The Ridgefield High School Symphonic Orchestra was selected from among high schools across the state to perform at the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Music Festival on April 3 at the Bushnell in Hartford.
“This is an extremely high honor,” said Michael McNamara, director of instrumental music at Ridgefield High School. “Congratulations to the RHS musicians for their efforts. I am very proud of them!” The orchestra will perform the final movement of Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5.
RHS Symphonic Orchestra is relatively new at the high school. While orchestra class has been available to string musicians for many years, wind and percussion musicians have only recently been invited to audition for the orchestra as an extracurricular experience.
“From the start of the 2012-13 academic year, I have been very pleased with the number and talent of the wind and percussion students who have auditioned and are participating in this unique high school music experience,” said Mr. McNamara. “Their participation considerably enriches the repertoire that the entire orchestra can study.” The orchestra consists of more than 80 musicians under the direction of Mr. McNamara. The orchestra’s next Ridgefield concert is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the Anne S. Richardson auditorium, Ridgefield High School, 700 North Salem Road. The concert is free and open to the public.
Michael McNamara, director of instrumental music, conducts the Ridgefield High School Symphonic Orchestra.