The GRSM Band Program is a Full Year* program which begins the second (full) week of September and culminates with the Spring Concert in May. There are a minimum of 30 teaching sessions provided during the academic year, consisting of lessons, rehearsals, school performances and concerts.
BAND TUITION: $520 total or $58/month (September – May)
$25 One-time Family Registration Fee
20% off SIBLING DISCOUNT!!
CLICK HERE to REGISTER for 2023-2024
(No Registration Fee if you register before May 15th)
Classes start the week of September 11th with assessments (and instrument recommendations for beginners).
All beginners must have instruments for class the week of September 18th.
Ensembles
The Beginning Band is a beginning level group for students who are learning to play a band instrument for the first time. Recommended beginning instruments are flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion (multiple instruments). Each individual will be assessed and advised on “best fit” instrument at the first class. If your child is set on a specific instrument that has not been recommended, please discuss immediately with the band director. Instruction is focused on developing a solid foundation in note reading, tone production, rhythm, articulation, proper posture/hand position, and instrument care and maintenance. Students also learn basic music theory concepts and ensemble skills, such as balance and blend. As a performance date nears, the Beginning Band students from all locations join together and rehearse as a full ensemble. Students in 4th Grade and up are eligible for this ensemble. No previous music experience is necessary, and students should be able to learn all that they need in the weekly sessions provided by GRSM (and daily practice). Additional private lessons are always a boost, but are definitely not required. Here’s what previous year’s beginners sounded like at the Spring Concert.
CLICK HERE for IMPORTANT BEGINNING BAND INFORMATION
The Concert Band is an intermediate level group for students who have had 1-3 years of experience playing a band instrument. In addition to continued development of basic instrumental music foundations, instruction focuses on the finer details of playing in an ensemble. Students in the Concert Band receive instruction on music theory and learn scales to improve technique and expand range. Sectional rehearsals offer the opportunity for the students to learn and perform chamber music or small ensemble pieces. As a performance date nears, the Concert Band students from all locations join together and rehearse as a full ensemble.
CLICK HERE to view performances at KINGS DOMINION Festival of Music 2019
Concert/Symphonic combo Received “SUPERIOR” (highest) Rating
The Symphonic Band is an advanced level group comprised of students who have had 4+ years of experience playing a band instrument and/or have demonstrated a high level of proficiency on their instrument. Students in the Symphonic Band rehearse and perform high quality music in many styles and genres. In rehearsals, instruction is focused on balance, blend, intonation, dynamics, articulation, phrasing, and accuracy of pitch and rhythm. Students learn all 12 major scales and music theory concepts. Symphonic only rehearsals offer the opportunity for the students to learn and perform chamber music or small ensemble pieces. As a performance date nears, the Symphonic Band students from all locations join together and rehearse as a full ensemble.
* Disenrollment from the program may be allowed only after the student has completed the first semester of classes and upon completion of the GRSM Band Program Disenrollment Form signed by the parent/guardian of the student. This form must be received by GRSM no later than January 7th. Once it is determined that continuity of the program for the remaining students will not be jeopardized, the registration contract will be terminated at the end of the semester.
NOTE: In addition to the group band classes described above, your Band Director will be available until 6pm to offer private or semi-private lessons in brass, woodwinds and percussion instruments if you prefer or would like to add that option!!
If you are interested, please include your request on your Registration
$30/half hour for Private Lessons
$45/half hour Semi-Private Lessons
Schedule of Events (2022-2023) – UPDATED
Faculty
Bob Ellithorpe – Director of Bands/Band Director
The overall Director/Coordinator of the Greater Richmond Band Program is Robert W. (Bob) Ellithorpe who, having attained his B.M.Ed. at VCU and M.M. from University of Richmond, has accrued over 30 years of experience in instruction and band direction at elementary, middle and high school levels in Hanover and environs as well as instructing at VCU, Randolf Macon, University of Richmond, Garwood Whaley, Greater Richmond School of Music and his own private studio. He has guest conducted with numerous bands, and his performance repertoire is very long including 18yrs with the Richmond Symphony. He has also been on a number of adjudication teams and has a long list professional affiliations and recognitions including being listed in the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 1996, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and more recently was elected to Phi Beta Mu Virginia Band Director’s Hall of Fame-2013.
Rick Rieger – Band Director
Rick is a professional musician with over 15 years teaching experience and 25 years of performing experience. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Arts with a concertation in Woodwind Performance from the University of Missouri Kansas City.
Rick has extensive experience as a showband musician on all the major cruise lines traveling to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean, Africa, India, Asia and South America. As a Veteran of the Army Bands, Rick enjoyed 9 years of active duty experience stationed at home and abroad. Rick is an active performer in Virginia playing all the saxophones, flute and clarinet. He lives in New Kent, Virginia with his wife Annelise and 3-year-old son Benjamin. During his free time, he enjoys traveling and fishing.
Rick is available to teach woodwinds, brass, and band percussion, as well as music theory, ear training, jazz improvisation on any instrument, and beginning piano lessons. Rick believes that the experience of learning music should be fun and engaging for both the student and teacher.
TBD – **NEW** Band Director
Stay tuned for our big announcement! We will be welcoming an additional Band Director starting in the fall of 2023!
Locations
Click on the School Names below to see the current Band and other Music Lesson Schedules available at the relevant locations.
Band Directors for each location will be announced in May. The 2023-2024 schedule will be available in June (but will be very similar to the current schedule).
Our Lady of Lourdes – MONDAYS
St. Bridget – TUESDAYS (new band director to be announced soon)
Richmond Montessori – TUESDAYS
St. Edward-Epiphany – WEDNESDAYS (new band director to be announced soon)
St. Mary’s – THURSDAYS
Homeschool @ GRSM Main Location – WEDNESDAYS
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