Wind Ensemble Rock Ridge High School

 

The Wind Ensemble is comprised of students who play woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments who also participate in marching band at Rock Ridge HS. Students occasionally work with professional clinicians during the concert/marching season to gain deeper understanding of the skills necessary to perform at a high level.  This is our most rigourous and advanced course; participation in the co-curricular marching band, graduation performance, after school rehearsals, attend the full August rehearsals, and concerts are a expectation at Rock Ridge HS. All students in our Wind Ensemble must also participate in marching band, If a student does not wish to march they are placed by audition into our Symphonic or Concert Band.  

 

        Concerts will be yearly During the second week of November, the second Thursday of Febuary, the first weekend of March and the third Thursday of May as well as the graduation ceremony.  

 

This will allow planing so no conflicts arise. We will rehearse 2-3 days 2 weeks prior to the concert. All dates are posted in the band room, available on charms/website and on the monthly calendar.   State assessment is set by VBODA but is the first or second weekend in March every year, and is required. Students are required to be at rehearsals and concerts. We also have saturday rehearsals that are required on occasion and are listed. Please note this group is by placement by the band director only, and participation in the marching ensemble is required. Students will be responsible for purchasing concert attire as well. 

 

Students also have the expectation in the wind ensemble to audition for county, district and regional ensembles.  

 

**This is a honors level course and requires many after school commitments as well as participation in the marching band to be a member.

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*VBODA is the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association, an affiliate of the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) and of the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME). More information about VBODA can be found on its website, www.vboda.org.

 

 

Symphonic Band Rock Ridge High School

 

Symphonic Band is comprised of students who play woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments.  Students enroll in one of two band courses - band or percussion.  Students occasionally work with professional clinicians during the concert season to gain deeper understanding of the skills necessary to perform at a high level.  Most students in our Symphonic Band also play in Marching Band.

 

Concerts will be the first Thursday of December, the second Thursday of Febuary, the first week of March and the end Thursday of May, Yearly.  This will allow planing. We will rehearse 2-3 days weeks prior to the concert. All dates are posted in the band room on the calandar monthly.  We will also play at gradutation. State assessment is set by the state but is the first weekend in March every year and is required. Students are required to be at rehearsals. 

 

The Band won a unanimous "Superior" Rating in the VBODA* District Concert Assessment in March 2015.

 

Students also have opportunities to audition for county, district and regional ensembles.  More information about auditions and participation can be found on the LCPS website at http://www.lcps.org/Page/124953.

 

 

*VBODA is the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association, an affiliate of the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) and of the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME). More information about VBODA can be found on its website, www.vboda.org.

 

 

All District & All State Bands

 

One of the most significant accomplishments of a student's musical journey through High School is selection to the All-District and All-State Bands.  Mr. Ratcliff views All-District and All-State as the highest achievement for his students and strongly encourages all band students to audition for All-District.

 

 

In mid-winter, auditions are held for All-District Concert Band, which includes all High Schools within Loudoun County.  Students must be able to play scales, a prepared piece, and a sight-reading piece.  Percussion students must be proficient in snare, timpani, and mallets.  Those students who make the top chairs (the number varies by instrument), are eligible to audition for the All-State Orchestra, Winds and Concert Band.

 

 

Students are encouraged to make All-District and All-State a priority -- not only for the prestige of being selected and performing, but for the challenge to better their musical skills and self-confidence.

 

Marching Band Color Guard- Class and After School

 

The Color Guard is a top-rated flag and rifle corps that provides a stunning visual element to the show. We encourage all students interested in dance and rhythmic movement to join the Color Guard. Each year the Color Guard designs a new costume to enhance the show. This is offered for credit during the day with winter guard required. Students can participate in our after school program only as long as they are enrolled in a Music Department class at RRHS.

 

 

Winter Guard

 

The Winter Guard is an extension of the Color Guard and dance team. This group is active after the marching season has concluded and performs marching band-style music and drills -- indoors!  Competitions are held in the gymnasium and keep things heated up during the colder winter months.  There are approximately 4-5 competitions per season.

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Grading for Performing Groups:

30% Daily Rehearsal 

30% After School Rehearsals and Tests

40% Performance and Other Assignments