Band Program
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The Band Program at Dr. Garcia High School is a high quality musical entity that is comprised of Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Colorguard. The program aims to develop tone production, band performance techniques, musical literacy, and music appreciation. Students perform in a variety of state, national and local competitions. Performances are held during halftime shows, pep rallies, and community events.
Please see “Special Note” under each description for prerequisite information and special placement considerations.
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Band Director
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John Rodriguez
John Rodriguez is a Palm Beach County School District product graduating from Santaluces High School in 2004. John also is a graduate of the University of South Florida receiving his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance and Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 2009. John continued his studies at the University of Maryland earning a Master of Music in Jazz Performance in 2012. Mr. Rodriguez returned to South Florida and began his teaching career as an Elementary Music Teacher with Seminole Trails Elementary from 2012 - 2017. John earned the Teamwork USA Instrumental Music Grant, the Teamwork USA Elementary Scholarship Grant, the Green Schools Recognition Program and was nominated as Teacher of the Year from 2014-2017.John is finishing his sixth year as the Director of Bands at Palm Beach Gardens High School. In 2021 The Mighty Fightin' Gator Indoor Ensemble earned a Silver Medal in FFCC's Indoor Winds Category in 2021 and went undefeated in SFWGA's Indoor season. They finished 8th in the entire nation for the Indoor Winds category in their first year! The Mighty Fightin’ Gator Marching Band swept their class at the John I. Leonard Jamboree, and finished 2nd at the Jupiter Festival of Bands. The Marching Band also attended the Florida Marching Band Championships for the first time in school history earning a spot in Finals competition and coming in 4th in the state! Under the baton of Mr. Rodriguez, the wind ensemble has earned a superior rating the past two years and the Jazz Band achieved superior status last year. John has also enhanced the school’s Winterguard program, expanded from one team to two teams and earned multiple top 3 placements and a Gold Medal in 2019 in the South Florida Winterguard Association Circuit. John Rodriguez is excited to join the Dr. Joaquín Garcia High School family and continue bringing musical experiences through excellence to the community, state, and nation.
Course Descriptions
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Concert Band
Band 2 (1302310)
Band 3 (1302320)
This course extends experiences on band instruments. The content includes, but is not limited to, extending skill development in characteristic tone production, band performance techniques, musical literacy and music appreciation through performance of band literature. Students in this class need to obtain (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) an instrument or instrument supplies from an outside source. Participation in Marching Band/Rehearsals/Concerts/FBA events required. Fair Share/Fundraising required.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a performance oriented course and may require extra rehearsals and performances as announced by the teacher. Practice outside of class is expected. Private lessons encouraged.
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Wind Ensemble (Top Concert Band)
Band 4 (1302330)
Band 5 (1302340) Honors
Band 6 (1302350) Honors
This course extends experiences from Band 2-3 (Concert Band) with more advanced literature, fundamental techniques, and performance opportunities. The content includes, but is not limited to, extending skill development in characteristic tone production, band performance techniques, musical literacy and music appreciation through performance of band literature. Participation in Marching Band/Rehearsals/Concerts/FBA events expected. Students in this class need to obtain (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) an instrument or instrument supplies from an outside source. Fair Share/Fundraising required. Participation in the Marching Band is required.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a performance oriented course and may require extra rehearsals and performances as announced by the teacher. Practice outside of class is expected. Private lessons encouraged.
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Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble 1 (1302500)
Jazz Ensemble 2 (1302510)
Jazz Ensemble 3 (1302520)
Jazz Ensemble 4 (1302530) Honors
Students with experience on an instrument suited for jazz ensemble explore the fundamentals of performance practices, improvisation, and music theory through a diverse repertoire of high-quality jazz literature. Students learn the basics of foundational jazz styles, use chord symbols, develop knowledge of musical structure, and study the history of jazz and its iconic musicians. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. Students in this class need to obtain (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) an instrument or instrument supplies from an outside source. Participation in the Marching Band is required.PREREQUISITE: Director of Bands approval.
SPECIAL NOTE: This is a performance oriented course and may require extra rehearsals and performances as announced by the director. Practice outside of class is expected. Private lessons encouraged
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Colorguard
Eurhythmics 1 (1305300)
Eurhythmics 2 (1305310)
Eurhythmics 3 (1305320)
Eurhythmics 4 (1305330)
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop basic to advanced skills in creating, performing, and evaluating choreographed performances as an independent ensemble and in cooperation with the marching band. emphasis is placed on dance, equipment manipulation, precision, and the relationship between music and dance. The content should include, but not limited to, the following: safe and healthful performance practices, dance and choreographic techniques and terminology, choreographic design and equipment, props, and costumes. Marching Band/Winterguard Required. Fair Share/Fundraising required.PREREQUISITE: Director of Bands approval.
SPECIAL NOTE: This is a performance oriented course and requires extra rehearsals and performances as announced by the teacher. Rehearsal outside of class is required.
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Percussion
Instrumental Ensemble 1 (1302460)
Instrumental Ensemble 2 (1302470)
Instrumental Ensemble 3 (1302480)
Instrumental Ensemble 4 (1302490) Honors
This course extends experiences in Percussion Techniques. The content includes, but is not limited to, extending skill development in characteristic tone production, band performance techniques, musical literacy and music appreciation through performance of band literature. Participation in Marching Band/Rehearsals/Concerts/FBA events expected. Students in this class need to obtain (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) an instrument or instrument supplies from an outside source. Fair Share/Fundraising required. Participation in the Marching Band is required.SPECIAL NOTE: This is a performance oriented course and may require extra rehearsals and performances as announced by the teacher. Practice outside of class is expected. Private lessons encouraged.
