing these instruments are strongly suggested to take weekly private lessons. It is nearly impossible to be successful with these instruments without private lessons.

Commonly asked questions

  • When does the band class meet?
    • Beginning band meets as a regular class for 55 minutes at a set time throughout the school day for the entire school year. Students are grouped into classes according to their year in band. Individual instructors will visit frequently for the first year to keep student-teacher ratios low. Skills develop slowly at first, therefore, students and parents must be patient and committed for the entire school year in order to get the full benefit of band instruction.
  • What are good starter instruments?
    • Beginners start on flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, or percussion. We will help you choose the instrument that is best for you at our instrument screening and selection at the beginning of the school year.

      Percussion, Oboe, and Bassoon are instruments that you have to be recommended for. You cannot choose these without being tested and recommended by the director.

  • Is any previous musical training necessary?
    • No. The method books used in beginner band are for the musically untrained student. We teach the fundamentals of reading music as well as the fundamentals of playing an instrument. As students progress, they will be able to recognize familiar tunes. Their progress culminates in a Spring Concert at the end of the year.

  • Can my child be successful even if I don't have any musical talent?
    • Music psychologists have tried for many years to determine whether heredity or the environment has the greatest influence on musicality. Interestingly, both sides use the same data to support their arguments. The most important requirement for success is the desire to succeed.

  • Are there certain instruments for girls and boys?
    • Definitely NOT! Instrument choices are not based on a student’s gender, but rather their desire to play that instrument. Instrument selection is based primarily upon the facial characteristics of the student, and, most importantly, their personal choice.
  • When do students need their instruments?
    • Instruments will be needed after they have been assigned to students by the director. Locked storage for all instruments is available in the band hall. Please make sure that the case is labeled with your child’s name. Don’t wait too long! Most music companies run out of stock AND raise their prices to take advantage of late renters/buyers!
  • Are there any school-owned instruments available?
    • Yes. The school provides the more expensive instruments: Tuba, Baritone, French Horn, Oboe, and Bassoon. These are assigned on the basis of aptitude, suitability, and availability – NOT financial need. Parents whose child is selected to play one of these school instruments are required to pay a $20 per semester usage fee, and will still be required to purchase necessary accessories such as a mouthpiece, books, reeds/valve oil. Due to the unique nature and difficulty of the Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, and Percussion instruments, it is CRITICAL that they take weekly private lessons. These instruments are so challenging that if you don’t take lessons, you should not even elect to play them. Private lessons for all instruments are strongly encouraged.

  • Can my child start playing as soon as they get an instrument?
    • In order to prevent costly repairs and the formation of bad habits, we prefer that the instrument stay in the case until students are instructed to practice at home. After formal instruction is given on the care and assembly of the instrument during the first weeks of school, your child will begin taking the instrument home. This is to protect your investment! This is a chance to get one-on-one help and be set-up for success with one of the professional musicians in our area.

  • Can my child participate in both athletics and band at the same time? band and choir? band and orchestra? band and theater? 
    • There are many middle school students who are in band, athletics, and other organizations, such as theater arts, choir, etc. Because of the unique nature of playing a musical instrument, we try to encourage students to begin band in 6th grade and then take other electives along with band in their 7th & 8th grade years. If you want your child to learn a band instrument, you will need to put band as your FIRST CHOICE for an elective. Students choosing band as their elective SECOND choice will NOT be placed into BAND. In 7th grade & 8th grade, the school administration, coaches, classroom teachers and band directors work together to try to avoid conflicts in scheduling. We have current Forest Glen MS Band members who are also in 7th & 8th grade football, track, basketball, basketball, math science team, NJHS, cheerleading, and in school drama productions!

  • Are there any extra rehearsals required? Concerts?
    • Beginners are required to attend only three (3) performances their first year: One mini-concert in October to demonstrate progress, a more formal introductory concert in February/March, and our Spring Concert in May. There will only be one or two after-school rehearsals prior to the Spring concert. Other than these few performances & rehearsals, there are NO after-school responsibilities or activities. Also, we traditionally have a band trip to Disney World in May (optional).

  • Should I rent or purchase an instrument?
    • RENT! Renting an instrument will give your child the opportunity to begin in band with only a small initial investment. Your child can have the advantages of a brand new instrument, such as pride of ownership, freedom from error due to poor equipment, and the opportunity to be the best player they can be by having the best available instrument for their age level. Your child will have the instrument and mouthpiece recommended by the band directors. The instrument can be returned to the company at any time without further obligation. All rental fees apply towards purchase. All County Music runs a rent to own program.

  • Will my child be required to practice at home?
    • Yes. Beginning the third week of school, students are required as a part of their grade to practice 15-30 minutes every day outside of class. They record their time on a “Practice Card”, which is turned in and graded weekly. For home practice, students are to purchase a folding music stand and a metronome (electronic time-keeper). We have found that these items are important in carrying the classroom experiences over to home practice. Parents are encouraged to give positive support to the student as he/she progresses. All instruments are required to be taken home every day, even if they cannot practice that evening.

  • Do my child's grades in other classes affect participation in band?
    • Although we stress academic success in all subjects, grades do not affect participation in beginner band. When going on to the 7th & 8th grade bands (and the high school band), students will be competing in both individual and group competitions. Students are required by state law to maintain a certain GPA to be allowed to participate. Grades do not, however, affect the daily participation and membership in band, or participation in concerts. They will only affect competition participation.

  • Are private lessons available? Are they required?
    • Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all students, but are not required. If your child takes private lessons, he/she will receive one-on-one instruction from a professional musician (many of whom have graduate degrees). Private lessons help challenge faster-paced students and strengthen slower-paced students. Again, they are not required, but above-average results are almost guaranteed! It is better to RENT a less expensive instrument and participate in the private lessons program, than to purchase a top-line instrument and not take lessons!! Lessons are important!

Band class info

Ensemble Overview

Forest Glen Middle School features 3 bands with approximately 140 students (roughly 13% of the student body). Starting in the 6th grade, the beginning band meets daily in “like-level” classes to focus on playing fundamentals and develop musicians to be ready to perform at a high level by the second year.

Second-year, students are split into "like" instrument classes to focus on individual and group technique and sound. Third-year students focus on full-band techniques and fundamentals. Our top 7th & 8th-grade students are given the opportunity to audition into the ( Honors Band ) at the end of the previous year. This prestigious band meets before or after school for practice in addition to their band class. They represent the top level of talent and dedication in our program. Our performance schedule includes a Fall, Winter, and Spring Concert, an elementary tour, a chamber music concert, the MPA Concert, and Sight-reading Festival, as well as various Forest Glen events. 7th and 8th-grade band students audition for membership in the All-State and All-County Band and also perform at the FBA Solo and Ensemble Contest. It is the focus of the Forest Glen Band program to develop the students a love of their instruments and a love for music.

For All 7th & 8th Grade Bands (Currently On Pause Due to COVID): Membership into one of the 7th & 8th-grade festival bands is by Audition/Director’s approval. The bands are comprised of a mixture of both 7th and 8th-grade students selected on the basis of ability and not seniority. Character, self-discipline, and eligibility, are also determining factors.

Explore each band’s roles within the Forest Glen Band program.

Beginning Band

The Beginning Band is a fundamental class designed for beginning students. Students will meet in like-level classes and will learn the necessary skills for instrumental performance. The Beginning Band is intended as a training ground to prepare each student to participate in one of the 2 performing bands the following year. Students will learn many musical and instrumental concepts and will perform scales, music, and band literature throughout the year.

Band music concepts such as rhythm notation, music note identification, instrumental fingerings, and tone production will be covered in this class. The Beginning Band will also perform at the fall, winter, and spring concerts. Students are also encouraged to participate in the Solo & Ensemble Festival. It is recommended that each student practice an average of 25 minutes per day. Supplemental private lessons are recommended by the director.

In order to see more information on instrument choices and equipment, please head to the Join Band!! section of the website for more information.

Concert Band

Band II is an ensemble class where students will learn more in-depth fundamentals of their specific instrument and how it works in the ensemble. This class is made up of mostly 7th-grade students. The students in this band must have at least one year prior on their instrument and must be willing to commit to regular rehearsal and practice time. This class meets daily, during the normal school day. Students from this band may audition for the Festival Band. This class is a requirement for eligibility in those elite ensembles. Students in this band are expected to participate in all of the scheduled rehearsals, concerts, and school events. In addition, each student is expected to learn as much of the All-State music as possible so that they may earn the right to audition for the All-County Band. Students in Band II are encouraged to participate in the Solo & Ensemble Contest. It is the responsibility of the student and the parent to check the band calendar and incorporate the scheduled events into your family calendar. In order to establish and maintain a high level of performance, Band II students will need to practice 25 to 60 minutes daily and are recommended to study privately with a professional lesson teacher (Private Lessons).

For normal progress, all Band II students are required to practice at least 2 hours per week, which is to be documented on a practice sheet given to each student at the beginning of each quarter. Band students are expected to maintain passing grades in all their classes.

Symphonic Band

Band III is an ensemble class where students will learn more in-depth fundamentals of their specific instrument and how it works in the ensemble. This class is made up of mostly 7th and 8th-grade students. The students in this band must have at least two years prior on their instrument and must be willing to commit to regular rehearsal and practice time. This class meets daily, during the normal school day. Students from this band may audition for the Festival Band, this class is a requirement for eligibility in these elite ensembles. Students in this band are expected to participate in all of the scheduled rehearsals, concerts, and school events. In addition, each student is expected to learn as much of the All-State music as possible so that they may earn the right to audition for the All-County Band. Students in Band III are encouraged to participate in the Solo & Ensemble Contest. It is the responsibility of the student and the parent to check the band calendar and incorporate the scheduled events into your family calendar. In order to establish and maintain a high level of performance, Band III students will need to practice 25 to 60 minutes daily and should study privately with a professional lesson teacher (Private Lessons). Students from Band III are invited to participate in special Coral Springs High School Band events throughout the year to encourage the continuation of band performance into high school.

For normal progress, all Band III students are required to practice at least 2 hours per week, We strongly encourage equally distributed practice time in order to promote musical success.

Wildcat Jazz Band

The Wildcat Jazz Band is a club that is hosted before and after school. Due to Covid-19, auditions and schedule for the ensemble have yet to be determined. The ensemble consists of the best players from the FGMS Band Program. The band is extremely selective since it is primarily one player per music part. The ensemble will usually consist of less than 20 student musicians.

The ensemble is primarily performance based. The group will apply all fundamental material they have learned from the program throughout the years, and focus on building their knowledge of a variety of Jazz styles and music.

Band information and awards

Meet the Band Director

Perez
Jennifer Perez

Jennifer Perez is serving as the Director of Bands starting at the beginning of the 2020-2021 scholastic year. Ms. Perez is a graduate of Florida International University, earning her Bachelor of Music in Music Education in May 2020. As a musician at FIU, she participated in the Symphonic Band, FIU Wind Ensemble, and FIU Symphony Orchestra. She is a proud sister of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity where she served in many leadership positions.

She has been a clinician and marching band instructor for various schools throughout Miami-Dade County and Broward County, including, Mater Academy Charter School, Ronald Reagan Doral SH, Cooper City SH, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas SH.

All-County Honor Band

Congratulations to our All-County Honor Band students!!

Middle School Concert Band

Lisa B., Leah S., Valery P., Yariah G., Lissette H., Romeo G., Fernando G., Jake E.

Middle School Jazz Band

Romeo G., Fernando G., Jake E.

Solo & Ensemble

Congratulations to our Solo & Ensemble Participants!!

Superior Ratings

Yariah G.

Romeo G.

Sebastian R.

Kourtney C.

Steven P.

Lissette H.

Excellent Ratings

Caitlin T.

Simra V.

Paige L.

Award History

2021-2022

2 Broward All-County Honors Band Students

1 All-State Honor Band Student

2020-2021

8 Broward All-County Honors Band Students

3 Broward All-County Jazz Band Students

FBA Solo & Ensemble

6 Students received Superior ratings

3 Students received Excellent ratings

2019-2020

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Symphonic Band: Superior

FGMS Concert Band: Superior

FGMS Jazz Band: Overall Excellent

2018-2019

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Symphonic Band: Straight Superiors

FBA All-State Student: Alto Saxophone, Dylan F.

10 Broward All-County Honors Band Students

4 Broward All-County Jazz Band Students (Most in FGMS History)

17 Broward All-County Students in the Young Musicians Band (First Year Participation)

2017-2018

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Honors Band: Overall Excellent Rating

FGMS Symphonic Band: Straight Excellents

2016-2017

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Symphonic Band: Overall Superior Rating

2015-2016

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Festival Band: Straight Excellent Rating

FBA Solo & Ensemble

All Beginning Band Students Received Superiors on Individual Solos

Band II and Band II Students Received Predominantly Superiors

FGMS Director's Award

Bryan Topasco

Broward County Honor Band

Justin T.

Jackie D.

Hannah K.

Ken M.

Bryan T.

Gio A.

Chris B.

2014-2015

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Honors Band: Straight Superior Rating

2 FBA All-State Students

7 Broward All-County Band Students

13 Superiors and 1 Excellent at FBA Solo & Ensemble

2013-2014

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Symphonic Band: Straight Superior Rating

1 FBA All-State Student

5 Broward All-County Band Students

FBA Solo & Ensemble

5 Students received Superior ratings

1 Student received Excellent ratings

2012-2013

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Prowl Honors Band: Overall Superior Rating

5 Broward All-County Band Students

2011-2012

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Honors Band: Straight Superior Rating

2010-2011

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Concert Band: Straight Excellent Rating

2009-2010

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Honors Band: Overall Good Rating

2008-2009

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Concert Band: Overall Excellent Rating

2007-2008

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Honors Band: Overall Excellent Rating

2006-2007

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Concert Band I: Overall Superior Rating

FGMS Concert Band II: Overall Excellent Rating

2005-2006

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Concert Band: Overall Excellent Rating

2004-2005

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Concert Band: Overall Good Rating

2003-2004

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

No Attendance

2002-2003

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Concert Band: Overall Excellent Rating

2001-2002

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Concert Band: Overall Good Rating

2000-2001

Florida Bandmasters Associations Music Performance Assessment Scores

FGMS Concert Band: Overall Excellent Rating

Instrument Supplies and Information

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