• Abess Park has its very own concert band. The elementary concert band is mainly comprised of students in the 4th and 5th grade, but 3rd grade students are welcome to join. These students will learn basic music skills as well as to play wind, brass, and percussion instruments. The dedicated members of the Abess Park Band normally rehearse two days a week before school, but practice will begin with individual instrument days. Flutes meet on Tuesday, trumpets and trombones meet on Thursday, saxophones and clarinets meet on Friday…all meeting times are in the morning at 8:25 am. This is an introductory ensemble, so there are no auditions, but students who have never played an instrument will have a brief period of instrument try-outs. In addition, members are required to demonstrate solid academic performance and are held to stringent conduct requirements. Band at Abess Park is a place for students to find creativity and talent, as well as build confidence and discipline. It’s a highly intellectual place where they begin to express themselves using the universal language of music. For questions and information on how to join, please email Mr. Threadcraft at threadcraftm@duvalschools.org.