Why Join the Brambleton Band?Imagine going to a new school and not knowing anything about where to go, or who to talk to. The transition from middle school to high school is easier for band students because you will have over 100 friends to help you through this process. Incoming band freshmen have immediate contact with upperclassmen, in a big brother/big sister kind of way. High school band is very healthy for students in a multitude of ways. Let's look at a few...
"I am in band because I love the people and I love the performance. This is my family. Being here is the most important thing I've ever done and when I'm gone, I'll remember the experiences."
"Band is an escape from the real world. I love displaying emotions through music. It can put you in many different moods and cheer you up at times. Music is always unique; it will never be the same twice." Studies by the College Entrance Examination Board show that:
"Band gives me a sense of honest belonging, and it's one of the only places I and many others feel genuinely accepted and loved. Band is warmth. I'm here to be part of the team." Why should you consider joining the band?...Because high school band is unlike anything you have done before. It can greatly enhance your high school career, and it is, very simply, a great experience... Ocean Lakes High School's band program has become known across Virginia, not only for its high standards of performance, but also for the quality of experience given to its members. The pride and sense of camaraderie, that are the cornerstones of our band, will profoundly impact your future. Most students who come to Ocean Lakes High School are aware of our reputation, but how we reach such high levels is at least a mystery, and often the source of great fear. Incoming freshmen often assume that the only way to get so good is to do nothing else. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, one of the facets of the band that we are most proud of is that we accomplish these very high goals while maintaining a balance with the total school experience. We have top scholars, athletes, honor society members, student government leader, etc. among our ranks. "I am in band because I like being part of something great! Many people come together doing something they love to do and working their hardest at something to produce a great product." Some Additional FAQs: Will Band fit in an aggressive academic schedule? Yes! We have students who are planning to enter all fields in college. The class schedule at Ocean Lakes High School is made to allow these students to take a full schedule of classes (including A.P. and Academy) and play in one of the bands during all four years. How good do I have to be? All students are admitted into the band program. Yes, even beginners! Will band and time commitment adversely affect my grades? Whether you are involved in other activities, or not, at Ocean Lakes School, good grades are dependent upon being a good worker. If you are conscientious and organized, band, or any other activity, will not adversely affect your grades. If you are not conscientious and organized, grades will be a problem at OLHS, even with no additional activities. The bands' schedules have been carefully developed to work with the school's academic demands. In fact, many of the school's top scholars are in band. We average two to three times our statistical allotment of members in the top of their graduation class and National Honor Society. "Band teaches me a lot about life: the discipline, dedication, how hard work pays off, how to respect and how to enjoy." |