Lakota East Ensembles

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COURSE OVERVIEW

Lakota East High School offers a selection of band courses for all instrumentalists (Grades 9-12). Every band class offers foundational instruction in music theory, music performance, and the fundamentals of cooperative musicianship. Performance opportunities outside of school hours are necessary to the overall education and growth of the musician; thus, attendance is mandatory and part of the course grade.

GOOD TO KNOW:
- Each ensemble requires an audition with the Instructor for approval and placement.
- Each band class is 2 semesters (1 credit)
- Fee required (amount varies, depending on course selection)

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SYMPHONIC WINDS

DIRECTORS: ROB TANIS, ANDREW DESMOND

Symphonic Winds fills highly coveted positions with the finest musicians in the Lakota East Band Program (Grades 10-12). The course is two semesters and focuses on cultivating and refining talented musicians into well-rounded performers with skills on par with seasoned professionals. This ensemble performs four school concerts a year, participates in OMEA Adjudicated Events, and attends outside performance opportunities as they arise. The Lakota East Symphonic Winds has performed at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, OMEA State Conventions, and the Dixie Classic Festival. Most recently, the Symphonic Winds performed at the Music For All Festival (2018 and 2019) and the Music Hall Wind Fest in 2018.

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SYMPHONIC BAND

DIRECTORS: ROB TANIS, ANDREW DESMOND

Symphonic Band is comprised of talented musicians (Grades 10-12), who are focused on taking their skills to the next level. The course refines musicianship through performing pieces that are a higher difficulty level and challenging each student to expand both range and ability through a variety of techniques. This ensemble performs several concerts during the school year and participates in OMEA Adjudicated Events. Most recently, the Symphonic Band performed at the Music For All Festival in 2018 and 2019.

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CONCERT BAND

DIRECTORS: ROB TANIS, ANDREW DESMOND

Concert Band is the cornerstone of the Lakota East Bands program and focuses primarily on developing the talent and skill level of each musician. The course provides challenging opportunities for musicians to grow and improve by performing high-quality music literature. This ensemble performs several concerts during the school year and participates in OMEA Adjudicated Events.

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FRESHMAN CONCERT BANDS

DIRECTORS: ROB TANIS, ANDREW DESMOND

Lakota East High School Freshman Campus hosts two Concert Bands. The course focuses on refining instrumental skills and performing quality music literature of a high difficulty level. This ensemble performs four concerts during the school year and participates in OMEA Adjudicated Events.

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COURSE OVERVIEW

Jazz Band is open to all musicians (Grades 9-12), provided their chosen instrument adheres to the Big Band configuration. The course educates students on the fundamentals of jazz, provides instruction on jazz techniques, and hones musical skills using a vast selection of jazz charts. Performance opportunities outside of school hours are necessary to the overall education and growth of the musician; thus, attendance is mandatory and part of the course grade. Members must first be enrolled in a Concert Band program, except students that play guitar, bass, or piano.

GOOD TO KNOW:
- Each ensemble requires an audition with the Instructor for approval and placement.
- Each band class is 2 semesters (1 credit)
- Fee required (amount varies, depending on course selection)

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EASTSIDE JAZZ ENSEMBLE

DIRECTOR: AARON TODAHL

Lakota East High School’s most advanced jazz band is the Eastside Jazz Ensemble. This ensemble is open to any jazz band student in (Grades 10-12), but is typically comprised of juniors and seniors. In addition to regular school performances, the Eastside Jazz Ensemble frequently participates in national and university jazz festivals.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
- Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition and Festival (New York, NY)
- Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival (Monterey, CA)
- University of North Texas Jazz Festival (Addison, TX)
- OMEA State Professional Conference

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EAST 2 O'CLOCK JAZZ ENSEMBLE

DIRECTOR: AARON TODAHL

The East 2 O'Clock Jazz Ensemble is comprised of jazz band students (Grades 10-12). The East 2 O'Clock Jazz Ensemble performs at various Lakota East High School jazz band concerts, the Swing Dance, and the annual Cool Jazz 'N Hotcakes. The East 2 O'Clock Jazz Ensemble also performs at the Beavercreek Jazz Festival every year.

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EAST FRESHMAN JAZZ BAND

DIRECTOR: ANDREW DESMOND

The East Freshman Jazz Band is a traditional Big Band made up of jazz band students (Grade 9). This ensemble performs at various Lakota East High School jazz band concerts, the Swing Dance, and the annual Cool Jazz 'N Hotcakes.