The Fossil Ridge High School Band program has developed a state and national reputation for excellence in performance in all areas, including concert band, jazz ensemble, and marching band, musical literacy, and use of state-of-the-art technology in music education.
The Wind Symphony is the cornerstone of a well-rounded, comprehensive music education program that features 3 concert bands, 2 jazz ensembles, an award-winning marching band, and several small ensembles. All wind students perform in chamber ensembles during the second quarter of the year, and all percussion students participate in weekly ensembles in combination with their concert band class throughout the year, performing full-length concerts of traditional and contemporary percussion ensembles, mallet ensembles, and world percussion. Fossil Ridge also offers students the opportunity to take innovative courses in music production & technology, as well as AP Music Theory. A large number of students take regular private lessons, including over 90% of the Wind Symphony students.
The Fossil Ridge Bands have consistently earned superior ratings at concert and jazz festivals, and both the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band have earned “Superior With Distinction” honors at the CBA State Concert Band Festival on multiple occasions. In 2014, all three concert ensembles at Fossil Ridge earned straight Superior ratings at the CBA Regional Concert Band Festival. The Wind Symphony was selected to perform at the CMEA Clinic/Conference in 2012 and 2015, and the prestigious Music For All National Concert Band Festival in 2012. The Wind Symphony will return to the National Concert Band Festival in March of 2016The Fossil Ridge Band program has been nominated for the prestigious “Sudler Flag of Honor” from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, and is a 2014-2015 recipient of the “National Programs of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award” from the National Band Association.
The Fossil Ridge Marching Band has received numerous awards, and has been a consistent state championship finalist since entering competition in 2005, having earned “finalist” status in class 3A, 4A, and 5A. The Marching Band was the class 5A STATE CHAMPION in 2012 and 2013, the silver medalist in 2014, 2015, and 2016, and the bronze medalist in 2010 and 2011.
