WELCOME TO OUR "BAND FAMILY"
WELCOME!
If you or your student is still undecided about joining the school band, you are in the right place where you can find the information that will help with the decision.
If you have already decided to join the band, Congratulations! You have made a great choice and this page should have all the information that you will need to get you started in your new home within the school!
WE ARE OAKTON BANDS
The Oakton High School Bands are under the direction of Dr. Jamie VanValkenburg.
These are the ensembles that make up the Oakton High School Bands:
WHY JOIN THE BAND?
High School Band is unlike anything your student has done before. Participating in band will enhance your child’s high school career, and will be one of the best experiences of their life! All students are welcome in band … even beginners!
~Band builds self-esteem; everyone is welcome and everyone matters.
~Band develops concentration communication and cooperation.
~Music is one of the few academic disciplines that require students to master and perform skills.
~Music has a profound effect on the academic success of students.
~Oakton Band students are top scholars and are consistently accepted into notable institutions of higher learning.
~Band helps students develop life long skills of perseverance and highly effective learning techniques.
~All band classes are comprised of students at different grade levels; thus enabling friendship and mentoring between freshmen and upperclassmen.
The path to your student's success begins in Band Class!
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR BAND STUDENTS
Pit Orchestra
Select band students play in the pit in the spring musical. Audition is held in December/January. Instrumentation for each musical varies.
Winter Guard
Indoor Winter Guard starts after Color Guard/Marching Band season ends in November.
OHS Chamber Ensembles (Clarinet Choir, Brass Ensemble, etc.)
Interested students form chamber ensembles and practice during cougar time or after school to perform in Solo and Ensemble Festival and various community outreach opportunities.
Area Ensembles and Summer Festivals
Many of our band students also take advantage of the many youth ensembles and summer music camps opportunities in and around our area and beyond.
WHY JOIN OAKTON BAND?
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