About Oakmont-Overlook Marching Band

The Oakmont-Overlook Marching Spartans is more than just a band—it’s a family, a team, and a tradition of excellence. Open to students entering grades 7–12 at Oakmont and Overlook, this dynamic ensemble offers the chance to perform exciting music and visuals at competitions, halftime shows, parades, festivals, and more.

What We Do

From high-energy field shows to community parades, the Marching Spartans bring spirit and precision to every performance. Students develop both musical and visual skills through a variety of styles influenced by drum corps and traditional military marching bands.

What to Expect

Marching band is a big commitment—but an even bigger reward. Students rehearse throughout the summer and fall, including a mandatory week-long overnight band camp in August. The season includes:

• Weekly summer rehearsals

• A fun band camp in August

• Fall rehearsals and football game performances

• Competitions, parades, and festivals

• Sectionals and leadership development opportunities

• A strong culture of mentorship, where returning members guide and support first-year students

Join the band

Whether you’re a brass player, woodwind, percussionist, or guard member, there’s a place for you here. Auditions are held each spring for new and returning members, and all rookies are invited to a special Rookie Day to help them feel confident and prepared.

No experience is needed to join the program. Staff are on hand to teach students proper playing/performance techniques in all areas of the program (brass, woodwind, percussion, guard).

Fees for 2025/2026

We work hard to keep the Marching Spartans program affordable for all families. However, no student will be turned away because of financial hardship. Please contact a board member if you need financial support.

Annual Fee: $525 (includes band camp (overnight, all meals, etc.), show shirt, swag, and sectional sessions)
Rookie Packet: $135 (includes band jacket, shoe rental, fanny pack, and sling bag)
Guard Uniform: $160 (includes a customized guard uniform and flag rental)
Activity Fee: $285. Paid to AWRSD for bus services. This fee is waived if you qualify for free/reduced lunch.

Volunteering

The Marching Spartans wouldn’t be the program it is without the support of our amazing parent community.

There are many ways to get involved—no experience needed!
Here are just a few of the ways you can help:

• Build props

• Help move equipment on and off the field

• Chaperone at band camp and competitions

• Assist with uniforms—fittings, repairs,  organizing, washing t-shirts

• Organize a fundraising

• Help out at Band Camp 

If you’re interested in helping (even just once!), reach out to one of the board members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the Marching Spartans?

Any student entering grades 7–12 at Oakmont or Overlook is eligible to join. We welcome brass, woodwind, percussion, and color guard members of all experience levels.

What does my child need to bring to rehearsals?

Students should come dressed in athletic clothing and sneakers, and bring:

• Water bottle

• Instrument/equipment

• Music binder and dot book

• Pencil

• Positive attitude!

We also recommend sunscreen and a hat for outdoor rehearsals.

How much of a time commitment is marching band?

Marching band is a significant, but manageable, commitment. It includes summer rehearsals, band camp, weekly fall practices, and weekend performances. We provide the full schedule early and encourage families to plan ahead. Students learn valuable time-management skills along the way.

What is Band Camp, and is it required?

Band Camp is a one-week overnight camp in August (this year: August 11–16) where we learn the majority of the show and build our team. It’s a fun and intense week of rehearsals, bonding, and memories. Attendance is required unless there’s an emergency, and all absences must be approved by the Band Director.

Can my child participate in other school activities while doing marching band?

In many cases, yes! Students can often balance marching band with sports, clubs, and other commitments. We encourage open communication early in the season so we can work together to make it manageable.

How can parents get involved?

We love parent volunteers! From helping with uniforms and chaperoning events to fundraising and pit crew support, there are many ways to be involved through OOMPA (Oakmont-Overlook Music Parents Association). Reach out to one of the board members. We would love to talk to you.