Encore Youth Programs: Youth Big Band
Encore! Performing Arts is excited to announce a new performance opportunity for students through Encore Youth Programs: Youth Big Band! Encore Youth Programs empowers young musicians to achieve excellence and inspire their communities through a shared love of music.
Youth Big Band Concert
May 4, 2025 | 2 p.m. | Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Get ready for a night of high-energy jazz as the talented Encore Performing Arts Youth Big Band takes the stage! This concert will showcase promising young musicians, performing a range of big band jazz styles, from classic swing to contemporary arrangements. The vibrant and dynamic energy of the performance will have you tapping your feet and feeling the rhythm as these young stars bring their passion and skill to the stage.
This performance will feature special guest artist, Alexis DeLaRosa. With every note, you’ll experience the power and excitement of live big band jazz, all while supporting the next generation of musicians. Whether you're a long-time jazz fan or new to the genre, this concert is sure to leave you inspired and uplifted.
MAKE A YOUTH BIG BAND TUITION DONATION!
The Encore Performing Arts Youth Big Band is a year-long, honor band style program designed for students grades 8-12 to receive an advanced jazz and musical experience. The Band rehearses weekly with their band leader and conductor, Dr. Michael Antmann. They will perform a winter concert in December, and a spring concert in May. Encore Youth Programs will not turn away a student’s admission into the program due to financial constraints. Donate now to help make a student’s musical opportunities come to life!
DR. MICHAEL ANTMANN - 24/25 YOUTH BIG BAND SEASON CONDUCTOR
Michael Antmann is in his 24th year as a music educator, and his ninth as band director at Freedom High School. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from Florida State University, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Central Florida. Prior to his current position, he served as the Music Resource Teacher for Orange County Public Schools, and as band director at Bridgewater Middle School in Winter Garden, Florida, and Swift Creek Middle School in Tallahassee, Florida.
Ensembles under Dr. Antmann’s direction have earned performance invitations including the University of Georgia Middle School Band Festival (2004), the CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference (2006, 2024), the UCF Music for All Regional Concert Band Festival (2019, 2022), and the Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) conference (2011, 2014, 2022). He has been awarded five Citations of Excellence from the National Band Association, the FBA “Tom Bishop Award”, the “Oliver Hobbs Award,” Teacher of the Year, and the 2010 and 2018 OCPS/Kessler Grand Bohemian Excellence in Teaching Fine Arts Awards. He was also a national semi-finalist for the 2019 and 2020 Grammy Music Educator Awards.
Dr. Antmann is an active member of both FMEA and the Florida Bandmasters Association, serving in multiple leadership roles. He is an instructor at and co-founder of the Florida Band Director Workshop in Titusville, which is an intensive and interactive workshop focused on conceptual teaching and band pedagogy. He is active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, and has presented sessions at state and national conferences.
Dr. Michael Antmann, Conductor
Encore! Performing Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For information on how to support Encore! Youth Programs, please contact EYP@encorecentral.org.