Forest High School Band Program
SINCE 1922
David Jones was raised in Ocala and graduated from Vanguard High School. He attended the University of Central Florida, majoring in Music, Education, and Mass Communications. He first taught at Eastside High School in Gainesville from 2007-2009 and then at Wildwood Middle High School from 2009-2012.
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Mr. Jones took over the band program at Forest HS in 2012. During his tenure, enrollment increased from 11 members up to 70+ members. He reintroduced components such as the flag corps (Emerald WAVE) and the Jazz Band after an absence of both ensembles for several years. Under his direction, the marching band has consistently received superior ratings at MPA since 2011 and finished in the top three at various marching competitions, including a 1st place win at the 2019 Ocala Marching Festival at West Port High School. The concert band has received all Superior ratings since 2016, attending the State MPA for the first time since 1999. The jazz program has also received multiple superior ratings during his tenure, including 2 State MPA Superiors as well as superior ratings at the Lakeside Jazz Festival and the Golden Triangle Jazz Festival. Together with Lake Weir High School, they perform annually in downtown Ocala, an event that has become known as "Jazz on the Square". The flag corps, known as the Emerald WAVE, has been competitive in FFCC since 2015 and has consistently placed in the top five since 2016. In 2019, the Emerald WAVE won 1st place at the FFCC State Championship. In 2014, FHS had the opportunity to host a concert and perform with the Dallas Brass.
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Mr. Jones places a strong emphasis on small ensemble performance and each year has between 1-3 small groups that are able to go out and represent the program and the school when the larger ensembles may not be feasible or able to perform. Consistent groups that have represented the program have been the Saxophone Ensemble, known as CATaclysm Saxes, as well as the Percussion ensemble/drumline, Jazz Combo, and Brass Ensemble. The Forest HS band program participates in rough 50-75 performances a year across the entire spectrum of the program, both in school as a part of the curriculum and out in the community.
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Mr. Jones has served the FBA district as a District Officer multiple times over the years. He currently serves as co-chairman of the mentoring committee and District Treasurer. In 2017 he was invited to speak on behalf of the legacy of Mrs. Browne' Greaton Cole at her induction ceremony into the FBA Hall of Fame. In 2019 he was the recipient of FBA's Tom Bishop Award and has been twice nominated as an FBA Emerging Leader.
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