The band department of FPD has a developmental perspective at each of its four levels. It is our desire to instruct students to effectively play an instrument for both concert and small group or solo settings. Throughout these various levels, students are taught to offer their talents to the Lord. Our students present Christmas and spring concerts and also perform off-campus for festivals and other competitions. Our four band levels are:
 Introductory level
Exploratory Band--Fourth Grade
All fourth grade students study recorder to learn basic pitches, rhythms, fingerings and relationships to notes on the staff. In addition, we offer a specially designed class that meets once a week to introduce these students to the world of band instrumentation. Exploratory Band is a foundational level course designed to help students assess their interest and proclivity in playing a musical instrument. Emphasis is placed on learning essential rhythms, hands-on attempts at playing instruments and familiarity with the families of instruments. Students learn to keep a steady beat, read notes on the musical staff and count basic rhythms. By the conclusion of the course, students will know whether or not they will continue on to Beginning Band and if so, what instrument they will play.
Entry level
Beginning Band--Fifth Grade
This yearlong class meets three times per week for forty minutes each period. Emphasis is placed on the reading of rhythms and pitches, learning essential hand positions and fingerings and coordinating these with the reading of musical scores. Articulation, tonal formation, musical expression and cooperative group dynamics are stressed. Regular practice and concerts enhance the discipline of playing a musical instrument. A friendly group atmosphere is stressed even as students diligently focus upon their chosen instrument.
 Intermediate level
Middle School Band--Sixth Grade
Middle School band is designed to help students make the transition from an elementary level of playing to an intermediate mode. This expanded course builds upon the foundations of basic rhythms, hand positions and fingerings, by increased challenges in musical scoring and expectations. Articulation, tonal formation, musical expression and cooperative group dynamics are developed. Occasional sectional rehearsals provide opportunity to hone skills and encourage students. Regular practice and concerts enhance the discipline of a musical group and develop the ability of each student. Initial marching experience with the Marching Band includes performances at Homecoming and at least one other home football game. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in regional GMEA events. Seventh graders who have not had previous band experience are also welcome to join this group.
Upper Intermediate level
Marching/Concert Band--7th-12th Grades
This band participates in football halftime shows in the fall, in winter and spring concerts and in competitions both individually and corporately throughout the year. Marching/Concert Band is designed for upper intermediate musicians who desire to improve their musicianship and flourish within the context of a musical group. Review of basic articulation, musical expressions and rudimentary percussive techniques are integrated into rehearsals as musical scores become the curriculum. Strong emphasis on the knowledge of major and minor scales is stressed. The entire group meets daily and for one week of Marching Band camp in the summer. In addition, students remain after school two days per week to perfect their fall halftime show. Band events throughout the year include football games, marching festivals, GISA festivals, UGA band programs, GMEA honor bands, FPDS spring musical pit orchestra, jazz band and many other events, Ultimately, this program is designed to be preparatory both for students who simply want to enjoy music throughout their lives and for those who desire to pursue a career in music.
Band Director & Fine Arts Chairman
Otto Reitnauer
oreitnauer@fpdmacon.org
Otto, the Director of Fine Arts at FPD, comes to the school with a wide background in music and the arts. Originally from western New York, he was a piano student of the late Irene Conderman from Eastman Music School in Rochester, New York. Also beginning in his early years with choral singing and clarinet playing, he participated in a wide variety of choral and band festivals, instrumental recitals and musical programs throughout his childhood.
As a college student, Otto graduated with high honors from Baptist Bible College of Pennsylvania in 1980, earning a Bachelor of Church Music degree with a concentration in applied piano performance. While in college, Otto met his future wife, Lori. They were married in 1981 and now have three sons, Jonathan, Jared and Joshua. After teaching in a Christian school in Alabama and ministering as a music/youth pastor in Michigan, Otto and Lori spent nine months in the Philippines assisting the development of music and discipleship programs in the churches of Mindanao.
Later, they continued in church ministry in Florida as Otto pursued graduate studies at Tampa Bay Theological Seminary. In 1994, they relocated to Columbia, SC to complete his graduate work at Columbia International University. Otto graduated with highest honors in 1995, earning an M.A. in intercultural studies. This discipline he has applied to the fields of ethnomusicology and other interdisciplinary studies of the arts. In addition, during this period, he served as an interim music minister in three churches, providing musical, dramatic and administrative oversight to their programs. Since 1998 until recently, he was the Pastor of Music and Worship at a large church in southwestern Connecticut. In August, 2001, Otto assumed his new position here at FPD, directing the various band programs and giving general oversight to the entire administrative aspect of the Fine Arts programs.
Otto sings, composes and arranges worship, choral and instrumental music, and plays the piano, organ, guitar and clarinet. In 1988 his first recording, Piano Reflections, a compilation of personally arranged hymns, was released. In addition, he has traveled worldwide in concert ministry both as a soloist and accompanist.
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