The following courses are available for every Leadership and Music Conservatory Student. All instrumentalists must be in the award-winning Marching Band to participate in any other ensembles. The curriculum is a full year commitment.

Wind Ensemble - The symphonic wind ensemble is a concert organization, devoted to granting the composer and his audience the most faithful performances of his music. It is an ensemble, which calls upon the strictest disciplines possible. This particular ensemble has performed in the prestigious Carnegie Hall in 2000 and 2005, The San Francisco International Wind Festival in San Francisco, California in 2003, and The Bands of America National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2001.

Marching Band - This ensemble provides a “society” and “family” to which all band students can belong. It is a place where they learn values and standards, where they can learn to depend on one another in their pursuit of excellence. They learn about responsibility, doing their fair share, and sticking to a common goal. They learn to value people, respect their peers and not make judgments on the superficial. They frequently acquire a stronger base for their adult life than any other avenue open to them. This particular ensemble is the most accomplished marching band of any in the state of Florida and have been crowned the 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2005 Division AA Bands of America National Champions.

Jazz Ensemble - This ensemble performs the true American art form, Jazz. The styles of music ranges form big band, swing, bebop, funk, and rock. Students are exposed to music form 1900 to present time, and are learning basic improvisation skills. This particular ensemble has received straight superiors at every FBA Jazz District Festival since 1994.

Percussion Ensemble - The ensemble is made up of all percussionists and pianists. They perform some of the finest percussion ensemble literature written. The members of this ensemble have the opportunity to explore numerous percussive instruments and various styles and techniques. This ensemble is one of nine percussion ensembles to be selected to perform at The BOA National Concert Percussion Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana and The WGI Concert World Championships in Dayton, Ohio.

All percussionists must take Music Theory class regardless of what ensemble they will perform with, e.g. Jazz, Symphonic, Marching Band.

Music Theory - This class offers the serious music student the opportunity to learn about all aspects of Western Music, ranging from harmony, analysis, and composition. The concepts presented in this course are the inner workings of all music and serve to open up the musical intellect and aesthetic appreciation of this wonderful art form. In addition, this class is taught in a state of the art technology lab which allows for the students to work and compose with the latest cutting edge music software.

Music Theory is open to all students. If you've always wanted to learn to play an instrument, it is not too late! This course is available to students who:

• Would like to learn how to play a musical instrument;
• Would like to learn a different instrument;
• Play an instrument but would prefer not to participate in marching band;
• Who are proficient on their instrument and would like private instruction on a daily basis.
  
  Note: Music Theory class is required of all percussionists regardless of what ensemble they will perform with, e.g. Jazz, Wind Ensemble, or Marching Band.
  

Leadership Course - The Student Leadership Course focuses on the aspect of leadership dealing with:

• Attitude development Communication Skills
• Positive Role Modeling
• Personal Responsibility
• Understanding in self-motivation
• Sensitivity in working with peers
• Responsibility assessment
• Action plans to achieve group goals

Dance/Color Guard Class - This course combines dance, drama, performance, and the manipulation of flags, sabers, and rifles into one magical artistry of pageantry. This is now one of the most popular activities for girls in the high school curriculum. This outstanding performing group is an intricate part of the marching band, which performs in the fall. In the spring, in addition to various dance recitals, these girls form a group called the Winter Guard, which performs in arenas in a presentation of pageantry theater incorporating a wide range of visual performance arts. and choreography. This group is a seven-time WGI World Championship “finalist.” They are the only Pinellas county Winter Guard to be promoted to the WGI World Class division.

The Tarpon Springs Leadership and Music Conservatory Offers:

4x4 Class Scheduling: Classes are scheduled for 87 minute blocks of time. Students are scheduled for 4 classes each day with a year long course completed in a semester. Therefore, students can earn up to 8 credits each year.

A Small Learning Community brings a unique and innovative educational community of educators in math, language arts, science, music, and social studies that instruct conservatory students through their four years of school. These teachers collaborate and focus solely and the development of each conservatory student.

All Aspects of Music are Taught, including composition, improvisation, history and music theory. Panels of critics will evaluate solo and ensemble performances. In addition, these students will be using a state of the art technology lab to assist in their studies and composing efforts.

As Students Enter the Ninth Grade, they begin in the conservatory by taking a leadership course with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens as the textbook.

Students learn to pay Attention to detail, focus, manage time, express themselves, think creatively, solve problems and set personal improvement goals.

Teachers focus on raising students’ test scores including college-entry exams and the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

Interview Skills: Conservatory students are coached and taught skills for a successful interview process.

Scholarships: Students are afforded the opportunity to be selected for exclusive scholarships available only to Tarpon Springs High School students.

Master Classes are taught by professional musicians and some of which are from the Florida Orchestra and the University of South Florida that provides our students with a professional master class setting once a week. Not only do these accomplished musicians share their expertise with our music students, they also serve as a positive mentors whose success serves as a powerful role model.

Please contact us for information about becoming a Conservatory student or volunteer!