Classes/Performing Ensembles
Marching Band (1st Semester)
Marching Band is a co-curricular class offered to students in grades 9-12 during the 1st semester of the school year. Marching band begins rehearsals with a Pre-Season Camp at the end of May. After that, students meet occasionally during the summer months for sectional rehearsals with classmates that play their same instrument. Percussionists begin their formal camp the third week of July and focus on percussion specific concepts and fundamentals prior to the start of the school year. The full marching band meets for band camp during the last week of July and the first few days of August. Once the school year starts, students in Marching Band rehearse at 7am through first hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, as well as Tuesday nights from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Marching Band performs at all ON home football games, one football playoff game, and 3-4 marching competitions during their season. The season is completed before the end of October.
Concert Band (Full Year)
Concert Band is a full year class that is comprised of primarily 9th grade students. Concert Band is structured much like previous band classes through middle school. It is offered for one class period (3rd Hour) and has minimal commitments beyond the school day. Concert Band performs in 4 concerts through the school year, attends the Olathe District Marching Exhibition as spectators, and continues building on fundamentals of quality sound, tone, technique, expression, and musicianship through daily rehearsal. Freshmen in Concert Band are encouraged to audition for the ECKMEA District Honor Band in November of each school year. Freshmen students who have previously participated in the John Philip Sousa Honor Band are encouraged to audition during their 9th grade year.
Wind Ensemble (2nd Semester)
Wind Ensemble is an advanced concert ensemble comprised of students enrolled from marching band - mostly Seniors and Juniors, with a few Sophomores and Freshmen earning membership in the ensemble. Membership in Wind Ensemble is based on a concert ensemble audition taken by all Olathe North Band students during the last week of October. Wind Ensemble performs advanced literature and moves at an accelerated pace. Performances include the Winter Concert, ON Area Band Concert, District Wind Ensemble Festival, KSHSAA State Large Group Adjudicated Festival, and Spring Concert. Students with membership in the Wind Ensemble are expected to audition for the ECKMEA District Honor Band in November of each school year, as well as prepare/perform a solo or small ensemble for the KSHSAA Regional Solo & Small Ensemble Festival each April at Olathe South High School.
Symphonic Band (2nd Semester)
Symphonic Band is a concert ensemble comprised of students enrolled from marching band - mostly Sophomores and Freshmen, with a few Juniors and Seniors. Membership in Symphonic Band is based on a concert ensemble audition taken by all Olathe North Band Students during the last week of October. Symphonic Band performances include the Winter Concert, ON Area Band Concert, District Symphonic Band Festival, KSHSAA State Large Group Adjudicated Festival, and Spring Concert. Students with membership in Symphonic Band are encouraged to audition for the ECKMEA District Honor Band, as well as prepare/perform a solo or small ensemble for the KSHSAA Regional Solo & Small Ensemble Festival each April at Olathe South High School.
Jazz Band (Extracurricular)
Jazz Band is an extracurricular ensemble that meets starting in the beginning of November and runs through the end of the school year. Jazz Band meets on Monday nights from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Any student in the Olathe North Band Program, regardless of previous Jazz Band experience, is allowed to join the Olathe North Jazz Band. If a student elects to join this ensemble, their commitment to rehearsals and performances is expected through the duration of the school year. Jazz Band performs at the Winter Concert, as well as annually at the Jazz Summit at KCKCC.
Percussion Ensemble (Extracurricular)
Percussion Ensemble is an extracurricular ensemble that is required for all percussionists in the Olathe North Band program. Percussion Ensemble rehearsals are Tuesday Nights from 6:30pm - 8:30pm and begin the first Tuesday after the completion of the current marching season and continues through the school year. Students in Percussion ensemble will receive percussion-specific pedagogy from our percussion instructor, Mr. Evan Thomas, will prepare ensemble pieces to perform at the KSHSAA Regional Solo & Small Ensemble Festival in April at Olathe South High School, as well as the Olathe North Percussion Concert and Spring Concert.
AP Music Theory (Full Year)
AP Music Theory is a rigorous course designed to develop musical skills and understanding for those who are considering a music career as well as those who desire it for enrichment. Enrollment is offered to students grades 10-12, but is highly encouraged for Juniors or Seniors that have aspirations of majoring or minoring in some domain of music (performance, education, therapy, etc.) AND have 1 Credit (Full Year) available to take the course. Enrollment in an Olathe North Performing Ensemble (Band, Choir, Orchestra) is not required, but is highly recommended. Students enrolled in Band, Choir, or Orchestra that have an interest in AP Music Theory should consult their ensemble director to determine if AP Music Theory would be a valuable course selection. Students that have only .5 Credits (Semester) available, OR are NOT enrolled in an Olathe North Performing Ensemble should reach out to the course director to schedule an in-person meeting and discuss their interest in enrolling in AP Music Theory. At the conclusion of this course students will be prepared to take the AP Music Theory Exam and to take a college or university theory placement examination. The goal of music theory is to develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic elements and structures of musical compositions. Students will primarily study techniques used in the music of the Common Practice period (1600–1750), although music of other stylistic periods will also be studied. To reach this goal, each class will focus on activities related to performing (singing and playing), composing, improvising, listening to, and analyzing music.