Riverwood Band and Orchestra Boosters Awarded $6,000 Grant

From Riverwood International Charter School

The Sandy Springs Society generously funded a grant request to benefit Riverwood BOB (Band and Orchestra Boosters). The grant provides specialized music instruction for band and orchestra students as well as the the purchase of a wireless microphone system. The grant will provide much needed support to the growing music program at RICS.

Riverwood Band and Orchestra Boosters support over 250 Orchestra and Band students to advance the music program through service, advocacy and financial aid. BOB provides funding for scholarships, competitions, transportation, banquets, awards, Senior Recognition, and feeding hungry musicians.

Carlos Rodriguez (Band) and Jovan DeShong (Orchestra) are leading a music program which is growing by leaps and bounds. With an enrollment of over 200 students in the band and 60 in the orchestra, this is an exciting year to be a Raider musician. As recently as three years ago, fewer than 100 students participated in band and orchestra classes. In addition to the doubling of scheduled band and orchestra classes offered, the marching band has experienced spectacular growth. This year’s band numbers more than 50 musicians, up from six a few short years ago.

The band has seven sections: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, low brass, and percussion. The orchestra has four sections: violin, viola, cello, and bass. As the band and orchestra program continues to grow, it is challenging to provide the much needed individualized attention to each instrument section. The Sandy Springs Society’s grant will enable specialized instruction to all students as many are not able to afford private instruction. Mr. Rodriguez and Ms. DeShong source instructions from high school music educators, college professors, and members of symphony orchestras.

In addition to daily participation during the school day, extracurricular groups include the Jazz Band & Combo, the Raider Marching Band, a Percussion Ensemble, and a Quartet. These groups perform during the year at school concerts and community events. The wireless microphone will help raise the professionalism of each musical production and will add to the audience’s musical enjoyment of the performances.

Deb Olson, BOB Parent Volunteer and Sandy Springs resident worked with Mr. Rodriguez and Ms. DeShong to submit the grant to Sandy Springs Society. “Our directors collaborate and partner with other directors opening access to a lot of talent. Our directors just need the opportunity to bring them to Riverwood.”

Picture 1: Carlos Rodriguez, RICS Band Director leading a concert performed at Kennesaw State University Picture 2: Band students from RICS perform at Kennesaw State University.

Photos courtesy of Riverwood International Charter School.