Concert Bands & Jazz Ensembles
Concert Band (2 options):
Symphonic Band, Honors Wind Ensemble (both combine to form the OHHS Marching Band)
"Symphonic Band" is the standard concert band for incoming freshmen. "Honors Wind Ensemble" is our top concert band and an option for exceptionally talented incoming freshmen, in which case an audition must be setup with Mr. Sweatman if the student is first recommended by their middle school director.
Students in both concert bands are required to be in Marching Band, a highly unique and exciting experience. The marching band has a required, multi-week summer camp.
Involved in a fall activity that conflicts with marching band but still want to be in band? Email Mr. Sweatman to complete the the "Marching Exemption" application.
All freshmen are required to be in Marching Band in order to participate in the Ambassador Jazz Band or Jazz Lab Band (unless you qualify for the marching exemption, in which case, you must also be in a concert band). Marching band is a requirement for all students (any grade) who are in Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble (unless you qualify for the marching exemption).
Jazz Band (2 options):
Jazz Lab Band, Honors Ambassador Jazz Band
"Jazz Lab Band" is our entry-level jazz band and an outlet for non-standard big band instrumentation (flute, clarinet, horn, baritone, tuba) to explore the basics of jazz and improvisation. There is no audition required for Jazz Lab Band except for rhythm section players (drumset, guitar, bass). "Honors Ambassador Jazz Band" is the top jazz band at OHHS with standard big band instrumentation (sax, trombone, trumpet, drumset, guitar, bass, piano) only. Auditions are required for AJB.
Again, freshmen are required to be in one of the two concert bands in order to participate in a jazz band. For most freshmen that would typically be Symphonic Band and Jazz Lab Band. Beginning sophomore year, students may choose to only participate in a jazz band and no concert band (unless wanting to march).
Did you know?
Oak Hills students can fulfill their PE credit requirement by participating in two seasons of any school-sponsored sport or team, which includes interscholastic athletics, AE Marching Band/Color Guard, cheerleading, and JROTC.
Marching Band Helpful Things to Know!
1) Most students are hesitant about marching band, but 99% return the following year because of the experience. We're a family unlike any other, and it's something you have to be a part of to understand. Give it a try once, and then you'll know. If it turns out not being what you hoped, you'll have plenty of time to do other things!
2) Marching season ends the first week of November. That leaves essentially seven more months of school with no marching band.
3) Marching band camp allows you to meet students from all grade levels, familiarize yourself with how OHHS is laid out, and make a handful of new friends, all prior to school starting. Band camp is a nice "break the ice/stress reliever" for new students, because you get your foot in the door before non-band freshmen.
4) We have a lot of students involved in marching band (140+), and we're highly respected in the community. We're a great team that you'll be excited and proud to be a part of.
5) Still not convinced? Check out these two great articles:
Marching Band Rehearsals:
The OHHS Marching Band rehearses weekly through the first week of November, typically on Mondays and Wednesdays 4 - 7:30pm, and Fridays 3:30 - 6:30pm when the football team has away games.
"GP" Marching Band members rehearse on the Wednesday of home game weeks only, 6:30-7:00pm.
Additional Marching Band Info may be found on the "Marching Bands" page under the Bands tab.