Freedom High School Jazz Ensemble 1

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

The Freedom High School Band is a comprehensive music program serving over 200 students in grades 9 through 12 in Orlando, Florida. Guided by a philosophy that prioritizes individual student musicianship and leadership development, the program offers a diverse curriculum including three concert bands, three jazz ensembles, percussion technique, chamber music, and eurhythmics, with all students participating in the Pride of the Patriots marching band during the fall. Freedom’s ensembles consistently earn consensus "Superior" ratings at all district and state Music Performance Assessments, with extensive student representation in All-County, All-State, and regional honor bands, as well as Solo and Ensemble events. The program has established a rich tradition of national performance invitations, including the Music for All National Concert Band Festival, the CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference, the FMEA President’s Concert, the UCF All-Southeastern Concert Band Festival, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, the National Cherry Blossom Parade, the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the 2026 Midwest Clinic. Supported by a dedicated parent organization and school leadership, the program cultivates artistic excellence that inspires many alumni to continue performing in collegiate ensembles and pursue careers in music education.

Freedom High School Jazz Ensemble 1

Conductor's Bio

Michael Antmann is in his 26th year as a music educator and his 11th as Director of Bands at Freedom High School in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Antmann previously served as the Music Resource Teacher for Orange County Public Schools and held director positions at Bridgewater Middle School and Swift Creek Middle School. Ensembles under his direction have consistently earned Superior ratings at Music Performance Assessments and have been featured at prestigious regional and national events, including the CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference (2006, 2024), the Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) Conference (2011, 2014, 2022), and the 2026 Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Beyond his work at Freedom High School, Dr. Antmann is an active conductor in the community, serving as the musical director for the Encore Performing Arts Youth Big Band and the Lake Community Arts Concert Band. His contributions to the field have been recognized with five National Band Association Citations of Excellence, the FBA Oliver Hobbs Award, and the FBA Tom Bishop Award. He is a two-time recipient of the OCPS/Kessler Grand Bohemian Excellence in Teaching Fine Arts Award and was named a Music Teacher of Excellence by the Country Music Association. Additionally, he was a semi-finalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award in 2019, 2020, and 2025. A committed clinician and mentor, Dr. Antmann is the co-founder of the Florida Band Director Workshop, an intensive program focused on conceptual teaching and band pedagogy. He has presented sessions at state and national conferences on topics including assessment, student engagement, and teaching fundamentals. He currently serves as President of the Florida Bandmasters Association and holds professional memberships in the FBA, FMEA, the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA), and the National Band Association (NBA). Dr. Antmann earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from Florida State University and a Doctor of Education from the University of Central Florida.

Additional Directors

Carly Davis