Instrumental Ensembles

 

Orchestra

Director: Mr. Timothy LaCrosse
The Bishop O'Connell String Orchestra has a longstanding tradition of excellence, consistently earning superior and excellent ratings at VBODA events as well as various festivals in New Orleans, New York City, Orlando, Montreal, and Boston, among others. The O'Connell String Orchestra strives to provide the highest quality musical experience for all students with the hopes of fostering a love of music that will extend well beyond the classroom. Members of the Orchestra are challenged to develop both strong individual skills and the necessary ensemble skills to ensure a polished performance. Students in this course form the representative string performing group for the school. Emphasis is placed on the sequential development of advanced technical, ensemble, and disciplinary skills necessary for refined rehearsal and performance both in and out of school. In order to receive credit for this course, students must meet the participation requirements. The requirements include rehearsals and performances both during the school day and after school hours.

Symphonic Band/Concert Band

Director: Mr. Ron Isaacson
Students who play wind and percussion instruments are urged to continue their musical development by participating in the Bishop O’Connell High School Symphonic and Concert Bands. The bands perform regularly in concerts, school events, and in the community.

Members of these bands extend their talents to additional instrumental groups such as the Pep Band, Jazz Band, Clarinet Choir, and various small ensembles who perform in a variety of community events.

These students take part in the District 12 events, including the District Honor’s Band, the District Band Assessment, and the Solo and Ensemble events. Annually, the music department travels to a Music Festival in the Spring to perform for collegiate level adjudicators. All musical ensembles perform during the festival, including the Concert/Symphonic Band.

Jazz Band

Director: Mr. Ron Isaacson
Being a member of the auditioned DJO Jazz Band at Bishop O’Connell High School is an honor. This group of highly-motivated musicians meets after-school as an academic class and is interested in performing high-quality, jazz/rock/popular music.

The Jazz Band performs regularly throughout the school year at school events -- open houses, pep rally and other school assemblies -- and in concerts both on-campus and in the community. The group is also a part of the Spring Music Festival event.