The Parkside High School Symphonic Band is the school's primary instrumental performing ensemble from November to June of each school year and is open to Parkside students by audition. The Ensemble rehearses each school day for approximately 50 minutes. The members of this ensemble also form the membership of the "Marching Rams." Each year, the Symphonic Band performs at Parkside's Spring and Holiday concerts, the Eastern Shore Band Director's Association Senior High District Festival, and Parkside's graduation.

The primary focus of the Symphonic Band is the proper interpretation of the highest caliber of concert band literature. This is accomplished by an intense rehearsal schedule and the use of critical and analytical listening exercises. Emphasis is placed on phrasing, ensemble development and more subtle aspects of musical performance.

The Parkside High School Intermediate Band is designed as a developmental ensemble for those students with less experience as instrumentalists and is organized with the intent of preparing its members for a Symphonic Band audition. This ensemble is open to all Parkside students with any level of experience on a wind or percussion instrument. The ensemble rehearses eash school day for approximately 50 minutes and performs annually at Parkside's Spring Concert.

The primary focus of study in the Intermediate Band is the development of musical fundamentals such as rhythm and pitch accuracy, dynamic contrast, and command of the instrument with regard to tone quality and technical facility.

The Parkside High School "Marching Rams" Marching Band is the school's primary instrumental performing ensemble from August to November of each school year and is open to Parkside students by audition. The ensemble rehearses each school day for approximately 50 minutes as well as Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The instrumental members of this ensemble also form the membership of the Symphonic Band. Each year the "Marching Rams" perform at all home footballl games, several marching band competitions on the Tournament of Bands circuit, and the Salisbury Christmas Parade. The band also serves as the host of the annual "Delmarvacade of Bands" marching competition.

The primary focus of study in the "Marching Rams" is the creation and development of a marching field show presentation which demonstrates a high level of musical and visual coordination. Another important function of the ensemble is to instill a sense of school pride among its members and the entire student population of Parkside High School.

 

The Parkside High School Percussion Ensemble operates from February to May of each school year and is open to members of the Symphonic and Intermediate Bands. The ensemble rehearses through the spring, and performs anually on the Spring Concert.

The primary focus of study in the Percussion Ensemble is the development of musicality and style within the percussion idiom as well as developing instrumental techniques not readily explored in other ensembles.

The Parkside High School Color Guard, under the direction of Heather A. Riddleberger, is an integral part of the “Marching Rams” Marching Band each season and membership consists of current students of instrumental and vocal music at Parkside High School.  

The Color Guard members rehearse on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings with the “Marching Rams” and have an additional sectional rehearsal one evening per week during the fall marching season to refine their visual program.

The primary focus of study in the Color Guard is the creation, development, and execution of a dynamic visual presentation that coordinates with the musical efforts of the instrumentalists within the “Marching Rams.”  To do so, students in the program study musical interpretation and a variety of flag and dance techniques that are integrated into each year’s field show.

The Parkside High School Jazz Band operates from January to June each school year and is open to Parkside Symphonic Band members by audition. The band rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Band performs annually at their own Spring Concert and the Parkside Talent Show, which is sponsored by the Choral Department.

The primary focus of study in the Jazz Band is the interpretation of varying jazz styles from big band to contemporary. Additionally emphasis is placed on accurate execution of swing rhythms, section and ensemble balance, and the development of improvisational techniques.

Latest News | Event Calendar | Ensembles | Staff | Boosters | Delmarvacade | Media | Archive | Links | Contact Us