Band Basics

Get information on the nuts and bolts of band including Uniform Guidelines, Concerts, Pep Band, and more.

Classes

Concert Band

Concert Band is a year-long freshman-only band class offered 2nd period. It is a great place to meet 9th graders coming from other schools and work on your playing skills in a safe, fun environment.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band is comprised of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Offered 4th period, this year-long elective allows students to work on honing their musicianship and to play some fantastic performance pieces in concerts and festivals. We call the combination of our symphonic band and equivalent orchestra (String Orchestra) “Symphonic Orchestra”.

Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble is the audition-only band for upperclassmen. Try-outs are in Spring of the previous school year (usually May). Offered 6th period, this group of students will also participate in our flagship Mustang Symphony, coordinating practices and playing in concerts with the Chamber Orchestra group.

Jazz Band

Jazz Band is also an auditioned ensemble. Auditions are typically in the Fall (the second week of September) each year. Jazz Band meets every weekday during 0 (zero) period before school. Throughout the year, this ensemble will combine with Vocal Jazz and Philharmonic Orchestra to perform as the Studio Jazz Orchestra.

Performances

Pep Band

Pep Band performs during home football and basketball games. The electric energy and fun the live band music brings to these events is unbeatable. All band students are required to play in Pep Band and any conflicts should be worked out with the Band Director.

And stay tuned as the program works to bring back marching at RHS, debuting at the 2024 Redmond Derby Days Parade on July 13th.

Festivals

There are many band festivals offered around Washington State and all of our bands will be participating in at least one. Our auditioned ensembles often attend some of the most prestigious local festivals which may be by invitation-only. In order to be invited, our bands will send audio or video submissions to apply for the opportunity to play. These are great because students get to listen to other high-performing bands as well as receive instruction and/or adjudication.

Concerts

Typically, our bands perform in four concerts during the school year:

Fall Concert (Oct)
Winterfest (Dec) - Band/Choir/Orchestra Collaborative Performance
Redmond Region Concert (Feb) - Bands from RHS, RMS, TMS, and 5th grade perform
Spring Band Concert (May) - Senior Celebration

Graduation

Every year, our music students are given the opportunity to play at the graduation ceremony for Redmond High School. It is a wonderful opportunity to honor our seniors and all that they've meant to the Band Program. More details will be announced (date, time, transportation, etc.) as the date approaches.

Fees and Expenses

Band Fee

At the beginning of first semester, you will see a band fee of $25 added to your LWSD student account. This fee covers ...

Band uniform fee for cleaning at the end of the school year.

Instrument Rental

Many students bring their own instruments to school and play them in band. However, if you are in need of an instrument, you may rent one from the high school on an "as available" basis. Rental for one school year costs $50.

Please contact Director Cory Edwards to coordinate rental and payment.

Pep Band Flip Folder and Lyre

Pep band requires a flip folder which can be attached to your instrument using a lyre. Each student must purchase their own personal flip folder and lyre and bring it to every rehearsal and game. You may want to look for in-person suppliers such as Kennelly Keys or Music & Arts. Otherwise, here’s a link: Amazon.com: Grover-Trophy 10 Window Flip Folio Folder for Marching Band : Musical Instruments

Uniforms

Formal Performance Attire: All black—dress shirt, black pants, shoes and socks. Please see our uniform guidelines for more information.

Pep Band: Students will check out a green Pep band jacket the first week of school. This is yours to care for and wear for all of our Pep band and Spirit performances including football games, basketball games, Pep Rallies and various other venues such as the Redmond Farmer's Market. Lost jackets will be assessed a $75 replacement fee.

Care of Uniforms: It is each student's responsibility to ensure their formal performance attire and Pep band jacket are well-maintained and reflect the pride we have in our spirit and professional appearance, as appropriate. If your uniform becomes soiled or stained during the year, please have it cleaned before the next performance. Keeping it hung neatly will keep it wrinkle free.

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Student-led Fundraising

Band students have the opportunity to fundraise money to offset expenses related to band activities such as travelling to festivals, music in the parks, and possibly even larger trips (regional, national, or international).

Extra Music Opportunities

If you are looking for even more opportunities to perform, check out these options.

Senior Scholarships

Every year the band boosters award three $1000 continuing education scholarships to graduating seniors. Click here to learn more.

Band Socials

Each quarter, Band Council plans a fun social event for Band students to get to know each other better and build lasting relationships.

Tutors/Private Instructors

Students desiring more individual attention, specialization and instrumental expertise might consider a tutor or private instructor. A list of local providers can be found here.

Note: this is an incomplete list so if you find a great teacher who wants to be added to the list, please let Eds know.

Meet the Director

We are very excited to welcome Cory Edwards as our new Redmond High School Band Director starting with the 2023-2024 school year. He is a 12-year veteran music teacher who hails most recently from Newport High School. Skilled at directing concert, jazz, and marching bands, Mr. Edwards (or Eds as he has been affectionately dubbed by the students) brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to share with our band program.

Learn more