Ridge High Wind Ensemble Earns All-State Honors

The Ridge High School Wind Ensemble is climbing to new heights with a strong 2014 season, earning top honors in band festivals held across New Jersey.

The Wind Ensemble performed at the Central Jersey Music Educators Association concert band festival held at South Brunswick High School. The band earned the Gold rating and won the Best Percussion award. Member student Jasmine Xie earned the outstanding musician award.

With these successes, the band has earned an invitation to perform at the New Jersey All-State Band Gala Concert at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, at Rutgers University. This is a tremendous accomplishment as only the top high school bands participate in this competition.

The band is excited, as this is the first year for the Ridge Wind Ensemble to establish itself amongst one of the top high school bands in the state.

Director of the Bands Program at Ridge High School Dan Zugale and his staff have put together a great concert performance featuring a repertoire that includes “Symphonic Dance Number 3 Fiesta” by Clifton Williams, "With Heart and Voice” by David Gillingham

and “Tiger Triumph” by Karl King.

“The Wind Ensemble is a great way for students to sharpen their musical skills and learn to compete in a championship environment,” said Zugale.

Ridge High School has a year round program of bands, including the Winter Guard, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band and the Concert Series.