GCHS Director of Bands – Mr. Justin Goff



Justin Goff was named Director of Bands at Gulf Coast High School in 2015. Under his leadership the Gulf Coast Marching Sharks have performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, the Edison Festival of Light, and the 100th Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. Additionally, the Marching Sharks have performed in the Universal Studio’s Holiday Parade presented by Macy’s and Disney Performing Arts Parades every year.

Under Mr. Goff’s dedicated leadership, the Gulf Coast Marching Sharks have traveled to perform in 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, the 2017 Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, TX, the 2019 100th Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the 2021 Chicago Christmas Parade.   Additionally, Mr. Goff prepares the Marching Sharks to perform each year in the Universal Studios Holiday Parade Presented by Macy’s and Disney Performing Arts Parades. Annually, the group performs at the Florida Bandmaster Association’s Marching Performance Assessment and consistently receives the highest ratings.

The Wind Ensemble is the major performing ensemble at Gulf Coast High School. Consisting of 45 auditioned students, the group earns superior ratings at both the district and state level of the Florida Bandmaster’s Association Music Performance Assessments and consistently has students representing the group in Florida All-State Ensembles and Collier County Honor Ensembles. In 2020 the group was honored with acceptance into the Music for All National Concert Festival. The group has also received the Otto Kraushaar, the Florida Bandmaster Associations highest annual award, in 2017, 2019, and 2023.

The Jazz Band at Gulf Coast High School consistently earns the highest ratings at district and state assessments. They have been invited to perform twice at the University of Central Florida’s Jazz Festival. In 2022 they earned the Florida Bandmaster Association’s 5-Year Superior Award. In the Spring of 2024 the group will be traveling to perform at the Loyola Jazz Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Chamber Ensemble program is one of the largest in Florida and consistently has some of the highest participation rates in the State.  It’s core groups include a trombone choir, flute choir, saxophone choir, and saxophone quartet.  These ensembles along with other smaller groups and soloists perform locally and achieve the highest ratings at district and state assessments.  Additionally, soloists receive many scholarships through local and state competitions.

Mr. Goff is also the proud father of two children, Michael and Sophie. While not working, he enjoys playing Lego and riding as many roller coasters as possible.