The Freedom High School Band
The Freedom High School Band is a comprehensive music program serving over 200 students in grades 9 through 12 in Orlando, Florida. The program offers a diverse curriculum that includes three concert bands, three jazz bands, percussion technique, chamber ensembles, and eurhythmics (Color Guard). During the fall semester, all students participate in the program’s marching ensemble, the Pride of the Patriots.
Guided by a philosophy that prioritizes individual student musicianship and student leadership, the program fosters an environment where every member develops as an artist and a leader. As a result of this strong foundation, Freedom Band alumni frequently continue performing in collegiate ensembles across the country, with many pursuing degree programs and careers in music education.
The ensembles at Freedom consistently earn consensus "Superior" ratings at all district and state Music Performance Assessments (MPA). Students maintain a exceptionally high level of participation in Solo and Ensemble events, alongside strong representation in All-County, All-State, and regional honor bands. Beyond the classroom, the Freedom Band maintains an active presence in the local community and has earned distinguished national performance invitations, including:
Guided by a philosophy that prioritizes individual student musicianship and student leadership, the program fosters an environment where every member develops as an artist and a leader. As a result of this strong foundation, Freedom Band alumni frequently continue performing in collegiate ensembles across the country, with many pursuing degree programs and careers in music education.
The ensembles at Freedom consistently earn consensus "Superior" ratings at all district and state Music Performance Assessments (MPA). Students maintain a exceptionally high level of participation in Solo and Ensemble events, alongside strong representation in All-County, All-State, and regional honor bands. Beyond the classroom, the Freedom Band maintains an active presence in the local community and has earned distinguished national performance invitations, including:
- National Cherry Blossom Parade (Washington, D.C.)
- Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- UCF All-Southeastern Concert Band Festival
- Music for All National Concert Band Festival
- Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) President’s Concert (2022)
- CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference (2024)
- The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference (2026)
Directors
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
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
Carly Davis will be joining the faculty at Freedom High School as the Associate Band Director. She previously served as the Director of Bands at Celebration High School and completed her teaching internship at Freedom High School. A graduate of Florida State University, Ms. Davis held several leadership roles with the Marching Chiefs, including assistant drum major, marching coordinator, and clarinet section leader. As a clarinetist, she performed with FSU’s Wind Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band. Ms. Davis is a member of the Florida Bandmasters Association, the Florida Music Education Association, and the National Association of Music Education.