Troubadours Instrumental Ensemble

About Us

Hence our Name!
During the era of the Knights, music was performed by Minstrels, who traveled from village to village performing for the people. However, there was a technically more serious, well-educated, and highly sophisticated group of musicians that performed traveling from Castle to Castle for the Clergy and Nobility (including Knights and their Ladies) called "Troubadours"

The Troubadours are a unique Instrumental Ensemble with a combination of both Band and Orchestra instruments, made up of students from several Secondary Schools, with the majority of the students from ACND, making it the only "High School Community Ensemble" in Miami.

The Troubadours rehearse at ACND every weekday morning (as a graded school Elective), and also weekday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:00 pm to join with students (and some recent graduates) from several other area schools.

Registered morning students are encouraged to come to as many of the afternoon rehearsals as possible, but required to attend at least once a week. Exam grading is based on their performances, because it is at successful performances that they grow the most ... which is the main objective of the program.

Students from the 6-7-8 grades Middle School Brother Rice Academy all study a musical instrument. They have their own class, and as they become proficient enough on their instrument are then invited to join with the Troubadours to give them more advanced musical opportunities and training.

Performances

The Troubadours perform at many Community events, in addition to school functions, while they are focused on developing the cultural and creative growth of the students. Every year they perform Solo Recitals and Concerts at ACND. They have performed at events such as the "Art + Design Night"; patriotic events such as "Memorial Day Ceremonies"; and … because of their medieval theme … have also been invited to travel and perform at "Renaissance Festivals".

The musical "Standard of Excellence" of the Troubadours is spreading throughout the land!

If you wish more information, to book a performance, or to be involved, contact the Music Director, Mr. R. L. Johanson in the Hoffee Center Troubadours Music Room.

Practice Schedule

The Troubadours meet each morning from 7:00am until 7:45am, and also from 3:30 to 5:00pm. every school day, as a "Graded Academic Elective".

The morning practices are strongly recommended for students enrolled at ACND, and the after school rehearsals are set up to accommodate those ACND students for further study.

Being a part of the Troubadours also fulfils their Fine Arts requirement for graduation. Students do not have to have studied a musical instrument before, and some instruments are available for students to use without needing to rent or buy one.

Special tutoring will be given to students who are beginners, so they can quickly prepare for performances with our innovative and exciting Troubadours!

Troubadours Instrumental Ensemble Calendar

It is required by ACND at the High School level to participate and pass at least one full years credit in Fine Arts for their High School Graduation. ACND has established a very creditable program in Music with many students receiving recognition as some of the "best in the State" that has resulted in most Universities accepting their High School Music Credits for accep- tance and for opening doors for Music Scholarships at those Universities with a track record of several former ACND stu- dents that are now attending a university on one of those many Scholarships. Participation with the Troubadours at the High School level is an "Elective", but also a privilege and a very fun way to satisfy school credits plus many Community Service hours.