On February 3rd, 2025, the Ridgefield orchestra program combined the fifth, eighth, and high school level talent for an incredibly fun-filled performance. Dedication and passion for music resonated throughout the night, starting with the fifth grade’s performance of New World Symphony Theme by Antonin Dvorak and The Recess Boogie Woogie by Ron DeGrandis.
Aurora Garguilo, a fifth grader at Scotland Elementary School, says “Before last night, I was still on the fence about sticking with orchestra going into middle school. But once I participated in the festival, and I heard all of the amazing 8th graders and high schoolers play, it made me realize that I wanted to one day get to that same level!” Elementary Orchestra Director Josh Sette says, “every year I leave the string festival beaming with joy. The collaboration of the older kids with the younger ones, the worlds colliding, the brilliant music happening throughout... I leave every bit as excited for the future and inspired as my students. It's the perfect display of a community with a longstanding tradition of musical excellence, and we are all fortunate to be part of it.”
Following the fifth grade performance, the eighth graders proceeded to inspire and dazzle the audience by performing Finale from Symphony 12, Tango Espressivo, and The Incredibles! 8th grade violinist Supriti reported, "I am so appreciative of the music department staff at RPS. They put so much effort and work really hard to make us grow, not only as musicians but as good people. I can’t wait to learn more in 9th grade and continue my musical career!" Middle school orchestra director Shane Peters, says, “The RPS orchestra festival is one of my favorite events of the year! It's wonderful to see and hear the joy, enthusiasm, and collaboration! I'm already excited for next year!”
The acclaimed Ridgefield High School Symphonic Orchestra performed the show stopping finale movement of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony and received a standing ovation. Finally, the eighth and fifth graders joined them on stage, for a tear-jerking performance of Canon in D Major. High School Orchestra director Micheal McNamara says “Watching the progression from elementary to high school is nothing short of remarkable. Some of those 5th graders will also be playing Tchaikovsky in just 5 years. My colleagues do amazing work at the elementary level, and I have the honor and privilege of building on it. And of course, how can you not love the Twinkle/Pachelbel Canon mash-up?”
With such an incredible performance in one night, the orchestra program is only looking ahead, excited to collaborate and perform again next year. They look forward to working to provide audiences with fun-filled concerts in the future, and are so excited to perform their spring repertoire at the end of the year.
The festival opened with the 5th Grade Honors Band, whose enthusiastic performance London Bridge, and Merrily We Roll Along set the tone for the evening. This was followed by the combined 8th Grade Bands, showcasing the growth and musical development of middle school students. The middle and high school percussionists performed a percussion ensemble piece called Guiro Hero, followed by full band performances of Willow Creek Festival and Where the Sun Breaks Through The Mist. Finally, the Ridgefield High School Wind Ensemble delivered a polished and dynamic performance, demonstrating the high level of musicianship cultivated within the district. They performed In the Bleak Mid Winter by Gustav Holst, and Symphonic Overture by Charles Carter.
The highlight of the evening was the full-ensemble performance of Secret Agent, a piece composed by Barlow Mountain’s own Mr. Tornatore. The collaboration between the younger and older musicians created a powerful and memorable conclusion to the festival.
The Band Festival not only celebrated musical achievement but also reinforced the value of arts education in Ridgefield Public Schools. Events like these provide students with the opportunity to showcase their talents, collaborate with peers, and gain confidence through performance.
As the final notes of Secret Agent resonated through the auditorium, the audience erupted in applause, recognizing the dedication and hard work of all the students and educators involved. Ridgefield’s strong commitment to music education was on full display, promising a bright future for these young musicians.