The Oak Park High School Band came into existence in late August, 1965, a brand new band in a brand new building. The band was under the direction James W. Chandler, veteran musician in the NKC district and former member of the "President's Own" United States Navy Band, Washington, D. C., a French Horn player and graduate Navy School of Music, class No. 1.

 It was during Mr. Chandler's tenure that "Big Bertha" was acquired, a giant of a bass drum, constructed and given to the band by Mr. Lynn Allen. "Big Bertha" has had a storied history itself, in its early years appearing in every pre-game and half time show, and numerous parades. It was while being transported to an American Royal Parade in late 70's, in the back of an open pickup truck, it became "airborne" careening, twisting, bouncing and rolling down I-29 at 60 miles per hour. It took three pickup loads to haul the pieces back to Oak Park where it languished several years until it was restored by Mr. Allen and rededicated to the Marching Northmen in a ceremony in the courtyard in 1983. It is now used only for parades.

Mr. Alan Moon, a graduate of Oak Park and former student of Mr. Chandler, assumed the duties of directing the band upon Mr. Chandler's retirement in 1977. During Mr. Moon's tenure the band made its first appearance at the District Music Festival, earning its first I rating, beginning a long tradition of being awarded Superior or Excellent ratings. Mr. Alan Moon resigned at the end of the 1980-81 academic year.

Mr. Patrick White became the band director in 1981. During his time the band made its first out-of-state tour, to Colorado in the summer of 1983. The band subsequently toured Colorado four more times, as well as a trip to participate in the Disney Magic Music Days with the North Kansas City HS band in 1988. In 1994, the band secured an invitation to participate in the Calgary Exhibition and Parade Festivities, a ten day trip that included performances at 12 different venues as well as a parade appearance in Mitchell, SD on the return to Kansas City.

Upon the retirement of Mr. White in 1997, Ms. Ann Goodwin made her way up from Nevada, Missouri as our Director of Bands for one year. She inspired all with her wisdom, charisma, and musical direction. However, her tenure at OP was short-lived.

During the summer of 1998, a significant remodeling project occurred in the OPHS band room. The permanent risers and floor tiles were removed to create more practical usage of space. The floor was carpeted and storage cabinets were along three walls. The ‘small’ music library was moved to one of the practice rooms (still allowing for small ensembles to rehearse), and the wall was removed between the music office and the “old” library. Now, the office is big enough to accommodate four teacher’s desks and a computer station.

In 1998, Mr. Danny Watring took over the position along with new associate director, Mr. Chuck Moore. Together, they worked toward creating two, separate but equal, concert bands. One year later, a ‘select’ Symphonic Band and a Concert Band were born. The Concert Band chose to participate in the Missouri State Evaluative Music Festival for the first ever. They have done the same every year since, and received their first I-rating in the year 2003!

In 1999, The Marching Northmen were chosen to represent Clay County at the rededication ceremonies of Kansas City’s historical Union Station. Only five bands were chosen from the Kansas City area.

In the fall of 2001-a tragic season that we will never forget, the Marching Northmen’s halftime show was entitled “1945” and highlighted songs like Sing, Sing,Sing, Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy, and Moonlight Serenade. Ironically, however, is that the closing two numbers, were “Taps” and “God Bless America”. Organized back in August to close the show with the unfurling of a 20x10 yard patriotic flag, the Marching Northmen’s first home performance of the season was on Thursday, September 13th-only two days after this great American tragedy had struck, and, our own government officials stopped their bipartisan ways, and collectively began singing “God Bless America”!

In 2000, a combined concert band was formed to perform in the Heritage Music Festival in Chicago, Illinois. In 2003, both the Concert and Symphonic Bands, and the Winter Guard traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Adjudicator’s Invitational - sponsored by Dixie Festivals. The Concert Band received an “Excellent” award, and the Winter Guard and Symphonic Band received “Superior” Awards.

Band Directors at Oak Park High School:

James W. Chandler 1965-1976
W. Alan Moon 1976-1981
J. Patrick White 1981-1997
Ann Goodwin 1997-1998
Danny Watring 1998 - 2006    
Eddie Owen  2006- present