About Our Band Program

The Howard Bishop Band Program has a long-standing tradition of Musical Excellence and is home to the most "state of the art" musical facilities out of all the Alachua County Public Schools.  Participation in the Bishop Band Program is available to ALL STUDENTS enrolled at HBMS.  No prior experience with music is required.  The only requirements are a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and the willingness to HAVE FUN!

The Howard Bishop Middle School Band Program consists of 2 Beginning Band classes, 1 Advanced Beginning Band class, 1 Concert Band class (intermediate level group), 1 Symphonic Winds class (advanced level group) and a newly formed Jazz Ensemble that meets outside of school hours.  In addition, supplemental instruction is provided weekly (during the assigned band class) by master musicians on each of the wind band instruments.  No other middle school band programs in the District offer this at the level that we do.

Students in the Bishop Band program participate in Music Performance Assessments hosted by the Florida Bandmasters Association and sponsored by the Florida School Music Association yearly.  They consistently receive the highest ratings possible.  Members of the Bishop Band have a large presence in the Alachua County Middle School Honor Band each year.