Although a comparably young program, the Oliver Middle School Bands have already received numerous local, regional, state, and national awards. The bands have consistently received Superior ratings at MTSBOA adjudications as well as Solo and Ensemble Festival, and are 8-time recipients of the Tennessee Bandmasters Association Sweepstakes Award. The Oliver bands have qualified to perform at the Tennessee State Concert Festival each year as well. The bands have received awards for their performances at music festivals in Louisville, Pigeon Forge, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Cincinnati. The Wind Ensemble was recognized nationally as a National Commended Winner and State Winner in the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors Project (2009, 2010). The Wind Ensemble has had the honor to perform for the Tennessee Music Education Association, the National Middle School Association Conference as well as the National Band Association Conference. Most Recently, the band was invited & performed at the Music for All Southeastern Regional Band Festival in 2017 and was invited to perform at the College Band Directors National Association / National Band Association Conference in Tampa, FL in 2018.
Today, in its 12th school year, Oliver Middle School has an enrollment of over 900 students in grades 5-8, over 350 of which participate in the band program. The Oliver Band Program consists of four levels of performing ensembles: Beginning, Intermediate, Symphonic and Wind Ensemble along with the electives of Jazz Band and Percussion Ensemble. The program averages 20 performances throughout the school year in both school and community settings, raising awareness and support for the program. They also host two MTSBOA sanctioned Solo and Ensemble events in November and April.
Highlights from this past 2016-2017 school year include Performances at: MNPS Listen & Learn principals event, Country Music Association's One Million Dollar Check dedication with Kelsea Ballerini, Tennessee Music Education Association Conference, Music For All Southeastern Regional Festival in Atlanta Georgia, Guest Performer at The University of Alabama Honor Band, Music in the Parks Festival in Kentucky, and the St. Louis Heritage Music Festival, and local concerts throughout the year. The band also had preforming sessions with composers Rosano Gallante & Robert Sheldon.
All are welcome to come visit and check out the band facilities at any time.
