About Us + Our Philosophy
ABOUT US: The Irondale Band Program includes over 250 students throughout 11 different performing arts groups including four concert ensembles, two jazz bands, pit orchestra, marching band, winter drumline, and three winter guards. The program is under the direction of Dr. CJ Longabaugh, who is serving his fifth year as the Director of Bands.
A PHILOSOPHY OF MUSIC: Irondale Bands has a commitment to excellence and artistry in everything we do. Whether it is on the concert stage, on the football field, or in the arena, we strive to move our audiences through the power of music and movement. The Concert Ensembles serve as the heart of our band program, with a strong emphasis placed on developing individual technique and musicianship. Our pageantry art programs give students opportunities to extend and deepen their learning through audio-visual synthesis. The jazz ensembles and pit orchestra allow students the chance to explore repertoire of different styles with their own unique challenges. With a number of ensembles offered to students here at Irondale, our musicians choose to participate at the capacity that best suits their schedule. In every ensemble we commit ourselves to excellence in everything we do.
EXCELLENCE IS EVERYTHING: We believe our staff has a responsibility to provide first-rate instruction for students in every ensemble, and in turn we believe our students have a responsibility to connect with their audience by creating memorable musical experiences through technical and expressive mastery. Music has the ability to change our lives because it brings people together, shines a light on our humanity, and allows us to appreciate the dualities of life: tension and release, dissonance and consonance, thinking and feeling, among others. Through discipline, teamwork, and respect, we strive to demonstrate our commitment to creating meaningful art, positively impacting others, and being a part of something greater than ourselves.
BAND TEACHES US ABOUT LIFE: All students have the opportunity to be successful in life, and we focus on developing the skills required to achieve that success through band here at Irondale High School. Students learn to be on time, to be prepared, to demonstrate respect, and to give it their very best at every rehearsal and performance. The staff provides a learning environment where students can take risks and discover who they are, focusing on the process of growth over a range of time rather than the end result within a specific moment of time. Through these daily challenges, we find our core values and grow together as a team. We control our own destiny, and it is through personal responsibility, intentional practice, and choice that we achieve the goals within our pursuit of excellence. These skills extend beyond the band room and into our everyday lives.
A PHILOSOPHY OF MUSIC: Irondale Bands has a commitment to excellence and artistry in everything we do. Whether it is on the concert stage, on the football field, or in the arena, we strive to move our audiences through the power of music and movement. The Concert Ensembles serve as the heart of our band program, with a strong emphasis placed on developing individual technique and musicianship. Our pageantry art programs give students opportunities to extend and deepen their learning through audio-visual synthesis. The jazz ensembles and pit orchestra allow students the chance to explore repertoire of different styles with their own unique challenges. With a number of ensembles offered to students here at Irondale, our musicians choose to participate at the capacity that best suits their schedule. In every ensemble we commit ourselves to excellence in everything we do.
EXCELLENCE IS EVERYTHING: We believe our staff has a responsibility to provide first-rate instruction for students in every ensemble, and in turn we believe our students have a responsibility to connect with their audience by creating memorable musical experiences through technical and expressive mastery. Music has the ability to change our lives because it brings people together, shines a light on our humanity, and allows us to appreciate the dualities of life: tension and release, dissonance and consonance, thinking and feeling, among others. Through discipline, teamwork, and respect, we strive to demonstrate our commitment to creating meaningful art, positively impacting others, and being a part of something greater than ourselves.
BAND TEACHES US ABOUT LIFE: All students have the opportunity to be successful in life, and we focus on developing the skills required to achieve that success through band here at Irondale High School. Students learn to be on time, to be prepared, to demonstrate respect, and to give it their very best at every rehearsal and performance. The staff provides a learning environment where students can take risks and discover who they are, focusing on the process of growth over a range of time rather than the end result within a specific moment of time. Through these daily challenges, we find our core values and grow together as a team. We control our own destiny, and it is through personal responsibility, intentional practice, and choice that we achieve the goals within our pursuit of excellence. These skills extend beyond the band room and into our everyday lives.