Concert Bands at OU perform in the acoustically rich Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall in Catlett Music Center.
One audition is held each semester for wind/brass/percussion placement in the OU Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Symphony Band. There are also 2 non-auditioned concert ensembles each spring, the Boomer and Sooner Campus Bands.
For more information on Jazz Ensembles, see the Jazz Program webpage. Auditions for the 2 jazz ensembles are held in the Fall, with Spring auditions held only to fill vacancies.
Fall rehearsals
Spring rehearsals
Since 1985, the OU Wind Symphony has received acclaim for performances of the standard and contemporary band literature while performing for fifteen national and regional conventions of the College Band Directors National Association, the Music Educators National Conference, the American Bandmasters Association, and the Oklahoma Music Educators Association. The OU Wind Symphony commissions new music as well as collaborates with composers and performing artists on a regular basis. Composer collaborations have included Carter Pann, John Mackey, Kevin Walczyk, David Maslanka, Jonathan Newman, Michael Schelle, Marvin Lamb, Donald Grantham, Dan Welcher, Carolyn Bremer, Roland Barrett, and Cindy McTee. In addition to working with composers, the ensemble has collaborated with conductors and performing artists including Gary Hill, Gary Lewis, Jerry Junkin, Ray Cramer, Alan Bonner, Akira Endo, the American Brass Quintet, Rhythm and Brass, Brandon Ridenour, Brian Bowman, Sam Pilafian, and Harvey Phillips.
Fall rehearsals
Spring rehearsals
The Symphony Band is a fifty piece ensemble comprised of talented undergraduates who earn membership on the basis of audition. While the majority of members are music majors, the group also attracts talented musicians from across the campus. The group performs traditional and contemporary band repertoire that utilizes full instrumentation. Two campus concerts are given each semester.
The Symphony Band plays an integral role in the wind conducting curriculum by hosting guest conductors and participating in conducting workshops.
Boomer Campus Band (Spring only)
Sooner Campus Band (Spring only)
Membership is open to all students across the campus with previous instrumental experience, or for students who are majoring in music desiring an elective ensemble experience on a secondary instrument. Music majors not placed through auditions for the symphony orchestra, wind symphony, or symphony band are eligible to receive major ensemble credit while performing on their primary instrument.
Auditions are not required for the Campus Bands. Simply register and attend the first rehearsal in January. Instruments and lockers are available for rental.
