MARCHING BAND
With about 100 members, the Marching Band is the largest co-curricular activity at Ridgewood High School, and has a well earned reputation as one of the tri-state areas finest marching bands. The marching band is the only group at RHS that uses a combination of precision, creativity, and physical fitness to achieve its goal of superior artistic performance. Through participation in rehearsals, performances, and team building activities, students develop aspects of leadership, discipline, and musicianship in a large group setting.
The RHS Marching Band is known for performing an innovative and eclectic selection of music on the field. Classical music, Broadway selections, American favorites, and jazz standards have all been part of the Marching Band's repertoire for home football games, parades, and competitions. Over the course of the season, the band works to perfect its musical performance while moving through intricate, choreographed drill patterns. The color guard adds visual impact to the performance through the use of flags, rifles, batons, sabers, and dance.
The Marching Band performs at numerous competitions throughout the tri-state area, including an annual competitive performance at MetLife Stadium, which is one of the highlights of the competition season. The band also performs at every home football game, playing popular music in the stands, having fun, and presenting the field show at halftime.
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. Musicians have the choice of being members of the brass, woodwind, or percussion sections. Those interested in dance can choose to audition for the color guard.
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.
2025 Registration materials
2025 Band Camp dates
Registration coming March 2025!
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RHSMB 2025 Registration Packet
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Registration ONLINE Payment Link
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Uniform Measurement Form (NEW MEMBERS ONLY)
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Athletic Physical Forms (scroll to the bottom)
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Band Camp @ RHS: August 11-15
Camp @ TimberLake: August 17-22
Post Camp @ RHS: Week of August 25 -TBD
Competition Schedule 2024
Saturday, September 28: USBands @ Ramsey HS
Saturday, October 5: USBands Marine Corps Invitational @ Navy-Marine Corps Stadium
Saturday, October 19: USBands @ Hillsborough HS
Saturday, October 26: ​USBands NJ State Championships @ TBD​​​
Sunday, November 3: USBands National Championships​ @ J Birney Crum Stadium
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For directions and other information about each competition, please use this link: www.usbands.org
RHSMB @ MetLife Stadium 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often does the Marching Band rehearse?
A: The Marching Band DOES NOT practice every day. There are three after school rehearsals during the week (M/W/F) with football games on Friday night and competition performances occurring on Saturdays. Our Regular rehearsal schedule begins on the first day of school and end Thanksgiving week.
Q: What will I get out of Marching Band?
A: Every person's contribution to vital to the success of the Marching Band. Because of this, band members often become a tightly knit group of friends regardless of grade. Musicians improve their playing abilities at an accelerated rate while color guard members learn the art of dance and movement.
Q: Can I still do other activities and be in the Marching Band?
A: Yes! With the Marching Band season ending in mid-November, members are not excluded from participating in other co-curricular or community activities. Many members participate in activities like winter and spring sports, the New Players theater company, and other musical ensembles.
Q: Can my parents get involved?
A: Parental involvement is the key to the success of the RHS Marching Band. The RHS Band Association provides an avenue for parents to become involved in a meaningful way by serving as chaperones, arranging activities and fundraisers, and supporting the band as enthusiastic audience members.
Q: How will the time commitment required for Marching Band affect my grades?
A: Most Marching Band members are top students on the honor roll and are enrolled in several AP and honors level classes. Members usually find that their grades are actually higher during the Marching Band season than at any other time in the school year.
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Q: What if I play an instrument that’s not offered in the RHSMB? What would I play in marching band?
A: There are many opportunities within the marching band. Opportunities include playing in the percussion section, Color Guard (if you have an interest in dance or spinning flags!), as well as learning a brand new instrument. We’ll teach you everything you need to know and no experience is needed! You can continue to play your primary instrument as part of a curricular ensemble (band, orchestra, choir during the school day).
