Congratulations to our Mountain Ridge High School Band, who will be attending the Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis in March. They were recognized as one of the top bands in America and were selected as a featured ensemble (the highest honor at this event).

In order to get accepted, the Wind Ensemble, the top concert band at Mountain Ridge, submitted an audition consisting of contrasting pieces to be reviewed by several esteemed music adjudicators. Upon their selection into the festival, the Wind Ensemble has started preparing an hour of repertoire. They will be performing “Ecstatic Fanfare” by Steven Bryant, “An American Elegy” by Frank Ticheli, “Pageant” by Vincent Persichetti, “Portrait in Jade” by Ryan George, and “March Grandioso” by Roland S. Feitz.

The trip does pose some challenges, however. To cover high expenses, the band has been working hard to raise money through fundraisers to make sure everyone is able to go.

“Our band council is doing fundraisers like car washes, restaurant nights, and hot chocolate sales at our holiday concert to raise money for our trip,” said drum major Jaiden Singh.

Interestingly, while travelling with instruments seems difficult, Singh compares it to luggage, and says that while there is an extra cost, it will not prove to be an unsurmountable obstacle.

At the festival, the band will have the opportunity to not only perform, but engage in other exciting activities as well.

“Besides our performances, rehearsals, and clinics, we will also watch other groups from around the country perform, as well as attend social events to meet musicians from other schools!” said Singh.

Good luck to the Mountain Ridge band in their preparation for the festival in March!

If you are interested in joining band, learning more about this festival, or making a contribution to cover some expenses of the trip, please email band director Mr. Vogel at [email protected] or visit him in F158.