Ridge Band Marches 'Across Universe' and Onto Football Field

After an award-winning season in 2012, the Ridge High School Marching Band kicked off this year's half-time show and theme, "Across the Universe," at last Sunday's rescheduled football game against Montgomery. Ridge won 55-14.

The 81-member band has been practicing the performance since July with unique choreography of marching formations, dance recitals and color guard moves, according to information from the band.

This year's half-time performance features songs and music including "Across the Universe" by The Beatles, "I am the Doctor" from Dr. Who, "Jupiter from the Planets" by Gustav Holst, and "Enterprising Young Men" from Star Trek.

Along with presenting the performance at competitions, the band will perform its 2013 show at all at all home and away football games and supports the school team in the stands with traditional pep music.

The Ridge Marching Band is led by Director of Bands — Daniel Zugale, who has more than 12 years of experience instructing and mentoring school kids in music, band and drill. 

The coaching staff includes Joseph Kirk, Assistant Band Director; George Mattis, Color Guard, Captain Head; Kasey Zampella, Color Guard Instructor; Dennis Argul, Music Arranger; Joe Keefe, Percussion Captain Head, Minesh Shah, Program Coordinator; and Carl Boos, Drill Designer.

Competition season begins this Saturday

The competition season begins on Saturday at Hunterdon Central Regional High School. The Ridge Marching Band will also compete in local competitions at Hillsborough High School on Oct. 12, and Union High School on Nov. 2.

This year the major events include appearances at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 5, State championships at Rutgers High Point Stadium on Oct. 19, and a special performance at Disney World in Orlando, FL on Nov. 9. 

Another highlight is the annual Ridge Marching Band Competition, which is scheduled to feature many high school bands performing at Ridge High’s Lee Field in Basking Ridge on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Additional information about the band can be found at www.RidgeMarchingBand.com.

Annual car wash

The Ridge High School Marching Band will hold its annual Car Wash fundraiser on Saturday, September 28.  Members of the band and their parents will provide a sparkling hand-washing of automobiles for a donation to the band’s program.

The Car Wash takes place at Ridge High School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day, rain or shine. Ridge High School is located at 268 S. Finley Ave. in Basking Ridge.  No reservations are necessary.

Donations support the band’s many activities, including instructors, costumes, equipment and transportation to competitions throughout New Jersey.