The Howard W. Blake High School Band Program is made up of many ensembles. Below is a description of each. If you have any questions, or would like to know more about the Blake Band Program, .

WIND ENSEMBLE

The Blake Wind Ensemble is the premier Wind Ensemble in Hillsborough County, and one of the top rated concert bands in the state and country. They are also the only Wind Ensemble in Hillsborough County to earn straight Superior ratings at FBA State Band Festival for the past two years. The Wind Ensemble also won the top position of 'Grand Champion' at the Chicago International Band & Orchestra Festival last year, has been invited to and performed at the Disney Honors Wind Ensemble Festival, participated in the San Francisco Wind Ensemble invitational, has been invited to and performed at the elite Bands of America Concert Band Festival, and has performed numerous concerts around Hillsborough County and the State.

This top rated ensemble consistently plays upper-level music in the grade 5-6 range. The class focuses on tone, air control, phrasing, dynamics, balance, blend, solo and chamber music, how to work as an ensemble and leadership.The requirements for the class are included in our band handbook. All students are expected to audition for All-State and All-County, participate in FBA Solo & Ensemble Festival, attend all rehearsals and concerts, and show an attitude of pride, dedication, leadership and humility during and at all band functions.

Students in the Wind Ensemble are encouraged to take private lessons. Please see Mr. Dupuis for a list of private teachers suitable for you.

SYMPHONIC BAND

The Symphonic Band is one of the finest high school bands in the state, and the only Symphonic Band in Hillsborough County to attend the FBA State Band Festival for the past 8 years, earning both excellent and straight superior ratings. This top rated ensemble consistently plays upper-level music in the grade 3-5 range. The class focuses on tone, air control, phrasing, dynamics, balance, blend, solo and chamber music, how to work as an ensemble and leadership.

The requirements for the class are included in our band handbook. All students are expected to audition for All-State and All-County, participate in FBA Solo & Ensemble Festival, attend all rehearsals and concerts, and show an attitude of pride, dedication, leadership and humility during and at all band functions.

Students in the Symphonic Band are encouraged to take private lessons. Please see Mr. Dupuis for a list of private teachers suitable for you.

MARCHING YELLOW JACKETS

The Marching Yellow Jackets Band is the “Heartbeat of Blake High School”. Known for its high stepping marching style and flashy horn movements, the band is in constant demand for performances at community and civic events in addition to performances at contests, festivals and football games. The band performs a wide variety of musical styles and always delivers an outstanding performance to any audience. The Blake Marching Band has received Superior ratings at Florida Bandmasters Association evaluation festivals since the school opened in 1997. Membership in the band is open to both Music and non-Music Majors at Blake High School.

The Blake Marching Band served as host band for the Annual Martin Luther King Day Parade held in Tampa, Florida for many years, and performs annually at the Ye Mystic Krewe Gasparilla Parade in Tampa, Florida. The Blake Marching Band receives many invitations to perform in and out of the State of Florida.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE & JAZZ COMBO

The Blake Jazz Ensemble is the top of two performing jazz ensembles at Blake High School. When the school opened in 1997 jazz band was an extra curricular activity, with students meeting after school one day per week. Jazz ensemble is currently in the daily curriculum, with beginning and advanced levels of instruction offered.

The Blake Jazz Ensemble performs many concerts and special events within the community, as well as District, State and National Festivals at which the band consistently receives “Superior” ratings. Jazz Bands at Blake High School have represented the State of Florida nationally through performances in New York City, and San Francisco, California. Blake jazz bands also represented the State of Florida internationally through an eleven-day tour of Japan, sponsored by the Florida Department of State.

The Blake Jazz Combo consists of the rhythm section and soloists from the full jazz ensemble. The combo offers students an opportunity to further develop their improvisation and leadership skills, as the combo often functions with student leadership. This group is in great demand for performances at high profile civic events attended by the Mayor of Tampa, School Board Members and Elected Officers of the State of Florida. The Blake Jazz Combo had the honor of performing for President George W. Bush during his visit to Tampa in 2005.

STING DANCE TEAM

The Sting Dance Team is the auxiliary unit for the marching band. This exciting dance group has received numerous awards, and consistently receives Superior ratings at District and State FBA Solo and Ensemble Festivals in addition to District Marching Festival. Membership in the Sting Dance Team is by audition only, and consists of Dance and non-Dance Majors at Blake High School. The dance team is also active in the community, providing many service functions in addition to their rigorous dance schedule and activities. The Sting Dance Team is recognized for their stunning costumes and dazzling splits and high kick lines!

You can also check out their website for more information.