| From the Parents:
One of the most interesting things about being a parent is that, through your children, you get to experience things you were not exposed to in your own life. Before last year, my own personal experience with marching bands was limited to watching my college band play at half-time during football games. So when I began my career as a first-year band parent, I could not possibly foresee the positive experience in store for my family. The season started with band camp, and it was interesting to see a change in my son's perspective. He left as an individual, but came back as part of a team; a group with very high expectations. As the year progressed, I couldn't help but get excited watching this group of talented young people build their routine, week-by-week, into a polished, professional program. And as the program grew, I wanted to be there to experience it firsthand. So I attended every competition (even though my son suggested I didn't need to). Simply put, I was hooked. I even missed the end of the Notre Dame-USC football game to watch the band play at a competition in Midland Park. Before last year, that would have been unthinkable...
Last year ended with a picture perfect performance in the final competition at Giants Stadium. I will always remember watching that show, hearing the crowd, and sensing the fantastic accomplishment - the culmination of a year long effort - achieved by the band and color guard. I have been directly involved with lots of sports, as both a player and coach. But I have NEVER seen anything that compares with the spirit, partnership and total commitment to excellence you get with the Ridgewood Marching Band. Last year, I learned firsthand that the marching band's "tradition of excellence" is real, and I am really looking forward to another great season in 2006.
-Steve Sonnick
Parent of Mark, trumpet, Class of 2009
I had heard that the RHS Band program was very good, but knew very little about the Marching Band. My son Jonathan was enjoying the saxophone in the 8th grade, but mainly saw himself as an athlete. He was extremely reluctant to join the Marching Band, and only did so after numerous calls from upperclassmen and the director. He went to Preseason having no friends with him at all. I spent the entire week expecting a phone call from him at any time requesting a quick return home.
When he did return home, Jonathan actually admitted to having had an “OK” time. To my surprise, as the season progressed in the fall of his freshman year, Jonathan began to talk about the amazing musicians involved in the program. His friends asked him how he knew so many people already as he walked through the halls of the high school during his first few weeks at the school. He found the precision required for marching in formation to be challenging and fun. He also found that he enjoyed playing in the stands at football games, as he liked the music and was able to watch all the games. We were particularly thrilled that he was surrounded by so many really good kids who were kept so busy on Saturday nights during competitions.
Gradually during Jonathan’s sophomore and junior years, his interest in improving his saxophone playing grew, and he was able to achieve recognition for his skills. I credit his Marching Band involvement with providing the camaraderie and leadership opportunities he needed to decide to work hard to become a better musician. Without question, Marching Band has contributed to my son’s growth as a more balanced, well-rounded, self-assured young man.
- Robin Kanen
Parent of Jonathan, saxophone, class of 2005
The Ridgewood High School Marching Band program personifies the African proverb, “It takes a whole village to raise a single child.” Our two sons were both participants in the RHS band program and were both given the opportunity to make new friends, assume leadership roles, work toward specific goals, and just have fun.
From Preseason to Giants Stadium competitions, band members work toward the clearly defined goal of the culminating competition. Band camp gives band members the opportunity to make friends as they work hard toward that goal. A large band succeeds only its members support one another, and this philosophy begins at band camp. For all the hard work that takes place at band camp, there are also planned group activities and time for band members to get to know one another. These social activities help form a bond among band members.
Bands require leaders. Both of our sons were given opportunities to assume leadership roles within the band. These experiences prepared them to do the same in their academic and professional lives. Participation in the band provides a wonderful opportunity for young men and women to grow. And that’s probably what the RHS Marching Band does best - help young men and women grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Both of our sons attended Ohio University. Our older son, David, is now an elementary school principal in Upper Saddle River, and our younger son, Adam, is a successful attorney.
- Alan and Farida Kaplan
Parents of David, horn, Class of 1993
and Adam, tuba, Class of 1995
My two daughters have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the RHS Marching Band. With the camaraderie established during six days of Preseason Training, they both began their freshman years knowing nearly 100 other students. It is unusual to meet so many other students in all four grades so early in the RHS experience. Marching Band enabled them to feel comfortable and to fit in from the outset at RHS. Their Marching Band experiences have improved their musicianship, afforded them leadership opportunities, and resulted in many strong friendships. They have developed a strong sense of discipline, hard work, teamwork, and tremendous time management skills.
Both of my daughters learned to play the mellophone for the Marching Band, a new instrument for each of them, while continuing to play their usual instruments in the curricular bands, thereby expanding their musical skills. My oldest daughter, who in eighth grade was hesitant to join the Marching Band, ironically went on to become the Drum Major, the top student leader and conductor of the Marching Band, in her senior year. My other daughter was not sure that she could march and play at the same time, yet went on to win an award for outstanding marching.
There are very few opportunities to participate directly with your child in their school-related activities once they leave elementary school. The Marching Band affords parents the opportunity to be directly involved with the students in chaperoning events, fund raising, and a myriad of other activities. Your child sees your involvement and understands how important it is. The best part of my Marching Band experience is that I have met and become very good friends with a number of wonderful parents that I would probably not have met otherwise.
- Mary Anne Zagroba
Parent of Maggie Zagroba, Drum Major,
RHS Class of 2003
and Elizabeth, flute, mellophone RHS Class of 2005
Marching Band is a family affair... students, parents and staff working together. For the students, Marching Band teaches life skills: discipline, stamina, perseverance, goal setting, striving for excellence, precision, camaraderie, competitiveness and leadership. After his graduation from RHS in 1995, our son continued his involvement at college. The highlight of his marching experience was being accepted as a member of the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps where all of his training at RHS was expanded and elevated to another level. Dan continues to use the skills learned at RHS in his present day career as an actuary.
For the parents, Marching Band is an opportunity to become involved in your child's high school years. There are numerous ways for parents to participate - as chaperones, volunteers, field crew, and even president of the Band Association. We got to attend football games, pick up flags on the field, ride on busses, plan pizza parties, and attend Preseason Training! We also were happy to meet other enthusiastic parents and develop lasting friendships. We thrilled at watching our son grow, not only in musicianship, but in self-esteem. We can see the positive effect and influence the music program has had on his life. We will always have fond memories of those days at RHS.
The band staff, comprised of great musicians and role models have led the RHS Band program to be recognized as one of the best in the state. The RHS Marching Band gave our son an opportunity to participate in an extracurricular activity, make new friends, gain in self-confidence, develop leadership skills, and have fun doing it. It is an opportunity of a lifetime and should not be missed.
Peter and Mary Lynn Post
Parents of Daniel, mellophone, RHS Class of 1995
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