| With over 100 members, the Marching Band is the largest co-curricular activity at Ridgewood High School. With a well-earned reputation as one of the tri-state area’s finest marching bands, the Marching band combines precision, creativity, and physical fitness to achieve its goal of exceptional performance. Students develop aspects of leadership, discipline, and musicianship in a large group setting while performing at all home football games and at several competitions throughout the tri-state region, including an annual championship at Giants Stadium.
Students of all grade levels participate together in this activity, but freshmen receive the greatest benefit of membership. Unlike other programs at RHS, our newest members participate immediately to the same degree as veteran members. “Playing time” is not dependent upon ability or grade level - there is no “bench.” All marching band members receive a varsity letter in their first year of participation…and EVERYBODY plays in every performance. No audition is required, and members of any curricular music ensemble may participate.
Freshmen often comment on how the Marching Band helps the transition into high school both socially and academically, by providing a comfortable environment in which new friendships can be made and by providing positive junior and senior role models with whom they interact regularly.
The Marching Band includes parts for musicians who play brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments, Students who do not typically play an “outdoor” instrument (double reeds or strings) are encouraged to try a brass or percussion instrument and are given instruction so that they may participate. Students with an interest in dance and movement are encouraged to participate in the color guard.
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