Gulf Coast High School Shark Band is one of the largest music programs located in Naples, Florida. Our superior-rated band program has performed at numerous events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City , The Fiesta Flambeau Light Parade in San Antonio Texas, Tampa Bay Buccaneers half time show, the Miami Dolphins half time show, the Edison Festival of Lights Parade, the Chicago Magnificent Mile Light Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Boston, MA.  the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Washington DC Cherry Blossom Parade, the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Disney’s Magic Kingdom Dreams Come True Parade and the Universals Studios Macy’s Christmas Parade. The Gulf Coast High School Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band has received top ratings in FBA and MPA events year after year. In 2013, 2017 & 2019, the Gulf Coast High Band won the coveted Otto Kraashaur Award. In 2020, the Wind ensemble was honored by performing at the Music for All National Concert Festival.  In 2017, 2019 & 2024 Jazz Band was invited to perform at the University of Central Florida’s Jazz Festival, and in 2024, they performed at the Loyola University Jazz Festival in New Orleans, LA, winning top awards including best soloists. 

Marching Band

The Gulf Coast High School Marching Sharks is the largest student organization on campus and the face of the Gulf Coast High School Band program to the public. Membership is open to all students with director permission and each student is enrolled in the appropriate band class.

Wind Ensemble

The Wind Ensemble is the highest level of performing concert group at Gulf Coast High School. Membership to this group is by audition only and balanced instrumentation. Students within this ensemble should be dedicated to performing at the highest level, as they will gain knowledge of and exposure to the finest band literature as well as advanced performing techniques. There will be regularly scheduled out-of-school time required for rehearsals and performances. This ensemble will perform for the FBA District and State Concert MPA. Additionally, this group regularly auditions for nationally recognized events.

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band is open to all students with director permission. This class will concentrate on developing playing skills such as tone production, rhythmic proficiency, intonation, and technical ability, as well as preparation and performance of fine concert band literature. This ensemble will perform on several concert programs and in concert festivals including for the FBA District Concert MPA. There will be out-of-school time required for rehearsals and performances.

Jazz Band

Jazz Band is open to this group is by audition only and big band balanced instrumentation. Students within this ensemble should be dedicated to performing at the highest level, as they will gain knowledge of and exposure to the finest jazz literature as well as advanced performing techniques in the jazz idiom. There will be regularly scheduled out-of-school time required for rehearsals and performances. This ensemble will perform for the FBA District and State Jazz MPA. Additionally, this group regularly auditions for nationally recognized events including the Essentially Ellington competition.

Percussion Ensemble

The percussion studio at Gulf Coast is open to all students with director permission. The group is comprised of students who participate in marching band, are assigned to concert bands, and focus on percussion ensemble literature. This class will concentrate on developing playing skills on all percussion instruments including rhythmic proficiency, technical ability, and preparation and performance of fine concert band literature and percussion ensemble literature. This ensemble will perform on several concert programs and in concert festivals including for the FBA District and State Concert MPA and the FBA District and State Solo and Ensemble MPA. There will be out-of-school time required for rehearsals and performances.

Auxiliary

The Auxiliary is the visual performance unit of the marching band, with membership determined by audition. It includes Color Guard, Dance Line, and Weapon Line. Prior formal dance training is highly recommended. Members will hone skills in flag techniques, synchronized dance for marching performances, and rifle basics. The Auxiliary performs alongside the marching band in the fall and competes as a separate unit in group and individual competitions during the spring. Instrument-playing members must also enroll in the appropriate band class. The group participates in FBA District and State Solo and Ensemble MPA. Rehearsals and performances require out-of-school time commitment.