Southwest Florida Christian Academy

 In her 16^th year as a music educator, Gail Blackburn is the Director of Bands at SFCA. She is originally from Buffalo, NY and has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Akron, Ohio.  Prior to teaching at SFCA, she taught at Highland Local Schools in Medina, Ohio and the Shatto Academy in Akron, Ohio.  Gail has also been an adjudicator for the Ohio Music Education Association Solo and Ensemble Festivals.  She is a Nationally Certified Music Educator through MENC (Music Educator’s National Conference).       

Beginning

SFCA’s instrumental music program begins in the 5^th grade, with Beginning Band Class that meets during the school day.  Students learn the basics of playing a wind or percussion instrument, how to read music and perform as a group.  The Beginning Band performs at our Annual Appeal, Christmas and Spring Concerts, Grandparent’s Day and the last Elementary Chapel of the year.

Concert

The Concert Band is for students who have completed at least one year in Beginning Band.  The focus of this group is developing technique on the instrument as well as over all musicianship.  This band performs at Annual Appeal, Christmas and Spring Concerts.  They also play at either the ACSI Band Festival or Florida Bandmasters Music Performance Assessment each year for a rating from three judges. 

Students are encouraged to participate in the Florida Bandmaster’s Solo and Ensemble Festival each year.  They are also eligible to audition for the All-State Band which performs in Tampa at the annual Music convention.

Symphonic

Symphonic Band is for High School Students and 8^th graders who have completed at least two years in Concert Band or by special audition.  Music Theory, History and more difficult repertoire is introduced with this group.  This band performs at Annual Appeal, Christmas and Spring Concerts and either the ACSI Band Festival or Florida Bandmasters Music Performance Assessment each year.  They also have performed at the Edison Holiday House, as well as Disney Magic Music Days.

Students are encouraged to participate in the Florida Bandmaster’s Solo and Ensemble Festival each year.  They are also eligible to audition for the All-State Band which performs in Tampa at the annual Music convention.