Harvard OCTAVE

WHAT IS HARVARD OCTAVE?

Harvard OCTAVE is a community performing arts organization consisting of a concert band, chorale, and string orchestra. The organization was founded in 2023 by Tony Kelley and now consists of over 60 members.

HISTORY

Harvard OCTAVE opened it's doors in May of 2023 when founder Tony Kelley had a vision to assemble a clarinet ensemble in preparation for the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest the following spring. After assembling a group of 6 clarinets, Tony ordered the ensemble piece he had chosen since the beginning. During this process, several other people of various instrumentation asked to join because they don't get many opportunities to play during the summer months. Tony had to turn them down being that his was an ensemble only for clarinets. When the music arrived, he came to the realization that he has accidentally ordered the saxophone ensemble version rather than the clarinet ensemble. At this point, he felt it was fair to invite all other instruments to join the ensemble. Just after their first rehearsal, they received an invite to participate in the Milk Days Talent Show, so of course they accepted.

After performing in the talent show, Tony received many other invitations to perform. One of which being the Greater Harvard Historical Society. They later performed at the society and the history of the old Harvard City Band was explained to the audience members. After the performance, Tony received many comments stating that the ensemble should become the new city band. At this point, Tony joined forces with co-directors Ari and Christie Schiller. Together, they built the new city band, now known as Harvard OCTAVE.

After 2 years of concert band performances, Tony met with local music veterans Janet Gaffney and Katie Chivari. Together, they assembled a new chorale and string orchestra. Twice per year, they combine as the Harvard OCTAVE Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor and artistic director Tony Kelley.

DUTIES AS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

MUSICAL DUTIES

Choose music suitable for all performers within the ensembles
Assign parts (such as Clarinet 1 or 2, Trumpet 1 or 2, etc.) to all performers within the ensembles
Rewrite parts if necessary, which requires extensive music theory knowledge
Plan, structure, and lead concert band rehearsals
Conduct all performers, which requires extensive conducting knowledge
Rehearse and teach individual parts to performers if necessary

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

Create all promotional material for the organization using the Adobe suite
- This includes but is not limited to business cards, flyers, concert programs, name plates, venue signage, social media content, banners, postcards, stickers, t-shirts, etc.
Photograph rehearsals and performances for said promotional materials
Manage box office and member registration systems via Ludus Ticketing
Send and recieve communication with the public, other organizations, and families of performers
Negotiate sponsorship opportunities with local businesses
Inventory organization owned instruments and sheet music via asset management
Manage recruitment events to gain public interest for the organization