Concert Band
Starting in the fall of 2000, most incoming
freshman will be assigned to Concert Band. The students from our three junior
high programs will combine to rehearse appropriate high school literature, with
a focus on ensemble playing. This ensemble will consist of approximately 50
musicians. A few outstanding musicians will have the opportunity to be assigned
to one of the Symphonic Bands.
-For more information on
this group visit the Course Offerings
Symphonic Band
Sophomores through seniors will have three
options for band: Symphonic Band (2nd period), Wind Symphony (3rd period), and
Wind Ensemble. Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble are both auditioned groups, with auditions being in the spring the semester prior to enrollment. Second Period Symphonic Band will rehearse and perform standard
high school literature.
-For more information on this
group visit the Course Offerings
Wind Symphony
Third Period Wind Symphony is an auditioned group of sophomores through seniors, with auditions being in the spring of the semester prior to enrollment. Wind Symphony is co-scheduled with Concert
Orchestra, which utilizes the top wind and percussion players to give them the
opportunity to enjoy an orchestral experience. This course offers challenging literature, and performs at in-school concerts.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is the top wind and
percussion ensemble at Oak Park and River Forest High School. Its members are
entirely upperclassmen who have auditioned for placement in this ensemble. It
rehearses and performs advanced high school/college level literature.
Outstanding members of the wind and percussion sections will have an opportunity
to rehearse and perform with the Symphony Orchestra.
-For more information on this group visit the
Course Offerings
Concert Orchestra
All incoming freshman string players
will be assigned to concert orchestra. The orchestra consist of freshman and a
small number of upperclassmen. Students will rehearse 3rd period and perform
chamber and full orchestral literature.
-For more information on this group visit the Course Offerings
Symphony Orchestra
The Symphony Orchestra is the top
string ensemble at OPRF. Students must audition for placement into this
ensemble. The orchestra consist mainly of upperclassmen with a focus on
challenging repertoire from Baroque to 20th Century. This ensemble meets during
9th period, opposite the Wind Ensemble, and utilizes the top wind and percussion
players for full orchestral works.
-For more information on this group visit the
Course Offerings
Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensemble is the premier jazz group at OPRF. This
big band consist of the top jazz musicians based on auditions held in the
Spring. The Jazz Ensemble meets before school every day and give approximately
12-16 performances a year.
Jazz Band II
Jazz Band II is a second entry level jazz band.
Students having a desire to learn jazz repertoire, basic jazz styles, and
improvisation can sign up.
Auditions are in October, and all instruments are
welcomed. Most literature, however, require standard jazz instrumentation
including: saxophone, trombone, trumpet, bass, percussion, piano, and
guitar.
Jazz Band III
Jazz Band III is the entry level jazz band for those musicians who are interested in exploring jazz, or for those instrumentalists who wish to try a new instrument in the jazz band setting. No auditions are required, and Jazz band starts in late october. Sign-up sheets will be posted in early October.
Marching Band
The Oak Park and River Forest Marching Huskies is the
newest addition to the music program. This all-volunteer marching band practices
four days a week after school from August to October. This exciting group of
students perform upbeat music and formations at all home football games, the
homecoming parade, and at local marching band festivals. The band is open to all
wind, brass, and percussion players enrolled in at OPRF high school. In
addition, the marching band utilizes students throughout the school to be a part
of our color guard unit. The Marching Huskies traveled to Florida in spring of
2002 to march in the Disney Magic Music Days Parade!
For more information, call the OPRFHS Music Department at
708.434.3100
