Forest Glen’s bands and chorus continue building a successful music program that gives hundreds of students opportunities to perform and grow
Coral Springs, Florida – Music has become a major part of life at Forest Glen Middle School, where hundreds of students are taking part in band, drum line and chorus programs that continue to grow and earn recognition.
One of those students is eighth grader Levene, who plays the baritone saxophone and recently gained valuable experience performing with musicians from across Florida. During the summer, he participated in the 2026 Seven-Star Honor Band in Orlando, where he rehearsed and performed alongside other talented young musicians.
Jennifer Perez, Forest Glen’s director of bands, said the experience has helped give students like Levene an opportunity to challenge themselves beyond their regular school program. Back at Forest Glen, Levene is now preparing for another important year. He is a member of both the newly created jazz band and the symphonic band.
“I love playing the saxophone, and I want to earn all-county and all-state honors this year,” said Levene.
His goals reflect the ambition that has helped drive Forest Glen’s music program. More than 300 students currently participate in the school’s band, drum line and chorus programs. Over the years, those groups have built a record of strong performances and high ratings.
The school’s symphonic band and concert band both earned superior ratings at last year’s Music Performance Assessment, or MPA. The jazz band also made a strong first impression, earning an excellent rating during its first year.
The results were especially strong in the solo ensemble MPA. According to Perez, 73 Forest Glen students took part, and 60 received superior ratings for their solo or group performances.
The jazz band is one of the newest additions to the program. Perez said 18 students are currently involved, with members participating in two band classes. The group gives students another way to develop their musical skills while working with a range of instruments.
“We have 18 kids in the jazz band, and they participate in two band classes. This is a new program for us, and I believe it will become bigger. The students in the jazz band can play various instruments, and they love being in the band,” said Perez.
While the bands continue to develop, Forest Glen’s chorus program has also become an important part of the school community. The chorus has participated in performances and assessments and has taken its music outside the school, including appearances at local nursing homes.
Dr. Antony Zoeller, the school’s chorus director, said Forest Glen has also hosted the all-county chorus event during the past year. The program is scheduled to remain active during the current school year, with performances planned at Allegro Parkland and HarborChase of Coral Springs.
Students will also take part in Forest Glen’s Veterans’ Day event. Zoeller, who also sponsors the school’s Student Government Association, continues to oversee the chorus as it prepares for those performances.
For all of the program’s accomplishments, however, there is uncertainty surrounding Forest Glen’s future.
The school has fewer students than some other schools in the district and is among the Broward County Public Schools campuses being considered for closure. If Forest Glen closes, many of its seventh- and eighth-grade students could become part of Coral Springs High School, while sixth-grade students could attend nearby elementary schools.
That possibility has created concern among those who see the music program as an important part of the school experience. For students who have spent years practicing together, performing in competitions and representing their school in the community, the potential closure could bring major changes.
“Many students have really benefitted from this music program, and I hope it is not closed down,” said Zoeller.
For now, Forest Glen’s musicians continue to rehearse, perform and set new goals. The growing jazz band, successful concert and symphonic bands, and active chorus are giving students opportunities to discover their talents and gain confidence on stage.
With more than 300 students involved across its music programs, Forest Glen has built something that reaches well beyond a classroom. Its students are learning music, but they are also learning discipline, teamwork and the value of performing together — achievements the school community hopes will continue for years to come.
