The John Oliver Secondary Concert Band Program is a vibrant and inclusive music education initiative designed to nurture students’ musical growth through a structured, three-tiered system. At the Beginner Band level, students start with no prior experience and are introduced to the fundamentals of music and instrumental performance. By the end of the semester, students will be able to perform a one-octave Bb concert scale, play simple melodies within that range, and demonstrate a solid tone and foundational technique. This prepares them to confidently perform concert band repertoire at levels 1.0 to 1.5.
The Intermediate Band builds upon the skills developed in the beginner level. Students entering this tier typically have one year of experience, either from the beginner band or elementary school programs. Here, they expand their musical knowledge to include five concert scales, refine their tone production, and develop more precise articulation and rhythmic accuracy. These skills enable them to perform more complex music, specifically concert band repertoire at level 2.5, while continuing to grow as confident and expressive musicians.
At the top of the program is the Senior Band, where students with at least two years of experience take on advanced musical challenges and leadership roles. These students further refine their technique, tone, and musical interpretation, allowing them to perform sophisticated concert band repertoire at level 4.0 or higher. Senior Band members often serve as section leaders, mentoring younger musicians and contributing to the ensemble’s overall excellence. This tier not only prepares students for post-secondary music opportunities but also fosters teamwork, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for music.