Rockland High School Music Ensembles |
Concert Band: Mr. John Piazza, director
RHA Band curriculum offers students a chance to experience many different styles of wind band literature. The group perform a variety of concerts throughout the year including a December Holiday concert, an exchange concert in January and a pops concert in May. The important fundamentals of tone production, ensemble playing, musical interpretation and style, rhythm studies, scale and chord studies, and basic musicianship are all important elements of the Concert Band curriculum. It is for this reason all students in the band program participate.
Marching Band: Mr. John Piazza, director
The Rockland Marching Band performs at all home football games and rallies in the fall season and also marches in the annual Veterans Day & Memorial Day parades. Our featured halftime shows are tastefully designed with an emphasis on musicality. The Marching Band is an integral part of the Rockland Community. All students involved in the Rockland band program are required to participate in this ensemble.
Jazz Lab Band: Mr. John Piazza, director
Jazz Lab Band is an elective course for any member of the Concert Band interested in learning about the jazz tradition. The Jazz Lab Band focuses on beginning and intermediate improvisation techniques, as well as the basic elements of combo style performance. A considerable amount of time will be spent studying and analyzing recorded music of the masters of Jazz. This class is taught as an American culture.
Brass Ensemble: Mr. Jeffrey Popadic, directer
Brass Ensemble is mandatory for all brass players in the RHS Concert Band. Ensemble skills learned will greatly improve your level of playing. The group is conducted by Mr. Jeff Popadic, and rehearses once a week. The Brass Ensemble performs in recitals, community events, RHS ceremonial events, and the annual Chamber Music Concert in the spring.
Woodwind Ensemble: Ms. Lindsay Crook, director
The Woodwind Ensemble is made up of woodwind players in the RHS Concert Band. The group performs a diverse musical curriculum representing some of the world’s greatest composers. Ms. Lindsay Crook directs the Ensemble. Ms. Crook is a saxophonist and a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and the Foxboro music program. The Woodwind Ensemble experience is very valuable in preparing students for their larger band ensemble responsibilities.
Percussion Ensemble: Ms. Allison Passanisi, director
Percussion Ensemble is made up of percussionists in the RHS Concert Band. Percussionists will deeply explore the myriad instruments in the percussion family and learn valuable ensemble skills. Ms. Passanisi is an accomplished performer on the marimba and a graduate of the Berklee College of Music.
Concert Choir: Mr. John Piazza & Mr. Jeffrey Popadic, directors
Concert Choir is the un-auditioned, mixed choir and meets daily, Concert Choir members work on vocal technique, improve their ability to read and sight-sing music notation, and perform choral repertoire that is both enjoyable and rewarding. The curriculum is extensive and offers students a chance to experience many different styles of choral literature from classic sacred chorales to Broadway musical selections.