Classes for Credit
Symphonic Wind Ensemble/Marching Band
This is the top level premiere performing group at Marriotts Ridge. Entrance into this class is by audition only. This group performs the most challenging of literature written for wind band. Students is this group are required to be in the Marching Band as it is a co-curricular part of the class. The ensemble performs at all home varsity football games, marching band competitions, the Winter Concert, Spring Concert, Spring Trip, the Howard County Band Festival, and other special events. There will be significant rehearsal and performance commitments outside of the school day. Since this is a premiere ensemble, students are also expected to participate on the Spring Music Trip. There is significant cost associated with the trip. Students can participate in fundraising activities to help offset these costs. Students must be available for Marching Band Camp which runs two weeks before students begins school in August. Athletes involved in Fall Sports will split their time between athletic practice and band camp. Please refer to the Performing Arts/Athletic Participation Protocols document. We have many students that do both marching band and athletics. Each student is required to attend sectionals periodically during the school day on a rotating pull-out schedule. Please refer to HCPSS Policy 8090 regarding required non-school hours rehearsals and performances as these are part of the grade in the class. Private instruction is strongly recommended for students in this ensemble.
Concert Band
This is the intermediate level performing group at Marriotts Ridge. Entrance into this class is by audition only. This group performs intermediate to advanced level literature written for wind band. The ensemble performs at the Winter Concert, Spring Concert, the Howard County Band Assessment, the Spring Trip and other special events. There will be some rehearsal and performance commitments outside of the school day. Each student is required to attend sectionals periodically during the school day on a rotating pull-out schedule. Please refer to HCPSS Policy 8090 regarding required non-school hours rehearsals and performances as these are part of the grade in the class. Private instruction is encouraged for all students in this ensemble especially if they have aspirations about moving up to the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Students should consult directly with Mr. Ellis about finding a good private instructor if so desired.
Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble is open to all students interested in Percussion. The class performs as a stand alone Percussion Ensemble and also as the Percussion Section for the Concert Band. All percussionists should enroll in this class unless you audition into the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. The Percussion Ensemble will perform at the Winter Concert, Spring Concert, Howard County Band Assessment, The Howard County Solo and Ensemble Festival and the Spring Trip. There are rehearsal and performance commitments outside of the school day. Please refer to HCPSS Policy 8090 regarding required non-school hours rehearsals and performances as these are part of the grade in the class.Private instruction is encouraged for students in this ensemble especially if they have aspirations about moving up to the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Students should consult directly with Mr. Ellis about finding a good private instructor if so desired.
Jazz Ensemble Class
Entrance into the Jazz Ensemble class is by audition and/or invitation only. Concurrent enrollment in Concert Band or Symphonic Wind Ensemble is required for everyone except Piano, Guitar and Bass players. The focus of this class is to develop jazz improvisation skills and perform as a working Jazz Combo. All rhythm section players in the Jazz program should be enrolled in this class as part of their regular jazz studies. The rhythm section of this class forms the rhythm section of the Big Band Jazz Ensemble. There are rehearsal and performance commitments outside of the school day. Please refer to HCPSS Policy 8090 regarding required non-school hours rehearsals and performances as these are part of the grade in the class.
Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Options
MRHS Big Band Jazz:
Entrance into the Big Band is by audition and/or invitation only. Concurrent enrollment in Concert Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, or Percussion Ensemble is required for EVERYONE except Piano, Guitar and Bass players. The MRHS Big Band is a premiere ensemble that performs professional level jazz literature. Students accepted in this ensemble must demonstrate the highest levels of maturity, preparation habits, and musicianship. Participation on the Spring Trip is expected for members of this ensemble. There is significant cost associated with the trip. Students can fund raise to offset these costs. Private instruction is strongly recommended for students wishing to be in this ensemble.
Marching Band Percussion and Color Guard
The Marriotts Ridge Marching Band is a multi-time State champion and nationally recognized and ranked competitive marching ensemble. Students in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble are required to be in Marching Band. The only exception to this is for double reed players that may elect to do an alternative performance project. Any students not auditioning into the Symphonic Wind Ensemble but wanting a marching band experience may opt into the Marching Band by auditioning/volunteering to be in the Color Guard, Front Percussion Ensemble, and Drum Line. Students opting in must be available for all rehearsals, competitions and performances. Color Guard, Front Percussion Ensemble and Drum line begin Spring training in March for the following marching season.