Weekly Update
Hello OEHS Band Families,
Hello from Peoria! Please join us in congratulating once again our students who were selected for ILMEA All-State. They began rehearsals yesterday and have another day today, followed by concerts tomorrow! They have been representing our school extremely well.
All-State Orchestra
Aidan Murray - Trombone
All-State Band
Greg Lazatin - Tenor Saxophone
Honors All-State Band
Diego Carrillo - Bb Clarinet
Sean Elliot - Alto Saxophone
David Vasquez - Bb Clarinet
Andrew Walden - Contrabass Clarinet
OEHS Performing Arts Trip - Into the Woods - March 17th
We are taking an OEHS Performing Arts trip to see Into the Woods at the Paramount in downtown Aurora on Friday, March 17th. If your student is interested in attending, they must fill out the google form HERE and submit the $25 payment (payable to OEHS) to the band room mailbox by next Friday, February 3rd.
Transportation to and from the event will not be provided, so please know that prior to signing up! The show starts at 8pm.
Marching Percussion Winter Skills - Sign-Up Now!
An opportunity to work on ensemble and individual skills in a marching percussion section. Open to students currently in 8th-11th grade. Returning members will improve their technique and try out new instruments if interested in making a switch. New members will get an introduction to the marching percussion experience. This includes the drumline (snare, tenors, bass, and cymbals) and front ensemble (mallet instruments and auxiliary percussion).
No practice expectation between sessions. This is not a performing ensemble, but an opportunity to work on fundamentals of marching percussion playing in preparation for next season. We will work on drum chants, cadences, and elements of next season’s marching show!
This group will meet from 5:30pm-7pm in the OEHS band room on the following dates:
Tuesday, March 7th
Tuesday, March 21st
Tuesday, April 4th,
Tuesday, April 18th.
You can access the flier for the winter skills program HERE. The form to sign-up is HERE.
Jazz Ensemble Waubonsee Community College Gig
Please see the Jazz Band section of the update below for information about Jazz Ensemble’s combo gig at Waubonsee Community College next Friday.
Portillo’s Fundraiser
Our next Portillo’s fundraiser is Monday, February 6th from 5pm-8pm at the Oswego Portillo’s. Please mention OEHS Bands when placing your order and we will receive back a portion of the proceeds!
This Week
Monday 1/30 - Big Band 2:40pm-4pm; Jazz Band 4pm-5pm
Tuesday 1/31 - Jazz Ensemble 2:40pm-5pm; Pep Band Game - Call Time 5:30pm
Wednesday 2/1 -
Thursday 2/2 - Jazz Band: 2:40pm-4pm; Big Band 4pm-5pm; Jazz Ensemble 5:30pm-8pm
Friday 2/3 - Jazz Ensemble Combo Performance at Waubonsee Community College (Call time at WWCC - 4:30pm)
Next Week
Monday 2/6 - Big Band 2:40pm-4pm; Jazz Band 4pm-5pm; Portillo’s Fundraiser 5pm-8pm
Tuesday 2/7 - Jazz Ensemble 2:40pm-5pm; Pep Band Game - Call Time 5:30pm
Wednesday 2/8 -
Thursday 2/9 - Jazz Band: 2:40pm-4pm; Big Band 4pm-5pm; Jazz Ensemble 5:30pm-8pm
Friday 2/10 - Jazz Ensemble Combo Performance at Waubonsee Community College (Call time 4:30pm)
Saturday 2/11 - Batavia Band Festival (see call times below! CB Silver’s call time is now 1:30pm)
Upcoming Events
2/3 - Jazz Combos at Waubonsee CC
2/6 - Portillo’s Fundraiser
2/8 - Winter Jazz Concert
2/11 - Batavia Band Festival (CBB, CBS, SB, WE)
2/21 - SPC Band Festival (select students)
2/28 - Band Concert (SB, WE)
3/1 - Band Concert (CBB, CBS, WS)
3/11 - Mundelein Jazz Festival
3/22 - OEHS Solo/Ensemble Festival
Band Program News
Batavia Band Festival - CBB, CBS, SB, & WE
On Saturday, February 11th, all students in Concert Band Blue, Concert Band Silver, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble are participating in the Batavia Band Festival. This is a required performance for a grade and is our most important performance of the year and is our favorite festival of the year!
Schedule
Symphonic Band
Call Time at OEHS - 7am
Performance - 9am
Clinic - 9:30am-10:15am
Return Time - 1pm
Concert Band Blue
Call Time at OEHS - 7am
Performance Time - 11:30am
Clinic Time - 12pm-12:45pm
Return Time - 1:10pm
Wind Ensemble
Call Time at OEHS - 12:45pm
Performance Time - 2:30pm
Clinic Time - 3pm-3:45pm
Return Time - 6:10pm
Concert Band Silver
Call Time at OEHS - 1:30pm
Performance Time - 4:30pm
Clinic Time - 5pm-5:45pm
Return Time - 6:10pm
Pickup
We will take a bus from OEHS to Batavia High School and back. If you would like to pick up your student from Batavia high school at the conclusion of our performance and clinic, please email Mr. Rexroat. Students will need to check out with Mr. Rexroat or Mr. Roberts prior to leaving.
Performance Times
Each group will perform and then immediately after have a clinic with a music education professional. Performance times for each ensemble are listed below:
Symphonic Band - 9am
Concert Band Blue - 11:30am
Wind Ensemble - 2:30pm
Concert Band Silver - 4:30pm
Attire
Students wear all black (black shoes, black socks, black pants, black shirt)
Audience Attendance
Families are welcome to attend the performances at Batavia High School. I believe there is an admission fee into the festival. I will communicate that information once I receive it from the host school.
SPC Band Festival (Select Students)
The SPC Band festival is taking place on Tuesday, February 21st at Oswego High School. Students will come to the band room at OEHS on that day and then we will take a bus to OHS at approximately 8am. You will rehearse during the day with the guest conductors and then perform in the evening concert at 7pm in the OHS auditorium.
Attire
You need to arrive that day in the concert attire for the event. This includes black dress shoes, black socks, black pants, and a white shirt/top.
Lunch
Snack items at concessions will be available throughout the day, but you will need to bring your own sack lunch.
Dinner
Students have the option to purchase dinner ahead of time which will be a burrito bar (steak, chicken, beans, rice, tortillas, and toppings). This will cost $13 and can be made payable to OEHS Band Boosters.
If purchasing dinner, please bring $13 cash/check (payable to OEHS Band Boosters) no later than next Friday, February 3rd, otherwise no meal will be provided for dinner.
Items to Bring
Pickup
All students need to be picked up at OHS at the conclusion of the concert. There will not be transportation back to OEHS following the event.
Patches
If you would like to purchase OEHS Band letterman patches, you may complete the order form HERE. These can be purchased at any time throughout the year. Orders are not processed until payment is received. See the form for more information!
Band Bucks
Through the OEHS Band Boosters, each student has their own fundraising account. In this account, students can raise funds through designated fundraisers to help save money to go toward the cost of band trips. We are traveling to Disney this year and will be traveling again as a program in the 2024-2025 program (location TBD).
A fundraiser that families can participate in to accrue these funds is called Band Bucks. This is a fundraiser that families can participate in throughout the school year. Through this program, gift cards (online or physical) can be purchased for hundreds of retailers, including Disney! Many of the retailers are stores, restaurants, vendors you most likely frequent already.
When you purchase a gift card, a portion of that purchase goes into your student’s account. We have had several families pay in full their student’s trip cost by doing this fundraiser. What is great about this fundraiser is that a $50 gift card purchase results in a $50 gift card. No money is taken away for the kick back into your student’s account.
To get started, go to raiseright.com and click “Sign Up” in the top right corner. On the left hand side it will say “Join an existing program.” Enter in our unique enrollment code which is: LE14758B1L891. Follow the simple registration instructions and be sure to include your student’s name so that they get the funds applied to their account. Once registration is complete, you can start purchasing gift cards to go into your student’s account! These are great to use for everyday purchases, as well as gifts!
Please note that funds in the students accounts can only be used for purchases through the Band Boosters. The funds cannot be withdrawn.
Become a Music Patron
Through our Music Patron program, families and businesses are able to donate to our band program. Funds raised go towards music, instrument purchases, instrument repairs, equipment, clinicians, travel, and much more. Those who make a donation will be listed on our band site, as well as appear in the concert programs.
Those who are patrons will also have the chance to reserve specific seats at our band concerts throughout the year, including priority access to seating for our winter concerts.
If interested in making a donation, please fill out the music patron form HERE and send payment with your student to drop off in the band room mailbox or it can be dropped off at the front desk at OEHS with attention to Mr. Rexroat. All checks can be made payable to OEHS Band Boosters. Please indicate on the form that it is a music patron donation.
Amazon Smile
Do you purchase items on Amazon often? Do you enjoy supporting the dreams of OEHS Band Students? Please consider choosing the OEHS Band Boosters as your charity on AmazonSmile. By doing this, our Band Boosters will receive back a portion of the proceeds of your purchase!
Click our unique link here to get started: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/85-0761029
Jazz Band News
Jazz Ensemble Waubonsee CC Combo Gig
We have been invited by Waubonsee Community College to perform with them at their community arts event next Friday, February 3rd. Jazz Ensemble students will be performing in a combo setting from 5pm-6pm. Call time for students at the Downtown Aurora Campus Library is 4:30pm.
Address
18 S. River Street
Aurora, IL 60506
Parking
Across the street from the library on River St. there is a parking lot that has free parking. You can also utilize street parking.
Building Entrance
Students will need to arrive by 4:30pm. You can enter the building through the doors located on River St toward the southwest corner.
Attire
Please wear business casual attire to the event. Dress pants and a nice shirt works well!
End Time and Equipment
Students are encouraged to stay after their performances to listen to the Waubonsee CC combo. The entire event will be done by 7pm. Students need to bring their instrument and music with them. A drum set, bass amp, guitar amp, piano, vibes, and music stands will be provided by Waubonsee CC.
It is a very relaxed and enjoyable event and is free to the public!
Winter Jazz Concert - February 8th
Our next jazz concert is on Wednesday, February 8th at 7pm. Call time for all jazz students is 6:15pm. More info so!
Pep Band News
Next Game
The next pep band game is Tuesday, January 24th. Call time for students is 5:30pm.
Marching Band News
Marching Band - Save the Date & Athletics/Activity Policy
Save the Date
In an effort to eliminate conflicts with summer marching band rehearsals, please find next year’s summer rehearsal schedule for the marching band HERE. Please note that times are subject to change. A complete schedule for the Fall will be released in the coming months when marching band registration opens.
The summer dates are vital to the success of the marching band. Please make arrangements now to be present at them. If interested in applying for drum major, there is a week long camp that will be required from July 10th-15th if selected. Please also note that there will be two weeks of longer rehearsals in August.
Athletics/Activities Policy
Effective for the 2023-2024 season, students can continue to participate in other sports or activities in addition to marching band, but no rehearsals or performances are permitted to be missed. Students must be 100% committed to the marching band if they wish to be in the group as it is very challenging to make up missed rehearsal time and is detrimental to the success and growth of the ensemble. Please do not sign up for marching band if another activity would require you to miss portions of our rehearsals.
Hello from Peoria! Please join us in congratulating once again our students who were selected for ILMEA All-State. They began rehearsals yesterday and have another day today, followed by concerts tomorrow! They have been representing our school extremely well.
All-State Orchestra
Aidan Murray - Trombone
All-State Band
Greg Lazatin - Tenor Saxophone
Honors All-State Band
Diego Carrillo - Bb Clarinet
Sean Elliot - Alto Saxophone
David Vasquez - Bb Clarinet
Andrew Walden - Contrabass Clarinet
OEHS Performing Arts Trip - Into the Woods - March 17th
We are taking an OEHS Performing Arts trip to see Into the Woods at the Paramount in downtown Aurora on Friday, March 17th. If your student is interested in attending, they must fill out the google form HERE and submit the $25 payment (payable to OEHS) to the band room mailbox by next Friday, February 3rd.
Transportation to and from the event will not be provided, so please know that prior to signing up! The show starts at 8pm.
Marching Percussion Winter Skills - Sign-Up Now!
An opportunity to work on ensemble and individual skills in a marching percussion section. Open to students currently in 8th-11th grade. Returning members will improve their technique and try out new instruments if interested in making a switch. New members will get an introduction to the marching percussion experience. This includes the drumline (snare, tenors, bass, and cymbals) and front ensemble (mallet instruments and auxiliary percussion).
No practice expectation between sessions. This is not a performing ensemble, but an opportunity to work on fundamentals of marching percussion playing in preparation for next season. We will work on drum chants, cadences, and elements of next season’s marching show!
This group will meet from 5:30pm-7pm in the OEHS band room on the following dates:
Tuesday, March 7th
Tuesday, March 21st
Tuesday, April 4th,
Tuesday, April 18th.
You can access the flier for the winter skills program HERE. The form to sign-up is HERE.
Jazz Ensemble Waubonsee Community College Gig
Please see the Jazz Band section of the update below for information about Jazz Ensemble’s combo gig at Waubonsee Community College next Friday.
Portillo’s Fundraiser
Our next Portillo’s fundraiser is Monday, February 6th from 5pm-8pm at the Oswego Portillo’s. Please mention OEHS Bands when placing your order and we will receive back a portion of the proceeds!
This Week
Monday 1/30 - Big Band 2:40pm-4pm; Jazz Band 4pm-5pm
Tuesday 1/31 - Jazz Ensemble 2:40pm-5pm; Pep Band Game - Call Time 5:30pm
Wednesday 2/1 -
Thursday 2/2 - Jazz Band: 2:40pm-4pm; Big Band 4pm-5pm; Jazz Ensemble 5:30pm-8pm
Friday 2/3 - Jazz Ensemble Combo Performance at Waubonsee Community College (Call time at WWCC - 4:30pm)
Next Week
Monday 2/6 - Big Band 2:40pm-4pm; Jazz Band 4pm-5pm; Portillo’s Fundraiser 5pm-8pm
Tuesday 2/7 - Jazz Ensemble 2:40pm-5pm; Pep Band Game - Call Time 5:30pm
Wednesday 2/8 -
Thursday 2/9 - Jazz Band: 2:40pm-4pm; Big Band 4pm-5pm; Jazz Ensemble 5:30pm-8pm
Friday 2/10 - Jazz Ensemble Combo Performance at Waubonsee Community College (Call time 4:30pm)
Saturday 2/11 - Batavia Band Festival (see call times below! CB Silver’s call time is now 1:30pm)
Upcoming Events
2/3 - Jazz Combos at Waubonsee CC
2/6 - Portillo’s Fundraiser
2/8 - Winter Jazz Concert
2/11 - Batavia Band Festival (CBB, CBS, SB, WE)
2/21 - SPC Band Festival (select students)
2/28 - Band Concert (SB, WE)
3/1 - Band Concert (CBB, CBS, WS)
3/11 - Mundelein Jazz Festival
3/22 - OEHS Solo/Ensemble Festival
Band Program News
Batavia Band Festival - CBB, CBS, SB, & WE
On Saturday, February 11th, all students in Concert Band Blue, Concert Band Silver, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble are participating in the Batavia Band Festival. This is a required performance for a grade and is our most important performance of the year and is our favorite festival of the year!
Schedule
Symphonic Band
Call Time at OEHS - 7am
Performance - 9am
Clinic - 9:30am-10:15am
Return Time - 1pm
Concert Band Blue
Call Time at OEHS - 7am
Performance Time - 11:30am
Clinic Time - 12pm-12:45pm
Return Time - 1:10pm
Wind Ensemble
Call Time at OEHS - 12:45pm
Performance Time - 2:30pm
Clinic Time - 3pm-3:45pm
Return Time - 6:10pm
Concert Band Silver
Call Time at OEHS - 1:30pm
Performance Time - 4:30pm
Clinic Time - 5pm-5:45pm
Return Time - 6:10pm
Pickup
We will take a bus from OEHS to Batavia High School and back. If you would like to pick up your student from Batavia high school at the conclusion of our performance and clinic, please email Mr. Rexroat. Students will need to check out with Mr. Rexroat or Mr. Roberts prior to leaving.
Performance Times
Each group will perform and then immediately after have a clinic with a music education professional. Performance times for each ensemble are listed below:
Symphonic Band - 9am
Concert Band Blue - 11:30am
Wind Ensemble - 2:30pm
Concert Band Silver - 4:30pm
Attire
Students wear all black (black shoes, black socks, black pants, black shirt)
Audience Attendance
Families are welcome to attend the performances at Batavia High School. I believe there is an admission fee into the festival. I will communicate that information once I receive it from the host school.
SPC Band Festival (Select Students)
The SPC Band festival is taking place on Tuesday, February 21st at Oswego High School. Students will come to the band room at OEHS on that day and then we will take a bus to OHS at approximately 8am. You will rehearse during the day with the guest conductors and then perform in the evening concert at 7pm in the OHS auditorium.
Attire
You need to arrive that day in the concert attire for the event. This includes black dress shoes, black socks, black pants, and a white shirt/top.
Lunch
Snack items at concessions will be available throughout the day, but you will need to bring your own sack lunch.
Dinner
Students have the option to purchase dinner ahead of time which will be a burrito bar (steak, chicken, beans, rice, tortillas, and toppings). This will cost $13 and can be made payable to OEHS Band Boosters.
If purchasing dinner, please bring $13 cash/check (payable to OEHS Band Boosters) no later than next Friday, February 3rd, otherwise no meal will be provided for dinner.
Items to Bring
- Folding Music Stand
- Copies of all music
- Sharpened pencil(s)
- Instrument
- Brass players - any necessary mutes called for in your music
- Percussionists - sticks, mallets, and any auxiliary instruments to which you are assigned, if possible
- ALL JR/SR BAND MEMBERS NEED TO BRING 12-16 FULL SHEETS OF PAPER. USED PAPER PULLED OUT THE RECYCLING BIN, OLD HOMEWORK SHEETS, ETC ARE FINE ;)
Pickup
All students need to be picked up at OHS at the conclusion of the concert. There will not be transportation back to OEHS following the event.
Patches
If you would like to purchase OEHS Band letterman patches, you may complete the order form HERE. These can be purchased at any time throughout the year. Orders are not processed until payment is received. See the form for more information!
Band Bucks
Through the OEHS Band Boosters, each student has their own fundraising account. In this account, students can raise funds through designated fundraisers to help save money to go toward the cost of band trips. We are traveling to Disney this year and will be traveling again as a program in the 2024-2025 program (location TBD).
A fundraiser that families can participate in to accrue these funds is called Band Bucks. This is a fundraiser that families can participate in throughout the school year. Through this program, gift cards (online or physical) can be purchased for hundreds of retailers, including Disney! Many of the retailers are stores, restaurants, vendors you most likely frequent already.
When you purchase a gift card, a portion of that purchase goes into your student’s account. We have had several families pay in full their student’s trip cost by doing this fundraiser. What is great about this fundraiser is that a $50 gift card purchase results in a $50 gift card. No money is taken away for the kick back into your student’s account.
To get started, go to raiseright.com and click “Sign Up” in the top right corner. On the left hand side it will say “Join an existing program.” Enter in our unique enrollment code which is: LE14758B1L891. Follow the simple registration instructions and be sure to include your student’s name so that they get the funds applied to their account. Once registration is complete, you can start purchasing gift cards to go into your student’s account! These are great to use for everyday purchases, as well as gifts!
Please note that funds in the students accounts can only be used for purchases through the Band Boosters. The funds cannot be withdrawn.
Become a Music Patron
Through our Music Patron program, families and businesses are able to donate to our band program. Funds raised go towards music, instrument purchases, instrument repairs, equipment, clinicians, travel, and much more. Those who make a donation will be listed on our band site, as well as appear in the concert programs.
Those who are patrons will also have the chance to reserve specific seats at our band concerts throughout the year, including priority access to seating for our winter concerts.
If interested in making a donation, please fill out the music patron form HERE and send payment with your student to drop off in the band room mailbox or it can be dropped off at the front desk at OEHS with attention to Mr. Rexroat. All checks can be made payable to OEHS Band Boosters. Please indicate on the form that it is a music patron donation.
Amazon Smile
Do you purchase items on Amazon often? Do you enjoy supporting the dreams of OEHS Band Students? Please consider choosing the OEHS Band Boosters as your charity on AmazonSmile. By doing this, our Band Boosters will receive back a portion of the proceeds of your purchase!
Click our unique link here to get started: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/85-0761029
Jazz Band News
Jazz Ensemble Waubonsee CC Combo Gig
We have been invited by Waubonsee Community College to perform with them at their community arts event next Friday, February 3rd. Jazz Ensemble students will be performing in a combo setting from 5pm-6pm. Call time for students at the Downtown Aurora Campus Library is 4:30pm.
Address
18 S. River Street
Aurora, IL 60506
Parking
Across the street from the library on River St. there is a parking lot that has free parking. You can also utilize street parking.
Building Entrance
Students will need to arrive by 4:30pm. You can enter the building through the doors located on River St toward the southwest corner.
Attire
Please wear business casual attire to the event. Dress pants and a nice shirt works well!
End Time and Equipment
Students are encouraged to stay after their performances to listen to the Waubonsee CC combo. The entire event will be done by 7pm. Students need to bring their instrument and music with them. A drum set, bass amp, guitar amp, piano, vibes, and music stands will be provided by Waubonsee CC.
It is a very relaxed and enjoyable event and is free to the public!
Winter Jazz Concert - February 8th
Our next jazz concert is on Wednesday, February 8th at 7pm. Call time for all jazz students is 6:15pm. More info so!
Pep Band News
Next Game
The next pep band game is Tuesday, January 24th. Call time for students is 5:30pm.
Marching Band News
Marching Band - Save the Date & Athletics/Activity Policy
Save the Date
In an effort to eliminate conflicts with summer marching band rehearsals, please find next year’s summer rehearsal schedule for the marching band HERE. Please note that times are subject to change. A complete schedule for the Fall will be released in the coming months when marching band registration opens.
The summer dates are vital to the success of the marching band. Please make arrangements now to be present at them. If interested in applying for drum major, there is a week long camp that will be required from July 10th-15th if selected. Please also note that there will be two weeks of longer rehearsals in August.
Athletics/Activities Policy
Effective for the 2023-2024 season, students can continue to participate in other sports or activities in addition to marching band, but no rehearsals or performances are permitted to be missed. Students must be 100% committed to the marching band if they wish to be in the group as it is very challenging to make up missed rehearsal time and is detrimental to the success and growth of the ensemble. Please do not sign up for marching band if another activity would require you to miss portions of our rehearsals.
