East Ridge High School Band Classes
Varsity band
The Varsity Band is one of two curricular concert bands offered during the school day at ERHS. Varsity Band meets 2nd hour and includes mainly underclassmen and intermediate level musicians. This band performs for the fall, holiday, winter & spring band concerts at ERHS. This ensemble also hosts the ERHS Band Festival, which features high school bands all over the twin cities to perform for each other and a regionally/nationally recognized clinician.
Symphonic band
The East Ridge Symphonic Band is our high school’s premiere concert band. Symphonic Band meets 1st hour and includes mainly upperclassmen and advanced level musicians. This band also performs in the fall, holiday, winter & spring band concerts, as well as Minnesota State High School League Region 4AA Large Group Band Contest & the Suburban East Conference Music Festival. Members of this ensemble are also eligible for participation in SEC All-Conference Band and MMEA All-State Band.
percussion class
Percussion class specifically focuses on the unique performance skill set of a percussionist. The class meets 3rd hour and includes all percussionists enrolled in the East Ridge Band program. Members of percussion class perform with Varsity & Symphonic Bands, as well as in a percussion ensemble format. Students will explore and develop skills in all areas of percussion (drums, keyboards, auxiliary, etc).
Co-Curricular Activities
Marching Band
Season: May - October
The East Ridge Marching Raptors are an extremely dedicated group of musicians and performers who march with pride at home football games, community parades, fall field show competitions. In the summer months they team with PHS & WHS to form the South Washington County Marching Band to perform at local parades, ValleyFair, and the Minnesota State Fair. During an early August week-long band camp dubbed “Heat Week,” the Raptors learn the music and movement for their fall field show. The season culminates with a field show competition, the district marching band showcase, and an end-of season banquet.
Pep Band
Season: November - March
All ERHS band members perform in 4 of 8 winter (2nd Trimester) Pep-Band events. Performance at all state tournament games is expected of all ERHS band members. Many band members choose to attend all 8 regular season events and earn points toward a letter award in band by doing so. Of course, participating athletes, cheerleaders, team managers, etc. will be given special consideration as long as any conflicts are communicated well before scheduled events.
Pit Orchestra
Season: September - November
In coordination with out theater program, band and orchestra members have the opportunity to be part of the fall musical by performing in the pit orchestra. Our musical productions have been recognized by the Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Spotlight Award program on numerous occasions for outstanding productions. Rehearsals begin in September and continue through November culminating with tech rehearsals and 6 performances mid-November.
Jazz COmbos
Season: September - November & June - August
Our fall & summer jazz combos rehearse once a week during their respective seasons. The program focuses on playing in a smaller ensemble setting, learning “jazz standards” (common music of the jazz language), and instrumental improvisation.
Jazz Bands
Season: November - April
Our Jazz program starts with auditions held mid-November, then rehearsals and performances that continue through April. Jazz I & II rehearse twice weekly. Students performing on Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Piano, Six-String Guitar, Vibes, Acoustic or Electric Bass, or Drum Kit may audition. Both jazz ensembles perform for MSHSL Jazz Contest & our annual Jazz @ The Loft event.
Winter Percussion
Season: November - April
This activity includes experience in both drumline and concert percussion ensemble settings. They rehearse twice weekly and perform for select winter athletic events in January & February and the “Winter Week” pep-fest. Percussion ensemble then continues though April in preparation for MSHSL Solo & Ensemble Contest and the District Percussion Showcase.
Winter Colorguard
Season: November - April
Color Guard is a musical activity based on the use of flags and other equipment, as well as dance and other interpretive movement. The group rehearses twice weekly and performs for select home athlethic events and North Star Circuit Winter Guard shows around the greater Twin Cities Area.
