Band Director Bio
Matt Gilman is in his eighth year as Director of Bands for the Ontario School District, and his nineteenth year in the district. He taught previously in Provo, Utah, and in Nyssa, Oregon.
Mr. Gilman is originally from Smithfield, Utah. He holds a BA Degree in Music Education, with a Minor in Finnish, from Utah State University, and he earned a MMus. in Conducting from the American Band College (Southern Oregon University). His major instrument is Clarinet, and he has performed with The 25th Army Band (IDARNG), Salt Lake Symphonic Winds, and most recently, the Treasure Valley Concert Band. He has performed as a soloist with the Treasure Valley Symphony and the Fruitland High School Band.
Bands at Ontario High School
The mission of the Ontario High School Band is to achieve high standards of music education and music performance. The OHS Band facilitates the musical enrichment of the student membership of both the High School and feeder schools and promotes the place and value of music in our community. Band participation plays a significant role in the cultural, intellectual, and social lives of young adults, fosters fellowship and goodwill among its members, as well as provides its members with opportunities for personal growth and leadership.
Band students are involved in many other things at OHS in addition to Band. Band members play sports, including football, basketball, wrestling, track and field, tennis, and baseball. They sing in Choir and perform on stage with the Theatre Ensemble. They are involved in clubs such as National Honor Society (NHS), Future Hispanic Leaders of America (FHLA), and FFA. Band members are involved with student body leadership and can be seen helping to build the image of OHS in the Community. There is a place for everyone in the OHS Band!
Tiger Marching Band
The most visible of any performing group at OHS, The Tiger Marching Band kicks off the year a week before school begins by preparing a field show, usually of popular or familiar tunes and accompanying visual drill, that is performed for OHS home football games, as well as local competitions. Marching Band meets during Fall Trimester, and there are plenty of opportunities for student leadership during this time of the year.
In 2019, the band has a successful season with its show entitled "Styx n Stones." The Tiger Band placed in the top three in each of its competitions in its division and received caption awards for outstanding visual performance, and outstanding music performance.
Jazz Band
Ontario High School used to be well-known for its Jazz Band. It was eliminated in 2010, but has made a comeback in 2019. Currently, Jazz Band is taught 5th period and is a place for the best concert and marching band students who want to explore music performance in a different way. Emphasis is placed on learning how to play stylistically correct, as well as on improvisation. The Jazz Band also serves as the Basketball band at OHS.
Concurrent enrollment in Marching or Concert Band is required in order to play in Jazz Band. Jazz Band meets each trimester
Concert Band
The Concert Band at Ontario High School is the flagship performing ensemble in the instrumental music program. In Concert Band, students gain fundamental skills that will allow them to become more artistically expressive, and that will carry over into other facets of performing. This band prepares music for festivals and concert performances in late Winter and Spring. If the band scores high enough at district festivals in March, the Band could qualify for the State Contest in Corvallis at OSU.