Band Overview
There are three bands separated by age and skill level, each conducted by Mr. Allison. The youngest of the three bands is the Cadet Band, which is split into two classes for woodwinds, brass and percussion. The Cadet Band is comprised of mostly sixth graders who participate in three school concerts. These students focus on technique development, major scale proficiency, basic theory and music history. Due to their hard work, there is high participation and interest in this class for the regional Solo and Ensemble contest.
The Concert Band is a seventh grade class. This group builds on the fundamentals taught in Cadet Band with increased attention to performance skills and proficiency on major and minor arpeggios. This group performs at four concerts a year and also has high interest at the Solo and Ensemble contest and in the school Jazz Band.
The premiere group is the Symphonic Band. Enrolling eighth graders and advanced seventh, this group focuses its energy on producing quality performances. This band performs at four school concerts, as well as Veteran's Day assemblies at several schools and a performance assessment in May. It has also been invited to perform for state conferences of the Washington Music Educators' and The Western International Band Clinic. Ensemble performance is also integrated into the curriculum, ranging from entire sections of instruments to woodwind and brass quintets. The ensembles perform at concerts as preludes, or occasionally as part of the concert itself. This band is well-renowned for its quality and has very high participation in Jazz Band and annual contests.
Concert Information for the 2007-2008 School Year
Saturday, March 15th, All Day, Solo/Ens. Festival (Selected Students) - Jefferson MS
Tuesday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., 5-8 Band Festival - OHS Gym
Wednesday, May 14th (Symphonic Band only) - Band Contest Marshall MS
(during the school day – usually about noon – parents are welcome ☺!)
Thursday, May 29th, 7:30 p.m., OHS Jazz Night (Jazz Band only) - OHS PAC
Tuesday, June 3, 6:00 PM, Band Awards and Ice Cream Social (Symphonic Band only) - LBA Park
Tuesday, June 10, 7:00 PM, 7:00 p.m., Spring Band Concert (6-8) - OHS PAC