Howard W. Blake High School

Program Description

The Howard W. Blake High School Orchestra Program provides opportunities for young musicians to experience a conservatory-style approach to learning while achieving musical and academic excellence. Under the direction of Mr. Jason Jerald, Blake's Orchestra has become known throughout the district, state and country for its outstanding musical programs. Students have the opportunity to participate in four different orchestras: String, Chamber, Philharmonic, and Symphony Orchestra. Blake's orchestras have received superior ratings at district, state and national music performance assessments. Through a strong commitment to musical endeavors that extends beyond the classroom, Blake students participate in All-National, All-State, All-County, as well as community ensembles such as the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. With a strong commitment to community service, Blake Orchestra students participate in the "Giving Bach" initiative, focusing on advocating string music eduction throughout our elementary schools and surrounding community centers, thus emphasizing their commitment to serving through the arts. In addition, Blake students are constantly exposed to professional musicians and artists from around the country to share their passions for music and the arts. The Howard W. Blake School of the Arts provides a well-rounded approach to learning that includes a rigorous academic program, offering both traditional and unique Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes. Blake Alumni attend some of the best colleges and universities in the country, including, Rice University, Duke University, Northwestern University, Florida State University, University of Florida, University of South Florida, Princeton, Harvard, Oberlin Conservatory, Purchase Conservatory, and many more!

The Blake Orchestra program is strongly supported by an incredible team of stakeholders consisting of parents, administration and staff.

Faculty

Jason Jerald, Director, Orchestra

Contact: jason.jerald@hcps.net

Jason Jerald, an Atlanta native, has taught in Hillsborough County Schools for 22 years. He currently serves as Director of Orchestral Studies at Howard W. Blake High School, Arts Magnet in Tampa, FL. Under his direction, Blake’s orchestras have consistently earned superior ratings for outstanding performances in both local and national assessments. Blake’s orchestra program is also known for its Giving Bach outreach initiative, advocating music education in elementary schools throughout Hillsborough County. Mr. Jerald is a graduate of Florida State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in music education, Cum Laude. During his studies at FSU, he served as a violist in the University Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, Opera Orchestra, and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. He received his Master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of South Florida. Mr. Jerald has served as a chairperson and guest clinician for several All-County Festivals in Florida. As an approved adjudicator, he has assisted with Music Performance Assessments and Solo & Ensemble festivals throughout Florida. Mr. Jerald served on the Florida Orchestra Association (FOA) executive board as the 11/12th All-State Chair, Ethics Chair and President of (FOA). He now serves as Adjudication Chair (FOA).  Mr. Jerald is a strong advocate for excellence in music education and performance. He is an Individual Artist Grant recipient from the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, which enabled him to participate in the 2015 International Conducting Institute for Conductors in Bacau, Romania. Mr. Jerald maintains an active performing career in surrounding ensembles throughout Tampa Bay. His most rewarding performing experiences have come from his association with Via Musica Productions. Such performances include the Tran-Siberian Orchestra, Mary J. Blige, David Foster, Kristyn Getty, Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, Ricky Scaggs, Lindsey Stirling and Evanescence. These experiences have fostered his zeal for excellence in performance.  He also conducts the Philharmonic Orchestra for the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestras, directs the Bible-Based Fellowship Church Orchestra-Carrollwood and is a Disney cast musician as a violist in the Candlelight Orchestra. Mr. Jerald enjoys his time with his wife Maya, their son Emanuel, and daughter Emery.

Audition Requirements
Use the link at the bottom of the page to access the music specific to your instrument. Once you have applied, you will receive an email with step-by-step instructions for your audition!

Students Auditioning for Orchestra must do the following:

1. Prepare the MS All-County excerpt provided in the pdf file. (Violins may choose to perform either the Violin 1 or 2 excerpt)
2. Play a two to three-octave major scale and arpeggio up to four sharps or flats.
3. Students may have to sight-read which is provided by the director.

Orchestra Audition Music