Q. When/where are rehearsals?

A. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings at the Gulfport Senior Center at 5501 27th Ave S. in Gulfport.  The Jazz Band rehearses first from 4:00 to 5:45.  Then the Concert Band rehearses from 6:00 to 8:00 and includes a brief snack break.

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Q. What's your rehearsal and concert schedule?  

A. We have 3 "seasons":  Fall, Winter and Spring. 

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Our concerts are typically on Sundays at 3 pm.  The exceptions are Christmas concerts which are normally on Sundays at 7 pm which allows for enjoying the Christmas lights!

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Fall season begins in early September for 14 weeks.  At the halfway point, usually the first Sunday of November we do an outdoor "combo concert" with Concert and Jazz bands.  Our Volunteer Band (aka "V Band") performs outdoors for Veterans Day.  There are two Christmas concerts at the season's end in early/mid December for the Concert Band, usually on Sundays at 7 pm.

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Winter season begins in early January, also for 14 weeks  At the halfway point in early March we do an outdoor combo concert.  There are two Spring Concerts at the season's end (early to mid-April) for the Concert Band.

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Spring season begins around mid-late April for 10-11 weeks and has only one concert, usually the last Sunday of June at 3 pm for the Concert Band.  Our V-Band performs outdoors for Flag Day.

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There are 3 ensembles: 1) Concert Band, 2) Jazz Band, 3) Flute Choir.  Each with their own director and all ensembles start/end their seasons as described above.  Each ensemble creates its own concert schedule.  The schedule above is for Concert Band (and includes the Jazz Band for "combo concerts").

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See our calendar for further details.  

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Q. Are you off for the rest of the summer then?

A. Yes, but we may offer a "Workshop" for the first 4 weeks in August which covers more in-depth skill building.  It may include a jump start on more difficult pieces for the Fall season.

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Q. Where do the bands perform?

A. Concert and Jazz Bands perform in Gulfport in the Casino (when open), the Hickman Theater, the Pavilion at Clymer Park and at the Town Shores Auditorium (which is private).  The Jazz Band and Flute Choir do concerts at various locations around the Pinellas area.  We also have a V-Band is comprised of volunteers from the Concert Band which are able to attend Gulfport's patriotic Flag Day and Veterans Day events.  ​​

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Q. Does it cost to be a member?

A. Yes, it's usually between $30 - $40 per season each for the Concert and Jazz Bands.  This goes towards the purchase of music and other band expenses.  It's also a charitable contribution.

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​Q. Do I have to buy a uniform?

A. No but we usually have color requirements such as "White shirt, black pants/skirt" for an indoor concert; "Red (preferred) or green shirt, black pants/skirt and festive accents" for Christmas; Hawaiian shirts or "jewel tone" solid color shirts for outdoor concerts.

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Q. How good do I have to be?

A. If you can be in The Florida Orchestra - we welcome you with open arms!  ;-)

Otherwise, you need to be able to read music while playing your instrument.  If you haven't played for some time, this can be an opportunity to "shake off the rust" and you might surprise yourself!

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Q. Is the music boring?

A. We like to perform a variety of styles for each concert - usually music people have heard of and enjoy.  We may include something "American", a ballad, something Latin, a popular or Broadway medley, a rock or jazz song, something classical, a march.  And we may also do songs you may not have heard -- which helps improve your skills!

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Q. Do I have to attend every rehearsal?

A. No, but you're encouraged to attend as many rehearsals as possible during the season.

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Q. How hard is the music?  Do I have to audition?

A. We don't require auditions but you should feel comfortable playing music that is rated grade 3/"medium" difficulty with practice at home.  Our music selections usually range from a grade 1.5 to grade 3 and sometimes grade 4.  In other words, "easy", "medium easy", "medium" and sometimes "medium advanced". 

Below is the full Music Grade Breakdown:

• Grade 1 (Very Easy/Beginner): Designed for 1st-2nd year players. Features limited ranges (often 1 octave), simple key signatures, and basic rhythms like quarter, half, and whole notes.

• Grade 2 (Easy/Elementary): Suitable for 2nd-3rd year players. Introduces more independent parts, faster rhythms (eighth notes, simple syncopation), and a wider range of keys.

• Grade 3 (Medium/Intermediate): Geared toward 3rd-4th year players. Includes more complex rhythms (sixteenth notes, syncopation), chromatic accidentals, and wider instrument ranges.

• Grade 4 (Medium Advanced): Standard high school level. Requires solid technique, full instrument ranges, advanced keys, and the ability to handle independent, exposed parts.

• Grade 5 (Advanced): Suitable for collegiate or highly skilled performers. Demands extensive technical proficiency, high-level musicality, and mastery of difficult rhythms and keys.

• Grade 6 (Virtuosic): Professional or advanced collegiate level. Features intense technical demands, complex structures, and specialized techniques.

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Q. Can I sit in a rehearsal to see if it's right for me?

A. Absolutely!  There are plenty of chairs, so come down to a rehearsal and see how we operate.  Maybe you'll think it's right for you and want to join!

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Q. Sounds great!  What do I have to do to join?

A. Go to to our "Join Us" page or click here.  You'll enter your name, instrument, etc.  You'll receive a welcome letter with instructions on how to download/print the music for the season, pay season dues, etc.  For rehearsal, you'll bring your music, instrument and a music stand and start having fun playing music with a great bunch of people!