WEKIVA HIGH SCHOOL BAND
Listed below are some areas to explore while learning about the Wekiva High School Marching Mustangs.
Joshua Grossnicklaus,
Director of Bands
Director of Bands
Mr. Joshua Grossnicklaus has served as Director of Bands at Wekiva High School since 2017. His responsibilities include conducting and teaching all band classes including jazz ensemble, percussion ensemble, and the Marching Mustangs marching band. Under his direction, the band program has earned Superior ratings at FBA Marching and Concert events, as well as earning back-to-back Class Champions at the Central Florida Marching Arts Invitational with the Marching Mustangs. Prior to serving Wekiva High School, he served as the Director of Bands at Lemon Bay High School in Englewood, Florida where the band regularly earned FBA Superior ratings in all elements. In 2017, the Lemon Bay High School Band represented Florida in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Grossnicklaus received his Associate of Arts degree from Indian River State College in 2002, and was awarded a Bachelors of Music Education degree from Stetson University in 2007, graduating magna cum laude. He holds honorary memberships in Phi Theta Kappa (National State College Honor Society), Pi Kappa Lambda (National Music Honors Society), and professional memberships with the Florida Bandmasters Association and National Association for Music Education (NAfME). He is also a proud member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Men’s Music Fraternity, having served as Xi Nu Chapter President while attending Stetson University.
Mr. Grossnicklaus is a true native Floridian, having grown up in Stuart, Florida. Mr. Grossnicklaus is married to his lovely wife Trista, with whom they have one son, Ethan, and four cats. Though he has interests that would be best described as eclectic, his top interests outside of music and family include Star Trek, strategy games, logic puzzles, and he is a life-long fan of the 2019 Stanley Cup Champions, the St. Louis Blues.
Mr. Grossnicklaus received his Associate of Arts degree from Indian River State College in 2002, and was awarded a Bachelors of Music Education degree from Stetson University in 2007, graduating magna cum laude. He holds honorary memberships in Phi Theta Kappa (National State College Honor Society), Pi Kappa Lambda (National Music Honors Society), and professional memberships with the Florida Bandmasters Association and National Association for Music Education (NAfME). He is also a proud member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Men’s Music Fraternity, having served as Xi Nu Chapter President while attending Stetson University.
Mr. Grossnicklaus is a true native Floridian, having grown up in Stuart, Florida. Mr. Grossnicklaus is married to his lovely wife Trista, with whom they have one son, Ethan, and four cats. Though he has interests that would be best described as eclectic, his top interests outside of music and family include Star Trek, strategy games, logic puzzles, and he is a life-long fan of the 2019 Stanley Cup Champions, the St. Louis Blues.
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Michael McKee,
Colorguard Coordinator |
Frank Taylor,
Coordinator |
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Mr. McKee has been involved in the Colorguard world since 1986 when he put away his clarinet for a flag and rifle in his college band. Over the years, he has taught several High School teams in PA and FL. Mr. McKee's performance accolades include:
So you can see.... he is still performing and encourages his students to continue as well. Mr. McKee has been a Music Educator since 1997. Most of those years were Middle School chorus and guitar. He is starting his 6th year at Wekiva High School as the Piano teacher. |
Frank is also an International Recording Conductor who has worked with notable names spanning multiple genres in the music industry. With over 150+ recordings to his credit, his works can be heard in film, television and publishing recordings throughout the world. He is in demand as a guest conductor with professional ensembles, colleges, high and middle schools, as well as honor groups across the globe.
Frank Taylor is co-owner and Vice President of Inferno Music Group and IMG Records. As a trumpet artist, he has performed with Ray Charles, Philip Smith (Former Principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic), the Dallas Brass, the Chicago Lyric Brass and has been a participant in master classes by Bud Herseth and Vincent Cichowicz of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Marie Speziale of the Cincinnati Symphony. He has also performed with the Jacksonville Symphony, Brevard Symphony, Space Coast Symphony Wind Ensemble and the Central Florida Community Arts Symphony Orchestra. Frank is a CarolBrass Artist. Frank is also the Founder and Executive Director of Music To My Mind. Music To My Mind is a 501(c)(3) charity based in Florida. The work of this not for profit charity is to preserve the wind band and its subcomponents as well as provide outreach in music, music education and connecting people within the music industry. The other part of the charity’s mission is providing resources and experiences for students and teachers in the general education field. |
ABOUT OUR BAND
Wekiva High's band program was started 15 years ago when the high school was opened ...
MARCHING BAND
Marching Band is comprised of Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Beginning Band and Colorguard. Marching season starts at the end of July in Band Camp and extends until the Apopka Christmas Parade in mid-December.
SYMPHONIC BANDS
Wind Ensemble |
Concert Band
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.Wind Ensemble is the premier band at Wekiva High School and is comprised primarily of Junior and Seniors. Wind Ensemble students are the top musicians in their sections and have probably been playing their instruments since at least middle school. Some students from this group go on to All County and State Bands.
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Concert Band is the intermediate band at Wekiva High School and is comprised mostly of Freshmen and Sophomores. Concert Band students probably started playing their instrument in Middle School (some may be beginners) and are continuing on in their musical development. A few students from this group go on to All County and State Bands.
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JAZZ BAND
Jazz Band students comprise students from freshman through senior year. Many are also in Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. Students are taught to improvise and explore the jazz genre.
