The Father Ryan Band
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From the streets of New York in the 2012 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the World Marching Band Championship in Malaysia, the Father Ryan Band has left a distinctive mark in the world of music. With unique musical stylings, intricate choreography, memorable costumes and elaborate staging and sets, the band attracts attention from fans and judges at every competition and every school visit.
Founded in 1947 and energized with the arrival of Jeff Schletzer in 1981, and later, fellow co-directors Jereme Frey and Derek Schletzer, the band has earned accolades across the country including:
• More than 100 Mid-State and All-State Players
• More than 20 Grand Championships and 70 Class Championships
• More than 20 Grand Championships and 70 Class Championships
• Twelve-time Mayor’s Cup Winner
• Eight-time World Champion Medalists
• Three Winter Drumline WGI World Championships
• WGI Winds Division World Champion
• 2011 Bands of America National Regional Grand Champion
• 2 Time Bands of America GrandNational Semi-Finalist
• 7-time Bands of America Regional Finalist
• Featured Dynasty Percussion European Clinicians
Band Programs
The Band Program consists of a number of performing opportunities including Concert Band, Jazz Band, After School Ensemble, Private Instrumental Instruction, Brass, Woodwind and Percussion Ensembles, Winter Drumline, Winter Guard, Winter Winds, and the Marching Band.
Ensembles
To participate in the following ensembles, students must first be enrolled in the appropriate section of Concert Band that is double blocked. Color Guard is the only single block exception.
If you are a musician with previous band experience, no audition is necessary except for members of the drumline, guitar and piano. If you have had no previous experience, you can learn to play an instrument. We have several school-owned instruments and offer an extensive private lesson program.
If you are a musician with previous band experience, no audition is necessary except for members of the drumline, guitar and piano. If you have had no previous experience, you can learn to play an instrument. We have several school-owned instruments and offer an extensive private lesson program.
List of 4 items.
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Marching Band
The largest of our ensembles is the Father Ryan High School Marching Band. The Marching Band performs for all of the Father Ryan home football games and travels to various locations for band competitions. The Marching Band has performed in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Arizona, California, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Washington, D.C. and Indiana. They have performed in arenas including The Edward R. Jones Dome in St. Louis, The Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Kentucky, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg and Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis at the Bands of America Grand National Competitions. This group meets after school in the fall and students receive a ½ credit. The students also receive their P.E. credit if they are a member of the Marching Band for two years. -
Private Instrumental Instruction
Private Instrumental Instruction is offered during the regular school day. The student receives 1/2 credit for two semesters of private instruction. The instruction consists of one thirty-minute lesson per week and is available for all band instruments. -
Winter Guard, Winter Winds, & Winter Drumline
Winter Guard, Winter Winds, & Winter Drumline are offered during the winter months of the school year. These groups rehearse after school and perform at various competitions. These groups are an extension of the marching band but separate fees apply to be a part of these ensembles. -
Jazz Band & After School Wind Ensemble
Jazz Band & After School Wind Ensemble are offered during the winter months of the school year. These groups rehearse after school and perform at annual concerts and festivals.
Father Ryan Band Boosters
The Father Ryan Band Boosters are volunteers who support the staff and students in all of their activities. If you are a parent, family member, or friend of a Father Ryan Band student and you enjoy sharing in their life experiences, you are a Father Ryan Band Booster.
The Boosters provide the infrastructure that enables the staff and students to practice their craft and participate in numerous activities. These activities include Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band and the Winter Drumline. Providing food, water, transportation, communication, props, uniform maintenance, fundraising, publicity and encouragement are among the many duties of the Boosters. As the saying goes, "Many Hands Make Light Work," and we need everyone to pitch in and help!
Meet the Staff
List of 4 members.
Auxiliary Music Department Staff
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Staff Members
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Specialty
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| Dr. Jessica Dunnavant | Flute |
| Dr. Tonya Lawson |
Clarinet
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| Nick Haynes | Trumpet |
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Kyle Hayes
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French Horn |
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Will Elliott
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Baritone/Trombone |
| Neil Konouchi | Tuba, Brass Caption Head, & Wind Musical Arrangements |
| Dave England | Percussion, Percussion Caption Head, & Percussion Musical Arrangements |
| Shelby Shelton & Nicole Lee | Front Ensemble |
| KC Perkins & Lin Daffron | Guard |
| Will Sugg | Field Commanders |
| Eamonn Donnelly | Visual Tech |
| Michael Gaines | Drill Design |
| Michael Shapiro, Michael James, & John Escalante | Choreography Design |
Fine Arts Events
List of 3 events.
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Band Christmas Concert
Center for the Arts - Theater -
Christmas at Father Ryan
Center for the Arts - Theater
