OHS Panther Bands

This page is designed for those students who are new to the OHS Band.  From rising Freshmen to transfer students to students simply new to band, we hope you find the answers to all of your questions below.

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Here is a checklist for Parents as they prepare to enroll their child in the band program at OHS.  

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The OHS Band Program has numerous ensembles; as such we hope that every student will find an option that best suits their pursuit of musical excellence.

When enrolling in band at OHS, students (with the exception of Color Guard participants) will enroll in 1 of the following 2 options:

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Fall Marching Band/Spring Concert Band 

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Spring Concert Band Only

 

As you can tell, Band is a YEARLONG commitment for those enrolled in Marching Band.  Students who are not participating in Marching Band will take ONLY spring semester concert band.  The only students who are enrolled in fall semester only are those students participating in Color Guard (non-instrumentalists).  

 

As stated, Fall semester band classes are for those students involved in our Marching Band program at OHS and will be grouped based on section (wind instruments, percussion and guard).  

 

Spring semester band placement is based on instrumentation needs between an Advanced Wind Ensemble and Intermediate Symphonic Band.  Should enrollment and instrumentation warrant, a third Concert Band will be added.  

 

Please note, in some years we offer Percussion Ensemble and/or AP Music Theory depending on enrollment and the master schedule. 

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In addition to the "daily" band offerings, students may enroll in a co-curricular jazz ensemble.  Jazz Ensemble meets 2-3 mornings per week, all school year, during "0" period before "traditional" classes begin.  This class is offered as a Pass/Fail option. Participating in Jazz Ensemble is only available to students who are enrolled in a "daily" band class.  Prior jazz experience is NOT required for these ensembles, but prior knowledge on your instrument IS required as this is not an "entry" level music class.  Students interested in jazz should indicate such on their letter of intent and contact Mr. Carter in the band office for more information. 

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For Marching Band students, the fall schedule requires a bit more time commitment than simply class time affords  Please check-out the calendar page for upcoming camps/dates.  There are summer, weekend and after-school commitments.

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The Marching Band performs at home varsity football games, select away and playoff games, 3-5 competitions per year,  and multiple local holiday/community parades. In addition, the marching band performs at local events as their schedule allows, at the local middle schools, as well at multiple concerts throughout the fall - including, but not limited to a Fall Concert, Winter Concert and PRISM Concert.

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Please note that there are required summer rehearsals for those students who participate in Marching Band.  Pay special attention to the calendar and which rehearsals are required and which are optional.  For Summer 2020, ALL activities beginning Aug 10 are required.  Summer rehearsals on the calendar prior to Aug 10 have a flexible attendance policy.  Students should attend at least two of the pre-Aug 10 dates.  Guard and Percussion students will work with Mr. Carter in May to work out which dates they plan to attend.  

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Students who are "spring only" or "non-marching" will have opportunities to stay in shape by practicing during PLUS lunch with Mr. Carter as well as a couple of clinics/rehearsals that will be scheduled for 2nd 9 weeks of the school year.  Students are still eligible (and encouraged) for Jazz Band AND All-District auditions.  Again, staying in contact with Mr. Carter and the OHS Band website is the first step towards your success 2nd semester.  

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At a minimum, Spring Bands (regardless of ensemble) will perform yearly at the State Music Performance Assessment, a spring concert,  Pre-MPA concert, in class performances, attend clinics as the schedule allows and have the opportunity for students to perform/participate in multiple local honors bands.  In addition, we perform at the OHS Graduation in June.  

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Jazz Ensemble can expect to be the most active ensemble on campus, performing anywhere from 8-10 times per year or more.  This includes local on campus concerts as well as community events, festivals, MPA and more.  

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Further, please be aware, as with any organization of our size, there are expectations outside of the classroom ranging from performances, clinics, meetings, fundraisers and more.   

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It is the belief that the OHS Band is at it's strongest, providing the most positive experience for our STUDENTS when the entire family is involved.  As such, there are numerous volunteering needs.  For more information about how you can help support the STUDENTS of the OHS Band, visit our "Volunteer" page.

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