Program Opportunities

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Expectations, Requirements, & Grades

Program Opportunities
Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band

Jazz Ensembles

Percussion Ensembles

Marching Band

Winter Guard / Twirlers

Performance Calendar

Rehearsal Calendar

Staff

Fundraising

Band Parents Association

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Curricular Ensembles

The goals of the band program include individual development, ensemble development, aesthetic awareness, and public performance. The various bands are all courses that satisfy both the Essential Skills and Fine Arts requirements. Students registering for these performance classes must perform a placement audition prior to registration. Calendars of rehearsals, performances, and special events are published on this web site. The student accepts the in-school and out-of-school obligations of participation as integral components of their experience in the study of music. There are numerous co-curricular opportunities open to students registered in music performance. These opportunities include chamber music ensembles, jazz ensemble, pit orchestra for musical productions, selected outside ensembles, and education travel. The band program at Ridgewood High School offers student significant music making experiences through a sequential training program. All members of the Band program are encouraged to participate in Marching Band as an integral part of the total Band experience. Upon graduation, students are prepared for membership in college level ensembles.

Ridgewood High School Course Catalog

Curricular Ensembles

Symphonic Band - Focus on developing skills in rhythm, pitch, balance; use of method books, exercises, and appropriate concert selections (Level 2.5 to 3).
Concert Band - Now meeting in two equal sections (Periods 3 and 5). Emphasis on developing technical ability, characteristic tonality, and knowledge of phrasing. Concert selections are of an intermediate level (3 to 4.5). Members may audition for Symphonic Orchestra.
Wind Ensemble - Emphasis on developing musical maturity appropriate to college and professional music literature (Level 5 and 6). Students are encouraged to audition for Maroon and White Recitals and County / Regional Bands. Members may audition for Chamber Orchestra.

Co-curricular Ensembles and Related Groups

Marching Band - Largest student activity at RHS with over 100 members. Students develop aspects of leadership, discipline, and musicianship in a large group setting. Perform at all home football games and at several competitions.
Jazz Ensembles - Membership by audition in November with standard instrumentation. Both the Big Band, our top jazz ensemble, and the RHS Jazz Lab, for less experienced jazz musicians, rehearse on Tuesday evenings. Both groups have many performances throughout the spring including the annual International Association for Jazz Education State Championships.
Percussion Ensemble - Membership by audition in November. Open to percussionists and non-percussionists. Rehearses on Tuesday afternoons with several performances in the spring, including performances off campus.
Small Ensembles - Membership based upon student interest; auditions for brass and woodwind quintets. Performances at Downtown for the Holidays, Small Ensemble Concert, Elementary School Tour and by request. These ensembles are student run and rehearsals are determined by the students.
Winter Colorguard - Membership by audition in early December. Rehearses on Wednesday afternoons, and Saturday mornings. A detailed rehearsal/competition schedule will be distributed at the first rehearsal. Several performances at local and regional competitions.
Winter Twirlers - No audition necessary. Begins in January. Rehearses on Monday afternoons with performances at local and regional competitions.
Pit Orchestra - Membership by audition in December. Rehearses weekly and more frequently prior to musical production weekend. Performs for the New Players Company musical production.

Find out about opportunities for Honor Ensembles outside of RHS Here