Providing a challenging, college-preparatory curriculum for young women over three centuries.
Band Program
Mount Notre Dame and Moeller: A Winning Combination
Band at MND is an academic elective which receives one credit per year and fulfills the State requirement for Fine Arts. Band class meets during the school day, and students may take band all four years at MND. All students in the class participate in public performances in conjunction with the members of the Moeller Band. This is one of the finest comprehensive music education programs in the area, with a reputation that is spreading beyond the Tri-state area.
In the fall students participate in the Moeller Marching Band. This group performs at football games and marching contests, and is recognized for its exciting performances. In recent years the marching band has performed at UC and Miami University football
games. This is also a great co-ed social activity, and Freshmen make many new friends before the school year starts, which eases the transition into high school.
After football season, our principal activity is concert band, known as the Symphonic Winds. This ensemble is featured on the Christmas and Spring Concerts and participates in the OMEA band contest. The symphonic winds have a growing reputation, having performed in Washington, D.C., Chicago, New York City, and Boston.
Other opportunities include the Jazz Band and Pep Band. Jazz Band is a select co- curricular ensemble that rehearses after school from October- April. The Jazz Band performs on all band concerts, and travels to jazz festivals throughout the Midwest. The pep band 
is optional and open to all members. This is a fun group that plays rock and pop music to add spirit to Moeller and MND basketball games.
Any student entering MND who has played a Band instrument in grade school/middle school is eligible to sign up for the Instrumental Music class. Students who do not yet play a band instrument, but wish to do so, are welcome to join. We can get you started with lessons on an instrument in the spring or summer so that in the fall you can participate to the fullest.
The band director for Mt. Notre Dame and Moeller is Mr. Bob Browning. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Browning at (513)792-3350, or e-mail at: bbrowning@moeller.org. Also, check out our website at www.moeller.org, then click on “Academics”, then “Departments” to find Music. We look forward to your participation next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much time is required outside of class?
A. Marching band season (late summer and fall) is our busiest time. We generally have evening practices the first couple weeks of June and then break for vacations in July. We have a “home” band camp at Moeller July 25-29, and “away” Band Camp will be held Aug 1-5 at Wright State University. Please notify us in advance of any conflicts and we will be flexible! Once school begins, we practice on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:00-5:00. We perform at all Moeller Varsity Football games, and participate in several marching band competitions. After marching season there are fewer after-school practices, so students are able to participate in Winter or Spring sports or other activities.
Q. What if I play a fall sport?
A. You can still take band as a class, and perform with the concert band. You will not be able to fully participate in marching band, however. Students need to make a commitment either to the marching band or to the sport by June 15. Students who intend on playing a fall sport do attend band practices in June. They will be excused from Band Camp and after school marching practices, but a
re more than welcome to come with us to contests and football games to perform in the stands.
Q. Can I still take a language and participate in Band?
A. Yes. The eight-class block schedule opens up many options for electives, especially in the 10th, 11thand 12thgrades. The easiest way is to take Global Perspectives as a summer class at MND and postpone Health to your Sophomore year, when you have more open slots in your schedule. Conversely, some students find it best to take Health and Global Perspectives their freshman year and wait until sophomore year to begin a language. This still allows for three years of a foreign language. Please talk to a guidance counselor and see Mr. Browning in the gym on course-selection night.
Q. What if I don’t play a band instrument, but would like to join the band?
A. Every year we have a student or two who start fresh on a band instrument. You will need to choose and purchase or rent an instrument (we can help) as soon as possible, and get started with a private instructor (we can recommend instructors). We can also have an older student provide extra help during summer rehearsals. How successful you will be depends on how hard you work.
If you have any other questions, please call Bob Browning at 792-3350, or email at bbrowning@moeller.org.
Thank you for your interest in Band at MND!