Welcome New Orchestra Students!

Rehearsals:

Each ensemble holds rehearsals after school. Prior to every rehearsal, there is a required study hall period. During this time, students are expected to focus on academic work. If academic responsibilities are complete, students should use the time to practice or prepare for rehearsal.

Rehearsals (Starting Date TBA ):

Mondays - 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Hillsborough County Public Schools Instrument/Equipment Rental: $44.00

If students play the following instruments, they are encouraged to rent from a local music store.

Please check with Mr. Harlan FIRST to make sure you are getting the right brand and equipment.

We do have a limited amount of school owned instruments available to rent. If your child is renting an instrument from Jefferson High School, they MUST fill out an instrument rental contract and pay their instrument rental fee. Summer = $25.00 | Fall & Spring Semester $43.00

Instrument Rental Payment will be paid through my payments plus (My Payments Plus), once you've paid the rental fee you will have to inform Mr. Harlan with payment confirmation so that it can be recorded in your child's Cut Time account.

Official Communications:

We utilize this website, the Band App, Cut Time, & Canvas to send out information to Students and Parents

CANVAS: Students will receive assignments/music through this online program.

BAND App: Students and Parents will receive updates and communicate with Mr. Harlan about what is going on with the JHS Program through here. Please E-mail Mr. Harlan is you do not have access.

CUT TIME:

Cut Time is used to keep track of fees, as well as payments of fees, and a secondary use for communication (SMS Text). Mr. Harlan will setup your child's account.

Dashboard · Cut Time (gocuttime.com)

EMAIL:

This is my email address if you need to reach me: sean.harlan@hcps.net

COURSE SELECTIONS (Subject to change):

2026-2027 Curriculum Guide

Orchestra I - IV

Questions often asked about being in Orchestra at JHS:

CAN I DO ORCHESTRA AND...

Our members participate in high level academics (AP/ Dual enrollment courses/etc.), JV/Varsity sports including football, flag football, tennis, soccer, baseball, basketball and more), many have jobs outside of school, and many are also part of other campus organizations such as AFJROTC, National Honor Society, Orchestra, Theater/Encore, JHS leadership, SGA and more!

PLEASE TALK TO MR. HARLAN IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS!

CAN ORCHESTRA HELP ME GET INTO COLLEGE? YES!!!!!

College admissions officers clearly state that students who participate in arts classes (such as Orchestra) have an advantage over students who do not.

Music program participation can help students “stand out” on applications.
Enrollment in music classes over multiple years is valued more by universities than extra years of a foreign language or supplemental math courses.
Being a part of orchestra over multiple years, shows colleges a student has determination, social skills to work in a group, creativity and problem solving, and extracurricular interest.

OTHER BENEFITS OF MUSIC:

Being a part of Orchestra can help ease the transition to high school by giving students a sense of belonging, confidence, and identity on day one of classes.
Students who participate in music programs on average have higher SAT scores than students who do not participate in music.
Music students have higher self-esteem and are better at coping with anxiety.
Music programs require teamwork as part of a band or orchestra. In these groups, students will learn how to work together and build camaraderie.
With encouragement from teachers and parents, students playing a musical instrument can build pride and confidence. Musical education is also likely to develop better communication skills.