Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies Band Program
The Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies Band Program provides students with outstanding opportunities to develop musical excellence, leadership, teamwork, and lifelong friendships. Students perform in a variety of ensembles throughout the year and have opportunities to participate in local, state, national, and international honor ensembles. All performing ensembles, with the exception of Beginning Band, participate in Florida Music Performance Assessments (MPAs), where students showcase their musical growth and achievement.
The Wolfson Band Program is a year-long commitment. From summer through mid-November, students participate in marching season. From mid-November through the end of the school year, students participate in concert season.
Beginning Band
Beginning Band is designed for students with little to no prior instrumental experience. Students may choose to learn a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. An instrument is required for enrollment in this course. It is recommended that students rent an instrument from a music dealer so it can be properly insured. A very limited number of school-owned instruments are available for rent for $40 per school year. Beginning Band meets only during the regular school day and has no after-school rehearsal requirements.
Concert Band
Concert Band is an intermediate ensemble for students with at least one year of playing experience. The ensemble meets during the school day and rehearses one day per week after school beginning in January. All Concert Band members are also members of the Wolfpack Marching Band.
Wind Ensemble
Wind Ensemble is the premier instrumental ensemble at Wolfson. Membership is selected through a competitive audition. This advanced ensemble meets during the school day and rehearses one day per week after school beginning in January. All Wind Ensemble members also participate in the Wolfpack Marching Band.
Jazz Band
Jazz Band is an auditioned ensemble that explores jazz styles, improvisation, and contemporary music. Rehearsals begin in mid-November and are held on Thursdays after school.
Wolfpack Marching Band
The Wolfpack Marching Band is open to students in all grade levels who perform on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. Limited exceptions may be made for string players based on ensemble needs. Students may also participate as members of the Color Guard, where they perform with flags, rifles, sabres, and batons.
The Marching Band rehearses Monday through Thursday from 3:00–5:00 p.m., performs at all home and away football games, and competes in select Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit (FFCC) marching competitions on Saturdays throughout October and November.
The annual Marching Band participation fee is $650. A 50% discount is available for siblings, varsity football players, and tuba players.
Participation in the Marching Band is required for membership in the Wolfson Band Program, with the exception of students enrolled in Beginning Band.
For complete information regarding auditions, expectations, fees, performances, and policies, please refer to the Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies Band Handbook.
Music Theory I
Music Theory I provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the language of music. Through the study of music notation, rhythm, scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, harmony, ear training, and basic composition, students develop the skills needed to analyze, perform, and create music with greater understanding. The course also explores musical form, style, and historical context while strengthening critical thinking, listening, and problem-solving abilities. Music Theory I is an excellent course for students interested in performing ensembles, composition, music technology, or pursuing collegiate studies in music.
FMEA School Enrollment Award
The Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies Music Program is proud to be recognized by the Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) with the 2023-2024 School Enrollment Award. This distinction honors schools that demonstrate exceptional student participation in music education by maintaining a strong percentage of student enrollment in music courses. The award reflects Wolfson's commitment to providing high-quality music education and fostering a culture where students are encouraged to grow through performance, leadership, and artistic excellence.
Recent Awards
FFCC Marching Band Placement Awards
Superior and Excellent ratings at District 17 Marching MPA
Superior Ensembles at District 17 Concert MPA
Excellent Ensemble at State Concert MPA
Superior Jazz Band at District 17 Jazz MPA
Superior Solos and Ensembles at District and State MPA
District 17 Honor Band Participants
Tri-State Honor Band Participants
FMEA All State Band Participants
About the Director of Bands
Cristina Ledford serves as the Director of Bands at Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies. Dedicated to fostering excellence in music education, Ms. Ledford is committed to helping every student grow as a musician, leader, and individual. Under her direction, the Wolfpack Band emphasizes musical achievement, teamwork, discipline, and school pride while providing students with meaningful performance opportunities throughout the year.
In addition to her work as an educator, Ms. Ledford is a professional piccolo player and recording artist on the Emeritus Records label. She is also the recipient of the 2026 Gladys Prior Award for Teaching Excellence, recognizing her outstanding dedication to students and music education.
Ms. Ledford strives to create a positive and inclusive environment where students are challenged to reach their full potential. Through participation in concert bands, marching band, jazz band, music theory, and honor ensembles, students develop confidence, responsibility, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Her goal is to inspire excellence both on and off the performance field while building a band program that students, families, and the Wolfson community are proud to support.
Supplies Needed
All band students need an instrument and the required accessories for that instrument. Method books will be announced in class.
Pencils
Tissues
Paper Towels
Dry Erase Markers
Hand Sanitizer
Music Theory students need pencils, a binder, dividers, and page protectors.