The Irondale way
ABOUT US: The Irondale Band Program includes over 250 students throughout 11 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. The Concert Ensembles serve as the heart of our band program, with a strong emphasis placed on developing individual technique, mature musicianship, and effective collaboration. Our pageantry art programs give students opportunities to extend and deepen their learning through audio-visual synthesis. The jazz ensembles and pit orchestra let students explore repertoire of different styles with their own unique challenges. With a variety of ensembles offered at Irondale, our performers have the choice to participate at the capacity that best suits their schedule and goals.
EXCELLENCE & ARTISTRY: 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 speaks to a collective consciousness, shines a light on our humanity, and reveals 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 capacity to lead successful and fulfilling lives. At Irondale we focus on developing the skills required to grow and mature our young adults through the naturally-occurring life lessons provided through the performing arts. 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 environment where students can take risks and discover who they are, focusing on the process of growth over a wide range of time rather than the end result within a specific moment of time. Through the daily challenges of life, we find our core values and grow together as a team, realizing we are stronger when we work together. We control our own destiny, and it is through personal responsibility, intentional practice, and choice that we achieve the ultimate goal: the 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. The Concert Ensembles serve as the heart of our band program, with a strong emphasis placed on developing individual technique, mature musicianship, and effective collaboration. Our pageantry art programs give students opportunities to extend and deepen their learning through audio-visual synthesis. The jazz ensembles and pit orchestra let students explore repertoire of different styles with their own unique challenges. With a variety of ensembles offered at Irondale, our performers have the choice to participate at the capacity that best suits their schedule and goals.
EXCELLENCE & ARTISTRY: 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 speaks to a collective consciousness, shines a light on our humanity, and reveals 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 capacity to lead successful and fulfilling lives. At Irondale we focus on developing the skills required to grow and mature our young adults through the naturally-occurring life lessons provided through the performing arts. 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 environment where students can take risks and discover who they are, focusing on the process of growth over a wide range of time rather than the end result within a specific moment of time. Through the daily challenges of life, we find our core values and grow together as a team, realizing we are stronger when we work together. We control our own destiny, and it is through personal responsibility, intentional practice, and choice that we achieve the ultimate goal: the pursuit of excellence. These skills extend beyond the band room and into our everyday lives.