Wind Symphony
Wind Symphony is a performing ensemble that includes students in the class "Honors Performance Band." This ensemble rehearses primarily during the school day and will occasionally meet after school.
Concert Band
Concert Band is a performing ensemble that includes students in the class "Performance Band." This ensemble rehearses primarily during the school day.
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble that meets outside of school hours. Meeting time is TBD but is tentatively set for Wednesday nights. More information coming soon!
Pep Band
Pep Band includes both Performance Band and Honors Performance Band. This ensemble performs at athletic events throughout the year and rehearses occasionally after school. Students in Performance and Honors Performance Band must play at 4 of 6 basketball games per year.
Marching Band
Marching Band includes both Performance Band and Honors Performance Band. This ensemble performs at football games and other events throughout the fall. They rehearse during the day and on Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00pm. Students in Performance and Honors Performance Band must play at all home Football Games. Students must also attend summer band camp. Please see my letter below with more information.
Hello band students and families!
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter to introduce myself and provide you with some useful information for the upcoming school year. My name is Felix Ponce and I am an alumni of the district (DDE) that has spent a lot of my career working as either a brass tech or as the Assistant Marching Band Director at Eisenhower. I also had a portion of my Spring ‘16 student teaching experience at OLHMS so I may have taught a sibling of a current Richards Band student! Coming back to the district to teach is a dream come true and it is my mission to serve you and the Richards community so that the music experiences are worthwhile and memorable. With that being said, here is important information regarding our summer band camp:
Dates: Monday, July 31st - Friday, August 4th
Times: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Materials: Students should plan on bringing comfortable clothing for the weather as we will be outside for a good portion of the day. I cannot stress enough the importance of hats, water, and sunscreen. Pro tip: Freeze your waters the night before and let them thaw throughout the day!
Of course please also bring instruments, music, pencils, and any supplies (i.e. valve oil, reeds, etc.)
Meals: Eat breakfast before coming to camp; going through a hot day with no food in your stomach feels terrible…SO EAT! Students are responsible for their own meals and will be given at least 60 minutes of lunchtime. They may go to a local restaurant, eat at home, or bring a packed lunch!
Music: The show for the fall is entitled “Let’s Groove,” and will feature Superstition by Stevie Wonder, My Girl by the Temptations, and I Want You Back by The Jackson 5. Memorize the music! Find It Below.
Performance: Parents and families are invited to see the progress after one week at 4:30PM on Friday, August 4th on the Football Field.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I can’t wait to get to know you all!
Warmly,
Mr. Felix Ponce
felix.ponce@chsd218.org
*This camp is mandatory for all band students so we can prepare for the upcoming year. Any issues need to be communicated ASAP!
Hello band students and families!
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter to introduce myself and provide you with some useful information for the upcoming school year. My name is Felix Ponce and I am an alumni of the district (DDE) that has spent a lot of my career working as either a brass tech or as the Assistant Marching Band Director at Eisenhower. I also had a portion of my Spring ‘16 student teaching experience at OLHMS so I may have taught a sibling of a current Richards Band student! Coming back to the district to teach is a dream come true and it is my mission to serve you and the Richards community so that the music experiences are worthwhile and memorable. With that being said, here is important information regarding our summer band camp:
Dates: Monday, July 31st - Friday, August 4th
Times: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Materials: Students should plan on bringing comfortable clothing for the weather as we will be outside for a good portion of the day. I cannot stress enough the importance of hats, water, and sunscreen. Pro tip: Freeze your waters the night before and let them thaw throughout the day!
Of course please also bring instruments, music, pencils, and any supplies (i.e. valve oil, reeds, etc.)
Meals: Eat breakfast before coming to camp; going through a hot day with no food in your stomach feels terrible…SO EAT! Students are responsible for their own meals and will be given at least 60 minutes of lunchtime. They may go to a local restaurant, eat at home, or bring a packed lunch!
Music: The show for the fall is entitled “Let’s Groove,” and will feature Superstition by Stevie Wonder, My Girl by the Temptations, and I Want You Back by The Jackson 5. Memorize the music! Find It Below.
Performance: Parents and families are invited to see the progress after one week at 4:30PM on Friday, August 4th on the Football Field.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I can’t wait to get to know you all!
Warmly,
Mr. Felix Ponce
felix.ponce@chsd218.org
*This camp is mandatory for all band students so we can prepare for the upcoming year. Any issues need to be communicated ASAP!
Marching Band Leadership Team
Drum Majors
Mary Gacek (Head Drum Major)
Ann Sheahan
Danna Butnariu (Freshman Liaison)
Section Leaders
Flute - Aine Kelly & Rani Ramirez
Clarinet - Emerey Ruzencevs
Saxophone/Mello - Valente Ornelas
Low Reeds and Low Brass - Aldo Sanchez
Drumline - Amelia Benson and Nora O’Shea
General Assistant - Gabriela Rodriguez
