Music

A wide range of opportunities tailored to the individual.

Music magnet program

The VPA Music Program offers a diverse array of majors, depending on the student’s interest and aptitude. With courses in Piano, Guitar, Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Chorus, and Vocal Techniques, the VPA Music Program helps nurture well-rounded musicianship and appreciation for a variety of genres and styles of music.

Girl plays violin in orchestra
Student playing rock guitar on stage

Unlike other VPA departments that have a prescribed curriculum, VPA Music is tailored to interest, so students can enroll in more than one ensemble playing the same instrument (for example, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band for a saxophonist) or opt to minor in a second instrument (for example, a saxophonist joining Symphonic Band and a chorus). These provide excellent exposure for our students and allow them to perform in a multitude of settings for diverse audiences.

A tailor-made music program as unique as each student

Orchestra on stage with red lighting
Instructor holding up guitar at end of performance
Several students on saxaphones
Dramatically lit stage with rock band
Students on guitars
Student on percussion
Students playing cellos
Students on guitars
Two students smiling holding up drumsticks
Orchestra bowing at end of show
Students wearing formal attire in orchestra
Students on violins
Rock band with purple lights
Student solo on piano

Music Courses

Students spend three periods each day in the music program.

Along with their ensembles in Piano, Guitar, Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Chorus, or Vocal Techniques, music students are required to take an academic music course that bolsters understanding of composition and arrangement. All students take Music Theory, which enables the reading and writing of music. Students can opt to take Music Appreciation or more rigorous academic and college-credit-bearing courses, including AP Music Theory and AICE Music.

Marching band in full gold and purple garb

Extracurricular Opportunities

Aside from a broad range of classroom opportunities, the Music Department offers a number of extracurricular options for talented and passionate musicians. The Department hosts 3-4 major concerts annually. These celebrate music of all types, played on a variety of instruments. Additionally, there are several recitals and smaller concerts annually. Students also compete in the FBA Music Performance Assessments.

Our Music Department also is the foundation of our Whirlwind Brigade Marching Band, a pep band that plays at sporting events on campus and across the region.

Other opportunities include modern bands (we currently have two rock bands, Category 5 and Tempest), outreach choirs (our Jet Stream a cappella choir is featured all over town, from Sarasota community holiday events to private parties), an outreach string quartet (Legacy Strings), and more. These provide excellent exposure for our students and allow them to perform in a multitude of settings for diverse audiences.

Our Instructors

  • Alexander Zickafoose

    DEPARTMENT CO-CHAIR

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  • Sung Choe

    DEPARTMENT CO-CHAIR

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  • Thomas Koch

    GUITAR INSTRUCTOR

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  • Tim Eaton

    JAZZ BAND INSTRUCTOR

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  • Katherine Baloff

    ORCHESTRA INSTRUCTOR

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  • Brandon Pasquence

    DIRECTOR OF BANDS

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If you’d like to book one of our musical acts, please contact VPA Community Liaison Tim Eaton, at (941) 355-2967.

Learn More

We are happy to help answer questions! Interested families can contact us to register for an info session, book a tour or set up a shadow day for your student:

Mr. Justin Adler, VPA Assistant
justin.adler@sarasotacountyschools.net
(941) 355-2967, ext. 65244

Ready to Apply?

Every application requires two parts: an online application and an in-person audition.