The Father Ryan Band

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
•   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
 
Students may participate in a variety of music programs ranging from marching band to private music lessons. Our music programs have enjoyed much success in recent years due to the hard work and dedication of the staff, students, and parents. Students are consistently successful in solo and ensemble, mid-state, and all-state performances; and the marching band and winter drumline regularly win or place in state, regional, national, and world championships.  Instructional music programs are offered as academic credit and/or co-curricular activity.

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.

List of 4 items.

  • 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.

  • Jereme Frey 

    Visual and Performing Arts Teacher/Director of Bands/Parochial School Band Director
    (615) 383-4200 x 2273

  • Jeffery Schletzer 

    Fine Arts Teacher/Associate Director of Bands
    (615) 383-4200 x 2237

  • Derek Schletzer 95

    Fine Arts Teacher/Associate Director of Bands
    615-383-4200

  • Chad Berkstresser 

Auxiliary Music Department Staff
 Staff Members
Specialty
Dr. Jessica Dunnavant Flute
Dr. Tonya Lawson
Clarinet
Nick Haynes Trumpet
Kyle Hayes
 French Horn
Will Elliott
 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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