For many high school students, continuing their band career in college is a dream they believe they cannot make true. The Oklahoma Christian University symphonic band wants to prove this notion wrong.
High school students from across the state will play with the Oklahoma Christian symphonic band during a concert on Thursday, Nov. 7. However, putting together a concert with multiple bands requires practice. Students are also invited to visit campus and practice with the symphonic band before the concert.
Scott Filleman, director of instrumental ensembles at Oklahoma Christian, leads the symphonic band and originated the collaborative concert between high school and college musicians. The concert is open to all performers with no auditions, Filleman said.
Filleman said his goal in hosting an open concert is to show high students they can continue playing in band throughout college.
“Coming out of high school bands, many members do not believe they are good enough to play in college—even some of my All-State [students],” Filleman said. “Well, [they] are. Where do you think everyone else came from?”
Filleman emphasizes the accessibility of band to high school students.
“I want to invite high schoolers of all levels—1A to 6—-to come in and see what it is like to prepare a concert in a short time, because you can do it,” Filleman said. “See what it is like to play in a group where you do not necessarily have to prepare for a whole semester. You do have the skillset for this. I am hoping to bring accessibility to college-level playing to high school students.”
Twenty-seven students from nine high schools and various homeschool bands will play in the concert. Filleman said he hopes the open concert will encourage students to pursue a future in music, despite their major, and potentially attract new musicians to Oklahoma Christian.
“My advice to students is to not give up on band, [even if it is] not something you want to major in,” Filleman said. “If you want to major in it, this university offers one of the best music degrees in the region. It is Oklahoma’s best kept secret. However, Oklahoma Christian offers opportunities for both music majors and nonmajors.”
Filleman said he believes the open concert will also benefit current symphonic band members.
“Students will be getting experience to play in a big band again,” Filleman said. “That is just fun. It is an enjoyable experience. For music education majors, it will give them the chance to interact directly with high schoolers on an ongoing basis. We are working with high schoolers over the course of two weeks and getting to know them. It is an opportunity to work on their craft.”
Senior Jazmin Snyder, a biology major who plays clarinet in the symphonic band, encourages both music majors and nonmajors to join band in college.
“Students should definitely be a part of band in college because it is a much different atmosphere than high school,” Snyder said. “It’s a break away from classes and much less stressful. You rehearse to perform for the school and not prepare for a contest.”
In addition, Snyder said she hopes the students playing with the symphonic band learn from their example.
“I’m looking forward to meeting high school students and showing them that college level band is worth it,” Snyder said. “We all had a choice of being a part of band, so we are really dedicated.”
The free, open concert will occur on Thursday, Nov. 7, in Judd Theatre. The concert will also be live-streamed.
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