***MEET THE DIRECTOR***

 

Garett Clifford currently serves as the Director of Bands at Dr. John Long Middle School in Wesley Chapel, FL.  

 

Mr. Clifford received his Bachelor’s of Science in K-12 Music Education from the University of South Florida. During his time at USF, he participated in many ensembles and represented the USF music education department at the Modern Band Summit in Fort Collins, Colorado. He additionally was a part of the USF Herd of Thunder Marching Band and Kappa Kappa National Music Fraternity where he served as the music chair and Fraternity President. 

  

Upon graduation, Mr. Clifford taught in Hillsborough County, Florida at Buchanan Middle School and performed regularly with the Carrollwood Winds. He is now happy to return back to his middle school alma mater where he plans to continue the success the band program is known for. 

 

***WHY TAKE BAND?***

 

The JLMS band program is dedicated to providing a rigorous music curriculum in a positive learning environment. In band, students learn how to read music, play an instrument, and participate in higher level thinking skills. There are many benefits to studying music in childhood:

 

 

In addition to these academic benefits, band provides a necessary support system for children. Meeting new friends, teamwork, improved sense of self worth, and social development are just a few examples. For many students, the band room is their home away from home. It is a place where they can be themselves. Students regularly find time to finish homework, organize study sessions, review music for upcoming performances, or just have time to be a kid while navigating middle school. 

 

***WHERE DO I BEGIN?***

 

Band is a year long elective you can sign up for in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. In band, we learn how to read music and play a wide variety of instruments. No previous musical experience is necessary!

We will teach you everything you need to know to be a successful and have fun making music. You will also make a lot of new friends. We help and support each other as we work towards goals both individually and as a group. When you make it into our advanced band (available to 7th & 8th grade students), you get to perform at football games, parades, pep rallies, concerts, and even DISNEY WORLD! We typically perform at a theme park every school year.

 

Already turned in your course card? NO PROBLEM!

 

All you have to do is contact our front office staff and ask to be placed in Beginning Band (Band 1 on your course card). We are always happy to have more students involved in music!

In band, we offer a wide range of instruments that you can learn how to play. If you are not sure which one you want to learn how to play, NO PROBLEM! We spend the beginning of the year demonstrating each instrument to help you make your decision. No matter which instrument you chose, we want you in BAND! Below is a list of instruments you can learn in beginning band:

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone
  • Bassoon
  • Trumpet
  • French Horn
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium 
  • Tuba
  • Percussion 

 

If you have any questions about the band program at JLMS, please feel free to contact Mr. Clifford, our band director at gcliffor@pasco.k12.fl.us