About

Lakeland Preparatory School (originally Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) opened its doors in 2017.  During its short history, the Lakeland Preparatory School band program has continued to grow and consistently includes over 260 students.  The LPS Band has consistently received all Superior ratings at the WTSBOA Concert Performance Assessment. In 2024, the LPS Middle School Band Earned the American School Band Director Association (ASBDA) Award of Distinction, earning all superior ratings in every caption and sub-caption on every judges sheet. The LPS Band has earned the Sweepstakes Award at Music in the Parks, Pigeon Forge and first in class awards at Music in the Parks, Atlanta. The LPS Jazz Band has performed in several concerts as well, receiving all superior ratings at WTSBOA Jazz Festival. Nearly half of the LPS Band 7th-11th grade students have been accepted into All-West Bands, as well as additional ensembles. The LPS Band frequently hosts world class clinicians to work with our band and often pursues consortiums and commissions of new band pieces, including Brian Balmages' "The Crystal Fountain", Benjamin Dean Taylor's "Player One, Press Start.", Randall Standridge's "Scream" and "Stay".  In 2022, LPS opened its high school addition. With these new additions, LPS has started a Marching Band and a Color Guard. In its inaugural season featuring freshmen and eighth grade students, the marching band received a multitude of awards and has been recognized as a Tennessee Division 1 and Division 2 State finalist each year of the schools existence.

 Program Structure

The LPS Band program is led by three full-time band directors.  Beginning Band is primarily comprised of incoming sixth grade students, but is open seventh and eighth grade students.  Seventh and eighth grade band members are invited to join the Middle School Concert Band based on their demonstration of work ethic and effort during the previous year of band participation. After successful completion of the middle school band program, students move on to the high school band, where there is a concert band, percussion ensemble, and marching band.  Beginning Band, Middle School Concert Band, High school Concert Band, Marching Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Band perform several concerts throughout the year. Students also have opportunities for small chamber performances (duets, trios, etc.)

All band classes meet every school day and occasionally rehearse after school.  Jazz Band meets twice per week prior to school. Marching Band rehearses three days after school per week after school and also performs in competitions on Saturdays during the fall season. Students participate in a musical objective pass-off system in which they must demonstrate individual musical skills throughout the year. There are also after-school help sessions available for students to do individual and small group practice after school twice per week.