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In Tune With Learning
Music Education at ODA
At ODA, music is more than enrichment—it’s a foundation for lifelong learning.
Our music curriculum begins in the earliest stages of Lower School, from pre-K through grade 3, supporting development through creativity, expression, and foundational skill-building. As students grow, they’re encouraged to explore the arts more deeply and begin to specialize in the musical disciplines that resonate most with their interests and talents.
Learn how our music curriculum evolves across each division by exploring our Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School curriculum guides.
Crafting an Immersive Music Experience
From grades 4 through 12, rich, hands-on opportunities bring music to life—through ensemble playing, composition, and performance in band, choir, or orchestra. This immersive approach deepens students’ skills, nurtures their creativity, and encourages meaningful engagement with the art of music.
Band
With each note, the Band brings rhythm and energy, fostering a dynamic environment where students master their instruments, explore diverse musical styles, and create high-energy performances.
In Lower School, students discover instruments and foundational skills through engaging in-class electives. In Middle School, they deepen their technique, musical understanding, and ensemble experience through a structured curriculum and performance opportunities. By Upper School, students pursue their craft with intention—exploring advanced repertoire, solo work, and leadership roles that extend beyond the classroom—emerging as confident, expressive musicians.
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The Path to Mastery
Pep Band
The Out-of-Door Academy Pep Band is more than a collection of musicians—it is the driving pulse of school spirit and pride. Reigniting tradition at Homecoming 2024 with the triumphant return of both the band and the iconic ODA fight song, Roll on Thunder, this spirited ensemble has reestablished itself as a core part of campus life.
Open to passionate Middle and Upper School student musicians, the pep band welcomes those with strong rhythmic precision, ensemble awareness, and the energy to electrify every performance. Together, they fuel the Thunder spirit, transforming each appearance into a celebration of community, tradition, and the unifying power of music.
Jazz Ensemble
The ODA Jazz Ensemble cultivates musical excellence, creativity, and collaboration through the study and performance of jazz. As a group, students deepen their understanding of improvisation, ensemble dynamics, and jazz history while developing the confidence and discipline that come from live performance. The ensemble serves as both a learning environment and a platform for artistic expression, encouraging students to connect with each other and their community through music.
Each year, this journey culminates in Jazz Under the Stars, a signature performance held at Waterside Park in Lakewood Ranch. This highly anticipated event showcases the ensemble’s hard work and growth, bringing together families, educators, and neighbors for an evening of soulful rhythms and vibrant melodies. With the sounds of brass, percussion, electric guitar, and keyboard set against a sunset backdrop, Jazz Under the Stars transforms the park into a celebration of talent, dedication, and the enduring spirit of jazz.
Percussion Ensemble
The Percussion Ensemble is a high-energy group that brings rhythm to life through powerful drumming. As an extension of the Pep Band, the ensemble plays a key role in energizing school events, fueling school spirit, and amplifying the crowd’s excitement. With a focus on timing, precision, and teamwork, the members craft dynamic beats that are as impactful as they are exciting.
Choir
ODA voices unite in the choir, where students refine their vocal skills and bring music to life through expressive performances.
In Lower School, students build foundational skills through fun choral experiences. In Middle School, they refine their techniques and harmonies while exploring diverse musical styles. By Upper School, students deepen their craft with advanced vocal training, ensemble work, and opportunities to perform beyond the classroom, including auditions for select groups and solo performances.
The Path to Mastery
Advanced Choir
Advanced Choir is a group of highly skilled vocal artists whose dedication and artistry shine through in every performance. With a diverse repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary, these students consistently earn Excellent and Superior ratings at state Music Performance Assessments, showcasing their mastery of vocal technique, harmony, and expression. Their performances, filled with passion and precision, not only captivate audiences but also inspire a tradition of excellence within the school community.
Orchestra
Students master the intricacies of string instruments while immersing themselves in rich, nuanced repertoire that highlights the depth and elegance of orchestral music.
In Lower School, students focus on learning proper posture, fingering, and basic note reading. As students move into Middle School, their technical abilities grow, and they perform increasingly diverse repertoire, sharing their music with the community through regular concerts. In Upper School, the focus shifts to advanced techniques and leadership, with students taking on more responsibility in ensemble performances. Across all grade levels, the orchestra fosters a strong sense of service, providing students with opportunities to give back to their community through the power of music.
The Path to Mastery
Advanced Strings Ensemble
Available to Middle and Upper School students dedicated to mastering the art of orchestral performance, the Advanced Strings Ensemble cultivates technical excellence, expressive musicality, and a deep commitment to ensemble collaboration. These students possess advanced sight-reading skills, nuanced interpretive abilities, and a disciplined approach to practice—often developed through years of private instruction and participation in prestigious programs such as the Sarasota Youth Orchestra.
The ensemble explores a rich and challenging repertoire, from classical works to cinematic scores, and shares their artistry through performances that serve both community enrichment and meaningful service. Many members aim for high achievement in Orchestra Musical Performance Assessments, viewing excellence not just as a goal, but as a responsibility to their craft and audience.
Keep Exploring
Contact Us
Historic Siesta Key Campus - Lower Schools Directions 941-349-3223
Lower School Campus on Clark Road - Lower Schools Directions 941-349-3223
Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch - Middle & Upper Schools Directions 941-349-3223