Oliver Middle School Band

Susan Waters, Director

Oliver Middle School opened its doors in August of 2004 with only 12 classrooms completed. A science lab served as a makeshift cafeteria, the library consisted of a few reference books on a rolling cart, and the remainder of the building, including the band room was still a "hard hat" construction area. The band began with 7 students on opening day and quickly grew to 95 members by Labor Day. All of these students had rehearsal in a regular classroom adjacent to a stairwell where jack-hammering and other construction noises became a daily part of the music curriculum. The band worked very diligently under these conditions and was so thrilled when the "real" band room finally opened the first week in December.

Today,  the Oliver Band Program consists of three levels of performing ensembles: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. The band program is a large part of the overall school climate. The Oliver Band Program, even as young as it is, has already received numerous local, regional and state awards. The band has received straight superior ratings at MTSBOA Concert Festival, 243 Superior medals at Solo and Ensemble Festival and the Grand Champion Concert Band Award at the Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom Music Festival, and the Tennessee Bandmasters Sweepstakes Award.

Oliver Middle School is located in the Overton High School cluster and our students become part of their marching band program. Presently, the Overton High School Band director and her staff provide instructional support to our intermediate band classes.