Bands
OTHS
Marching Panthers
The OTHS Marching Panthers are one of the most visible and accomplished groups at O’Fallon Township High School. With approximately 250 members—including brass, woodwinds, percussion, electronics, and color guard—the ensemble represents a proud tradition of excellence. Participation in full band camp is mandatory to ensure a full performance spot.
The Marching Panthers have earned national recognition, including being named a Bands of America (BOA) Grand National Finalist in 2018 and consistently qualifying as an annual BOA Grand National Semi-Finalist. The Marching Panthers were a recipient of the Sudler Shield in 2023.
For more details, please refer to the calendar and contact the Band Director.
Participation &
Commitment
All students are invited and strongly encouraged to participate in the Marching Panthers.
Preparation for the summer and fall season begins in early spring. The band performs at a variety of events throughout the year, including:
Local & Regional Parades
Competitive Field Shows
Statewide, National, & International Performances
The Next Band Trip will be to London for the London New Year’s Day Parade 2027-2028
Although many rehearsals take place outside the regular school day, Marching Band is a class during the first semester that combines the concert band experience. Band members also have the opportunity to earn school recognition, including Numerals, Paw print, and Varsity letter.
Notable Performances & Appearances
- Feb 2026 – Disneyland Parade & California State University Performance, Los Angeles, CA
- Nov 2023 – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Dec 2021–Jan 2022 – Tournament of Roses Parade
- Nov 2018–2019 – Hollywood Christmas Parade, Los Angeles, CA
- Nov 2018 – Bands of America Grand National Championships Finalist
- Dec 2016–2017 – Orange Bowl Parade & Universal/Macy’s Day Parade, Miami, FL
- Jan 2015 – Tournament of Roses Parade
- May 2014 – Little Neck–Douglaston Memorial Day Parade, Little Neck, NY
- Nov 2011 – Pearl Harbor 70th Anniversary Commemoration, Oahu, HI
- Nov 2011 – Waikiki Thanksgiving Day Parade, Waikiki, HI
- Nov 2010 – Disney Thanksgiving Parade of Bands, Orlando, FL
- Dec 2008 – Fiesta Bowl Field Competition & Parade, Phoenix, AZ
- Dec 2007 – Liberty Bowl, Memphis, TN
- Dec 2005 – Fiesta Bowl Parade, Tempe, AZ
- Nov 2003 – Boscov’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Philadelphia, PA
- Dec 2001 – Orange Bowl Parade, Miami, FL
- Nov 1999 – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Nov 1998 – Boscov’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Philadelphia, PA
- Jan 1997 – Tournament of Roses Parade
- Dec 1994 – Fiesta Bowl Parade, Phoenix, AZ
- Nov 1992 – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Dec 1991 – Fiesta Bowl Parade, Phoenix, AZ
- Dec 1991 – National Pageant of Bands, Tempe, AZ
- Dec 1989 – Orange Bowl Parade, Miami, FL
- Jan 1988 – Tournament of Roses Parade
- Dec 1986 – Peach Bowl Parade, Atlanta, GA
- Dec 1984 – Orange Bowl Parade, Miami, FL
OTHS
Concert Band
All students in the Band Program will be placed in a Concert Band Ensemble, except guard members who do not play an instrument. Auditions determine spring semester ensemble placement, chair assignments, and preliminary seating for the following year.
A spring playing exam, included as part of the final exam, provides an additional progress check to ensure proper placement. Ensemble placements are reviewed at the end of each semester based on performance. Students in Wind Ensemble are also required to take private lessons, with lesson forms checked monthly. Audition materials are provided to students well in advance of assessments.
Wind Ensemble
*Requires participation in Marching Band and private lessons
Symphonic Winds
Symphonic Band
Milburn School Band
Wind Ensemnble
Symphonic Band
Symphonic Winds
Milburn School Band
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Audition Requirements
All students must complete an audition for placement. Auditions include:
– ILMEA Scale Sheet
– ILMEA excerpts for the upcoming school year
Audition dates are listed on the band calendar.
Grading & Expectations
Grading procedures and quarterly requirements are outlined in the Band Handbook and Band Semester Syllabus. Students are expected to meet all performance, rehearsal, and participation expectations as part of their ensemble.
Grades are recorded for all persons enrolled in all curricular band courses. The following criteria will determine grades:
– Performance – 100 points
– Daily Grade – 5 points
– Written and/or Playing exams.
– Overall Attendance/Participation
– Applied Lesson Sheets for WE Students (form in the back of the handbook)
Incoming Freshmen Information
All incoming freshmen are encouraged to audition!
Freshmen attending the Milburn Campus will:
– Be placed in Fall Concert Band (if not participating in Marching Band)
– Participate in Milburn Concert Band during second semester
Freshmen selected for Wind Ensemble will be transported from Milburn to the Smiley Campus prior to 7th hour.
OTHS
Jazz Band
The OTHS Jazz Program offers multiple performance opportunities for students at all levels.
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble meets daily as an early bird class at the Smiley Campus during second semester. An audition is required.
Freshman Jazz Band
There are two after-school jazz bands that meet twice a week after school at the Smiley Campus. No audition required.
Jazz Combo
Jazz Combo (3–10 musicians) is a selected group of dedicated students who rehearse after school year-round, focus on improvisation, and perform at local community events.
Jazz students perform at a variety of events/festivals throughout the year, including the annual O’ That Jazz concert.
other ensembles
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Madrigal Brass
Students participate in two rehearsals in preparation for the event and are involved throughout the full Madrigal Dinner weekend experience.
Pit Orchestra - Musicals
The Pit Orchestra is made up of selected members of the Wind Ensemble who provide live musical accompaniment for the spring musical production. Instrumentation varies each year depending on the requirements of the show.
Students rehearse and perform alongside the cast and crew, supporting the overall theatrical production.
Flute Choir
The Flute Choir is made up of selected flute students who rehearse and perform for special events throughout the year, including seasonal performances such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
In addition, the ensemble meets outside the school day to prepare for District Solo & Ensemble Contest and other performance opportunities.
The Madrigal Brass group performs as part of the annual Madrigal Dinner held during the winter holiday season. These students accompany the Madrigal singers and cast throughout the production weekend, which takes place during the first weekend in December each year.
Students participate in two rehearsals in preparation for the event and are involved throughout the full Madrigal Dinner weekend experience.
The Pit Orchestra is made up of selected members of the Wind Ensemble who provide live musical accompaniment for the spring musical production. Instrumentation varies each year depending on the requirements of the show.
Students rehearse and perform alongside the cast and crew, supporting the overall theatrical production.
The Flute Choir is made up of selected flute students who rehearse and perform for special events throughout the year, including seasonal performances such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
In addition, the ensemble meets outside the school day to prepare for District Solo & Ensemble Contest and other performance opportunities.