Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to audition? There is no extra audition required to be a part of the freshmen bands.
Is Chamber Winds better then Concert Band? No, both bands are equal-ability freshmen bands, with different names. A few years back, we did stagger the bands by ability, but that is no longer the case.
I think I’m pretty good…can I try out for one of the upper level bands? Absolutely!!! You are required to play the same music that they play though…you can get this music from your directors, or by going to our band website (www.ohsband.org) and printing out the music from there. (Go to “Resources”)
How do I juggle band with my classes and sports? The best and brightest students at OHS (all AP and Honors classes) find a way to be in band all four years, and be successful. While all students are expected to practice, the curricular bands have practically no extra rehearsals until you get into Wind
Symphony. Being in sports won’t be an issue unless you are a part of the extra-curricular bands (marching ,jazz, pep), and even then, we can usually work it out.
Should I be a part of the Panther Marching Band? Um, YES!!!! There are so many benefits, both musical and non-musical, that a student gains from participating in Marching Band. At OHS, we have a volunteer marching band that rehearses twice a week. Registration/enrollment for the PMB occurs in late winter/early spring. This is a fabulous social and musical organization for incoming freshmen to be a part of during their transition to high school. Now is the time to join this competitive organization!!!
What’s the deal with jazz band? Jazz is a big deal at OHS. We have three full jazz ensembles; the OHS Jazz Ensemble 1, and two equal-ability second jazz bands. The second week of school we will have a jazz workshop, where new students get the opportunity to get the music and work on some potential
trouble spots, as well as work on improvisation. Auditions are the following week; all students are placed in a band, with the best students placed into the Jazz 1, and the others split up between the second bands. Only the top jazz band starts right away, and only on a limited basis. He second jazz
bands, of which most freshmen are usually placed, don’t start until after marching season is over, in late-October.
What can I do to get ready for band in the fall? Besides the easy answer (practicing), there are many things to help your transition into high school go more smoothly. If you aren’t already doing private lessons, that is a great way to start. Just by joining marching band, you will be playing a ton over the
summer, and be much more ready for concert season. For jazz band students, OHS does a jazz camp that has been very beneficial for incoming freshmen…information for that will be going out soon.
I’m a parent…how do I get involved? There is so much going on with our band, we just couldn’t function without our incredible Band Boosters!!! They help us with fundraising for things the school can’t afford (trips, equipment, etc.), but at least as important is volunteering their time. Booster meetings usually the first Monday of the month, and you can feel free to check us out now. If every parent volunteers at just one event, we would have plenty for the entire year!!!
If you have any other questions at all, feel free to contact one of the directors, or access information from our website.
Mrs. San Roman ([email protected])
Mr. Kevin Schoenbach ([email protected])
Is Chamber Winds better then Concert Band? No, both bands are equal-ability freshmen bands, with different names. A few years back, we did stagger the bands by ability, but that is no longer the case.
I think I’m pretty good…can I try out for one of the upper level bands? Absolutely!!! You are required to play the same music that they play though…you can get this music from your directors, or by going to our band website (www.ohsband.org) and printing out the music from there. (Go to “Resources”)
How do I juggle band with my classes and sports? The best and brightest students at OHS (all AP and Honors classes) find a way to be in band all four years, and be successful. While all students are expected to practice, the curricular bands have practically no extra rehearsals until you get into Wind
Symphony. Being in sports won’t be an issue unless you are a part of the extra-curricular bands (marching ,jazz, pep), and even then, we can usually work it out.
Should I be a part of the Panther Marching Band? Um, YES!!!! There are so many benefits, both musical and non-musical, that a student gains from participating in Marching Band. At OHS, we have a volunteer marching band that rehearses twice a week. Registration/enrollment for the PMB occurs in late winter/early spring. This is a fabulous social and musical organization for incoming freshmen to be a part of during their transition to high school. Now is the time to join this competitive organization!!!
What’s the deal with jazz band? Jazz is a big deal at OHS. We have three full jazz ensembles; the OHS Jazz Ensemble 1, and two equal-ability second jazz bands. The second week of school we will have a jazz workshop, where new students get the opportunity to get the music and work on some potential
trouble spots, as well as work on improvisation. Auditions are the following week; all students are placed in a band, with the best students placed into the Jazz 1, and the others split up between the second bands. Only the top jazz band starts right away, and only on a limited basis. He second jazz
bands, of which most freshmen are usually placed, don’t start until after marching season is over, in late-October.
What can I do to get ready for band in the fall? Besides the easy answer (practicing), there are many things to help your transition into high school go more smoothly. If you aren’t already doing private lessons, that is a great way to start. Just by joining marching band, you will be playing a ton over the
summer, and be much more ready for concert season. For jazz band students, OHS does a jazz camp that has been very beneficial for incoming freshmen…information for that will be going out soon.
I’m a parent…how do I get involved? There is so much going on with our band, we just couldn’t function without our incredible Band Boosters!!! They help us with fundraising for things the school can’t afford (trips, equipment, etc.), but at least as important is volunteering their time. Booster meetings usually the first Monday of the month, and you can feel free to check us out now. If every parent volunteers at just one event, we would have plenty for the entire year!!!
If you have any other questions at all, feel free to contact one of the directors, or access information from our website.
Mrs. San Roman ([email protected])
Mr. Kevin Schoenbach ([email protected])