Concert Ensembles

Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble is the top performing ensemble in the band program and is designed for any student who is musically qualified for membership at the discretion of the director. This ensemble focuses on advanced qualities of performance musicianship and basic concepts of music theory. Frequent evening sectionals and rehearsals will be scheduled to prepare for performances.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band is an intermediate performing ensemble, designed for any student who is musically qualified for membership at the discretion of the director. This ensemble focuses on building musical repertoire and enhancement of musical performance skills. Symphonic band will rehearse on Thursdays from 4-6pm (January–March).

Jazz Band

Jazz Band is a co-curricular performing ensemble, designed for any student who is musically qualified for membership at the discretion of the director. The Jazz Band meets every day during 3rd period. This ensemble will focus on expanding students’ exposure to jazz literature and will also address jazz music theory and improvisational skills. After-school rehearsals may be scheduled when approaching Jazz MPA (in February) and will be scheduled well in advance. Jazz is a fun place to learn a new instrument, or continue to develop on your current instrument. Music in Jazz Band is fun and rewarding like all band classes, but we get to play Funk, rock, swing, and Latin styles! 

Percussion Ensemble

Percussion Ensembles are both a traditional concert ensemble that studies classic and contemporary literature, as well as transcriptions of standard, jazz and popular styles and often present new percussion performance practices in a contemporary medium through the use of electronically triggered devices and theatrical lighting and staging. This combination of elements unites aural and visual entertainment with a uniquely creative twist. Virtually any surface becomes the canvas from which performers paint aural images.

Color Guard/Winter Guard

The Color Guard performs in the fall semester with the SoundWave. During the spring semester, they perform separately in their own ensemble. Color Guard requires participation in the eurhythmics class and is audition-based each semester. All regulations and requirements of membership in the band program will otherwise apply to all members. Members are responsible for reporting to their instructor for all activities, including rehearsals, performances, and extra activities such as fundraisers. Color Guard rehearsals and contests in the spring are at the discretion and arrangement of the instructors. After-school rehearsals and performances are mandatory. Membership in the Gulf Breeze High School Color Guard requires a commitment from the students and their families. Individual and group success relies on hard work from each student at home and during rehearsal. Our goal is to help our students develop their skills as individuals and grow as a team. It is the member's responsibility to be aware of upcoming events and to plan accordingly. 

Winter Guard is an indoor Color Guard performance that is art derived from military ceremonies. Typically, Winter Guard is a competitive, performance-based activity that incorporates all of the features of Color Guard but is performed indoors on a gym floor. A soundtrack and set create a stunning audio/visual performance. Winter Guard makes up the other half of the year, with rehearsals ranging from November to April. The show will make its first debut in early February and have its last performance in April in scholastic competitions across the Southeast. Winter Guard is co-curricular! It is not required to be a part of the SoundWave Color Guard and Winter Guard seasons, but it is encouraged as you may begin to appreciate Color/Winter Guard as one of the many facets of the performing arts. Any student in the SoundWave including wind players can participate in Winter Guard. There is an additional My Fair Share cost associated with Winter Guard


Marching Band

All members of the Gulf Breeze Band are also members of The SoundWave. This group meets after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-7:15 pm during the fall semester. There are also sectional rehearsals periodically. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled as needed, with advanced notice. Performance requirements include all parades, pep rallies, football games, and marching competitions. No one is excused from participation in the marching band; all members are expected to participate in all aspects of the band program.