RHS Band Enjoys SoCal Sun

[Editor's note: The following press release was sent by the Ridgewood High School band program.]

On Wednesday, February 8, 2012, members of the (RHS) band program landed at JFK International Airport, ending a six day tour of Southern California. The trip included events for all facets of the band program, including clinics and performances at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure for the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic-Concert Band, and Winter Guard, a clinic with world renowned trumpet player Wayne Bergeron and performance at the famous Catalina’s jazz club for the Jazz Lab and Big Band, and a performance at Santa Monica Pier for the band program’s many small ensembles.

In addition to gaining a great deal of playing experience, RHS band members also enjoyed free time in Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Santa Monica Pier, and Hollywood. Chaperones, teachers, and students alike had a great time bonding and getting to know one another. As one 12th grade RHS band member mused, “Trading 4s with Wayne Bergeron is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but when am I going to be able to go on Tower of Terror with my History teacher and band director again?”

Not only was the trip delightful for band members, but it was also a treat for the California locals. As one Los Angeles local, who happened to see both the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band performances, said, “It is such a treat to see musicians of this caliber, especially when they come out so far. Attending concerts such as this is my way of thanking these wonderful students and musicians for the time and energy they clearly put into their craft.”

All in all, the trip was wildly successful. As RHS Director of Bands Jeffrey Haas summarized, “During my 25 years teaching, I have run 5 California tours, 4 trips to Washington, 2 trips to Canada, 1 trip to Boston, 1 trip to Syracuse, and 14 band camps.  This trip will go down as the best one yet.”