Band Basics

Get information on the nuts and bolts of band including Uniform Guidelines, Marching, Concerts, Pep Band, and more. Of course, the Band Handbook is the gospel when it comes to all things Band, but this is a quick overview.

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 end of March). Offered 5th 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

Videos of our recent concerts can be found on our RedmondBandFans YouTube channel

Marching Band

Marching Band performs during halftime at home football games and in several parades each year, such as Redmond Derby Days, Spokane's Lilac Parade, and the Torchlight Parade in Portland. The RHS Marching Band is in it's second year of existence and has made amazing progress with its intricate formations, synchronization, and marching posture/movements.

All band students are expected/encouraged to play in Marching Band and any conflicts should be resolved with the Band Director.

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 send audio or video submissions to apply for the opportunity to play. These events are great because students get to listen to other high-performing bands as well as receive instruction and/or adjudication.

Community Outreach

Our bands will continue to have opportunities to play in our larger Redmond Community and beyond. They have been invited to events such as the annual season opening of the Redmond Farmers' Market, Redmond City Lights, Sound Transit's opening of the 2 Line (light rail) Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond Stations, and as the local opening act for the pH Factor Big Band (to name just a few).

Pep Band

Pep Band performs in the stands during home football and basketball games. The electric energy and fun the live band music brings to these sporting events is unbeatable. Add in collaboration with Cheer and Dance, and you've got an unbeatable dynamic.

All band students are required to play in Pep Band at five of the 9 available games. Exceptions should be worked out with Director Edwards.

Concerts

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

Winterfest or Redmond Frozen Over (Dec) - Band/Choir/Orchestra Collaborative Performance
Redmond Region Concert (Feb) - Bands from RHS, RMS, TMS, and 5th grade perform
Spring Band Concert (Mar) - All Bands
Final Band Concert (June) - Senior Celebration

Graduation

Every year, our upperclassmen 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 goes towards things like sheet music, instrument and equipment maintenance and repair, and registration for festivals and other events

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.

Marching Band Expenses

Students need special shoes ($51) in order to ensure proper traction and a uniform look while marching. Please order them from our Band Team Shop.

There will be an additional $30 fee for uniform dry cleaning added near the end of second semester.

Pep Band Expenses

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

A pep band tee ($29) and hat ($25) must also be purchased from our Band Team Shop.

Uniforms

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

Marching Band: Students will be assigned a uniform the first week of school. This is your uniform for the year and must be cared for properly to ensure it stays in great shape for all of our performances. Students will take home their marching hat (Shako) in its storage box called a Shako box. The rest of the uniform will stay at school, hung nicely on our rolling racks. For more information, please see the RMMB Uniform Guidelines.

Pep Band: Students will buy a green Pep band tee and black mustang hat and wear them for all basketball Pep Band and Spirit performances where our marching uniforms are not worn.

Care of Uniforms: It is each student's responsibility to ensure their formal performance attire, marching uniform, and Pep band tee/hat 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.

More...

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. Look for event announcements on Insta or the Band App.

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 were very excited to welcome Cory Edwards as our new Redmond High School Band Director starting with the 2023-2024 school year. He is a 14-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. After only two years at Redmond High School, he is infamous for re-starting our marching band program after a hiatus of more than 20 years.

Learn more and Director Edward's history...