The Marching Lions are the combined forces of all three concert ensembles (Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble), the Instrumental Technique Class and our Color Guard. With an annual membership of over 160 members, the Marching Lions are a musical marching unit organized to provide entertainment for football games, pep rallies, band festivals, parades and concerts. It is an integral part of instrumental music education at Oviedo High School. Membership requires total dedication, maximum effort and involvement in all aspects of marching, playing and performance.

The Guard is the visual and dance group that greatly enhances performances of the Oviedo Marching Lions. Members learn from skilled instructors in the area of dance, rifle, saber, and flag. Members of the Guard are also members of the Oviedo Marching Lions and take part in all performances and rehearsals. Membership requires total dedication, maximum effort and involvement in all aspects of marching, spinning and performing.

 In addition to performing with the Band, the Guard performs independently in the winter and spring. Known as the Winter Guard, this ensemble performs at various venues and competes against other High School Color Guards via WGI (Winter Guard International) competitions.

The Concert Band is open to all students. Made up of a wide arrangement of instruments, the concert band studies both standard wind band repertoire and chamber pieces. This course is designed to provide specific instruction to meet the individual musical needs of each student. Private study is strongly encouraged. Along with participation in the marching band during the fall season, possible after school rehearsals during the Spring Semester, given ample notice, are required aspects of the student’s grade. Concert Band students must pass an audition successfully to move on to Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble.

The Symphonic Band is a select group of individuals with specific instrumentation. Membership is by audition only. This band consists of modern wind band instrumentation and provides instruction in common-practice period and twentieth century wind literature and transcriptions. The Symphonic Band meets (for credit) throughout the entire year and perform several concerts and festivals each year. Private study is strongly encouraged. Along with participation in the marching band during the fall season, possible after school rehearsals during the Spring Semester, given ample notice, are required aspects of the student’s grade. Symphonic Band students must pass an audition successfully to move on to Wind Ensemble.

The Wind Ensemble is a select group of individuals with select instrumentation. Membership is by audition only. The repertoire of the ensemble is extensive. Private study is expected of members of the ensemble. The Wind Ensemble is a class that meets (for credit) throughout the entire year and performs several concerts and festivals each year. Along with participation in the marching band during the fall season, possible after school rehearsals during the Spring Semester, given ample notice, are required aspects of the student’s grade. Juniors and seniors, taking Band V and VI will receive honors credit.

The Jazz Band is a select group of individuals with select instrumentation. Membership is by audition only and is restricted to trumpets, saxophones, trombones, drum set, piano, bass, and guitar. The Jazz Band class is full credit class and meets for the entire academic year. The Jazz Band will perform at several concerts and community events as well as prepare for the FBA Music Performance Assessment (MPA), Winter Showcase and our annual Spring Showcase.