Freedom High School Jazz Ensemble 1

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

The Freedom High School Band is a comprehensive music program which includes over 200 students in grades 9 through 12. Course offerings include three concerts bands, three jazz bands, percussion, chamber ensembles, and eurhythmics (Color Guard). During the fall, all students are a part of the marching band, the Pride of the Patriots. The bands at Freedom consistently earn “Superior” ratings at all district and state music performances assessments (MPA) and has a high level of participation in Solo and Ensemble events as well as representation in all-county, all-state, and other honor bands. Freedom bands perform actively throughout the community and have earned performance invitations including: Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, National Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D.C., UCF All-Southeastern Concert Band Festival, Music for All National Concert Band Festival, Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 2022 Florida Music Education Association President’s Concert, and the 2024 CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference. The band program benefits from outstanding parent and administrative support. Emphasis is placed on the individual student musician, with the understanding that every student is important.

Freedom High School Jazz Ensemble 1

Conductor's Bio

Michael Antmann is in his 25th year as a music educator and his tenth 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. Under his direction, ensembles 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, multiple Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) conferences, 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 Symphonic Band. His contributions to the field have been recognized with two 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 CMA Music Teacher of Excellence by the Country Music Association. Additionally, he was a national semi-finalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award in 2019 and 2020. 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