Call For Solo Literature
The FBA Solo & Ensemble Music Committee is now accepting submissions of solo literature for our music list.

Summer Convention
July 11-14, 2012 at the Altamonte Springs Hilton
Tentative Schedule Posted 

All-State Audition Requirements
The requirements for 2012-2013 All-State Auditions are now posted.

Adjudication Certification Workshops
Auxiliary Certification Registration Form
Marching Band Certification (for new judges in all areas of marching band)
Certification (for new judges in Concert, Jazz, & S&E)
Re-Certification (for experienced judges in all areas)

Hall of Fame 2011 - Another Great Weekend
The Florida Bandmasters Association expresses their deepest appreciation and thanks to Stetson University, Dr. Wendy Libby, President; Dr. Jean West, Dean of the School of Music; Dr. Bobby Adams, Director of the Stetson University Symphonic Band, for hosting the twenty-second annual FBA Hall of Fame activities on November 12 & 13, 2011. Your continual support and hospitality in making this annual event possible does not go unnoticed by the state-wide membership of the Florida Bandmasters Association. The historical significance of the FBA Hall of Fame and Roll of Distinction is unmatched in its scope with other music organizations from around the country. Thank you for supporting the FBA Hall of Fame and for your roll in confirming the importance of the Visual and Performing Arts in the lives of our young people.

Past Concert Programs
Programs are now available along with the ratings of past district and concert MPA's going back to 2009-2010.

Hall-of-Fame Nomination Form

Roll-of-Distinction Nomination Form

Best Practices Report
The committee's report on Best Practices for Bands is now available under the "For Directors" menu.


In Memoriam: Kenneth R. Tolbert
We are saddened to report that Kenneth R. Tolbert, 2011 FBA Hall of Fame inductee, passed away on February 29, 2012. Ken was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on May 5, 1945. He was a product of the Duval County School District and graduated from New Stanton High School in 1963. He was a student of band director Kernaa McFarlin (Hall of Fame, 1999) and served as band captain and leader of the flute and tuba sections. He was a graduate of Florida A&M University, where he was a member of The Marching “100” and Symphonic Band.

Mr. Tolbert served as band director of Keller High School in MacClenny, Douglas Anderson High School in Jacksonville, Matthew Gilbert High School in Jacksonville, William M. Raines High School in Jacksonville, Miami Central High School, Miami Norland High School, Florida Memorial University in South Florida, Dillard High School in Ft. Lauderdale, and John Fitzgerald Kennedy Middle School in Riviera Beach.

Under his leadership, the Miami Central Band earned countless Superior ratings at the District level, both in Concert and Solo & Ensemble events and Superiors at the State Concert MPA in 1978 & 1979. His Miami Central Band participated in parades, homecomings and festivities throughout Florida, including a trip to Berlin in 1983 where they were cited by the U.S. Congressional Record as Ambassadors of Goodwill for their West Berlin trip.

After his move to Miami Norland, Ken continued with his outstanding teaching and leadership, guiding the Norland Band to countless Superior ratings at District Evaluations and two State Concert Band Superiors in 1990 and 1993. The Miami Norland Band also participated in many notable parades including the King Orange Parade and a performance at the inaugural game for the Florida Marlins baseball team.

Kenneth Tolbert is survived by his wife Donna Neeley Tolbert, two children and three grandchildren. Ken made his mark on the lives of those students who were fortunate to pass through his band rooms. He considered teaching as a very rewarding experience, with good times and bad times, both resulting in success. He was proud of his students’ accomplishments with many becoming lawyers, preachers, teachers, doctors, and several other occupations. He was very proud of the 35 former students who chose to follow in his footsteps and become band directors.

Funeral:  March 9, 2012 11:00 a.m.
St. Edward's Catholic Church
19000 Pines Boulevard
Pembroke Pines, FL  33029