Instrumental Bands & Ensembles

The Jensen Beach High School Band, consisting of brass, woodwinds, percussion, and color guard, is one of the largest organizations on the Jensen Beach High School campus. Our band ‘family’ is comprised of student athletes, Honor Society members, JROTC members, Peer Mentors, AP Scholars, student government officers, and members of numerous other organizations on campus.

When you become a part of our ‘family’, you become a member of a very special organization that derives its strength from its diverse and active membership. The JBHS Band Program has consistently received the highest ratings at district, state, and national music performances. Our students are consistently selected to perform in All-State Ensembles and Honor Band Festivals throughout the state.

  • We have received a Silver Award for our Holiday Charity Concert by the Music for All Advocacy in Action Community Service Project awards committee.

  • We have been recognized as a semi-finalist in the Grammy Foundation’s Signature Schools Program.

  • We sponsor a scholarship program that provides four (4) scholarships annually to our graduating senior band members.

  • We have hosted workshops with Grammy-winning jazz flautist Nestor Torres, the Juilliard Jazz Ensemble, Brian Neal of the Dallas Brass, and the Ron Seggi Big Band Orchestra.

  • We have commissioned original music compositions by composers John Mackey, Alex Shapiro, Katahj Copley, and Andrew Boss.

  • We have represented JBHS and Martin County in performances as we have travelled to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York City, Orlando, Savannah, Tampa, and Washington D.C.!

JBHS Band

Mission Statement

The mission of the JBHS Band Family is to instill PRIDE and develop not only the group,  but also the individual, through rewarding experiences.

DISCIPLINE

INTEGRITY

RESULTS

Course Offerings

Beginning Band - class meets during the regular school day and is comprised of brass and woodwind students; no previous playing experience is required; requires a full-year commitment. (This ensemble is for current students who wish to learn a NEW instrument and new students who have no previous experience).

Concert Band - class meets during the regular school day and is comprised of wind and percussion students; requires previous playing experience and a full-year commitment.

Symphonic Band - class meets during the regular school day and is comprised of wind and percussion students; membership available by audition only; requires previous playing experience and a full-year commitment.

Dance Tech (Color Guard) - class meets during the regular school day and requires a full-year commitment.

Marching Band – co-curricular fall ensemble that combines Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Color Guard; it is the policy of the JBHS Band that participation in Marching Band is required of all students enrolled in concert band and symphonic band; requires previous playing experience and a full-year commitment.

Jazz Band - JB2 is a scheduled class that meets daily before school; membership available by audition only; requires previous playing experience and a full-year commitment.

Instrumental Techniques Class – class meets during the regular school day and is comprised of brass, woodwind, and percussion members; requires previous playing experience and a full-year commitment.

AP Music Theory - class meets during the regular school day; an advanced approach to understanding and analyzing all aspects of music.

Benefits of Band

In addition to the many educational and cultural benefits, students grow both socially and emotionally through music.

As a student entering a large school and facing new situations, you will be glad to have a place where you know you belong.

It is comforting to have a large ‘family’ with whom you share many positive experiences.

Grow through music, and develop:

  • A mindset that EXCELLENCE is earned through FOCUS, REPETITION, and PERSEVERANCE.

  • An understanding of QUALITY, as well as the rewards of QUANTITY.

  • COLLABORATION and TRUST, based on RESPECT, in a structured, supportive environment.

  • The power of TEAMWORK, where every individual’s contribution matters.

  • CONFIDENCE, EMOTIONAL BALANCE, and BELONGING through shared goals and achievement.

Music is an adventure that every student should experience! Imagine being part of something where you get to create, express, and be yourself. Being part of band is your chance to dive into a world of fun, creativity, and endless possibilities!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do sports AND band?

 YES! Of course you can!  But . . . it requires that you plan and communicate properly. The JBHS Band has members that also participate in: baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross country, diving, flag football, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, weightlifting, and wrestling.

Will I have time to study for my other classes? 

With over 100 members, including Honors and AP students, band members prove that time is available. Students learn to manage their time properly! We also have many students who are ‘experts’ in your classes and willing to help tutor you.

Is band expensive?

 Every effort is made to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. There are NUMEROUS fundraising opportunities to offset expenses throughout the year, including events that help pay for your annual Spring Trip!

Do I have to get a physical?

 Yes - this is a district requirement for all high school band members. More importantly, marching band is a physically demanding activity and a physical will identify any potential medical concerns in advance and ensures that students can participate safely. The health and safety of every student is always our top priority.

With so many required classes, how will I be able to fit band into my schedule?

 Even if you took TWO periods of band each year for your entire high school career, you would still have 20 periods remaining for your other core requirements and electives!

What other academic benefits will I get from band?

Participation in marching band fulfills the Fine Arts credit required for graduation and also earns you a P.E. waiver! Many students choose to take the personal fitness course and other classes online or at IRSC. Starting in 2025, band members are eligible for the Florida Seal of Fine Arts designation on their high school diploma!

What will I get out of band? 

EVERYTHING! It will make your high school career . . . you don’t want to miss out!

Director of Music

Tom Dougherty, Director of Bands

Contact information:

DougheT@martinschools.org

772-232-3500 Ext. 37219

Thomas Dougherty has been the Director of Bands at Jensen Beach High School since 2007. Under his direction, the program has grown in size and consistently earned the highest ratings at local, state, and national festivals. The JBHS Band Program has travelled to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York City, Orlando, Savannah, Tampa, and Washington D.C. under his direction.

At Jensen Beach High School, Mr. Dougherty directs the Marching Band, Beginning Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Pep Band, Jazz Ensemble (JB2), chamber music ensembles, and AP Music Theory.

Prior to his appointment at Jensen Beach High School, Mr. Dougherty coordinated the instrumental music curriculum at Alfred I. DuPont Middle School in Jacksonville, FL.

Mr. Dougherty received his undergraduate degree in Music Education (BME) from the Florida State University College of Music, magna cum laude. While at FSU, he was a member of the Campus Band, Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Marching Chiefs, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Mr. Dougherty received his graduate degree in Music Education (MS) from Florida International University.  The title of his capstone project was, "Factors that Contribute to K-12 Music Teacher Retention and Job Satisfaction in the State of Florida".

Mr. Dougherty was honored to have been selected as the 2010 Martin County School District Teacher of the Year. He currently holds professional memberships in the FMEA , FBA, Phi Beta Mu, NAfME, and the FEA.

Mr. Dougherty has served the Florida Bandmasters Association as a District Secretary (2012 - 2014) and District Chairman (2015 - 2018). He has also served the FBA as member of the Mentor Committee (2019 - 2024) and Sight-Reading Committee (2021 - 2024). Currently, Mr. Dougherty serves the state of Florida as the Sight-Reading Committee Chairman.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities at Jensen Beach High School, Mr. Dougherty is an adjunct professor at Indian River State College where he teaches courses in Music Appreciation, Music Theory 1, Music Theory 2, and Sight-Singing. 

Mr. Dougherty is a sought-after adjudicator and clinician, presenting Leadership Workshops at several schools along the Treasure Coast. He is currently the coordinator of the leadership curriculum for the Penny’s Marching Arts Training Camps held at Eckerd College in the summer. Mr. Dougherty presented a clinic on student leadership at the FMEA All-State Professional Development Conference in 2016 and has served as a conductor for the Indian River State College Honors Jazz Ensemble (2011), Florida State University Summer Music Camp Osceola Band (2015), St. Lucie County MIOS Honor Band (2018), Big Bend High School Honor Band (2019), Polk County High School Honor Band (2020), Palm Beach County 9/10 Honor Band (2023), and Indian River State College Aaron Copland Band (2024).

Mr. Dougherty proudly serves as the Associate Festival Coordinator for the Treasure Coast Honor Band and Orchestra Festival, maintains a private trumpet studio in Jensen Beach, and is proud to be one of the founding members of the Treasure Coast Summer Band Camp.  

 

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