What is the PE waiver and how does it work?

Students enrolled in any of the marching band courses in the Fall semester are waived from the requirement to enroll in a PE class for the first semester of the school year. This waiver is applied with registration and no other paperwork is required from the student or family. Students will need to enroll in a PE class for the second semester of the year, as this consists of concert performances only, and no marching band field shows/practices.

Are band, orchestra, and choir full-year classes, or are they available for a single semester? 

Band, orchestra, and choir are designed to be a full credit with enrollment for the entire school year; however, students can request enrollment for a single semester to allow room for other music classes or curriculum requirements. The teachers will single-semester enrollment on a case-by-case basis, so it is worth asking (and providing reasoning for the request)!

Can a student register for more than one music class per semester?

Students can absolutely enroll in multiple music classes and it is common for students to take both band/orchestra and choir. There are several different instrumental class offerings (eg, concert band, jazz band, rock band, orchestra). 

For students who want to stay involved in music, but their course load does not fit another class, it is important to remember that there are many extracurricular music and theater offerings at RB. There are a mix of student- and faculty-run clubs that meet before and/or after school, with multiple performance opportunities throughout the year. These clubs include: A Cappella, Mariachi Band, Symphonic Orchestra, Shenanigans (improv), and Tech (stage) Crew. There are also performances such as the fall Play and spring Musical. Listen to announcements during the school day to learn when these groups meet, and look for signs posted around the school.

What if my child wants to be in a band, but not be in the marching band?

For the fall semester, enrollment in Concert Band, Symphonic Band, or Wind Ensemble requires participation in marching band. Options for a band class without being part of the marching band include Rock Band and Jazz Band. There are also the Mariachi Band and Symphonic Orchestra club that are student-run and open to anyone who can play an instrument and read music.

How do the auditions work to enter into an honors music class? 

Concert Band, Jazz Band, String Orchestra, and Chamber Choir courses are open enrollment. If a student is interested, they can speak with the music teachers to request an audition for Symphonic Marching Band or Wind Ensemble/Marching Band (Honors), Jazz Ensemble (Honors), Chamber Orchestra (Honors), Concert Chorale, or Madrigal Singers.  

Can my student be on a sports team and also be involved in music/theater? How about other extracurricular activities? 

Music courses students register for run during the school day so these classes will not conflict with extracurricular activities. There are concerts and music clubs that are before/after school; however, the faculty within different departments work closely with one another to accommodate schedules and allow student participation across areas. Many of the current music students are involved in activities outside of the music department. The best way to make the balance of schedules work well is frequent and thorough communication with the faculty who are involved.

What if my student hasn’t played their instrument in a few years and wants to join band/orchestra? Or if they haven’t sung and want to join choir?

Students who have no experience singing, or have music experience, but have taken a break from playing an instrument or singing are welcome and encouraged to enroll in a beginner music course. Students should also check into the various extracurricular music groups (eg, Rock Band, Mariachi Band, Symphonic Orchestra, A Capella). Faculty also have recommendations for private lessons to catch a student up or begin focusing on a new instrument.

What is the time commitment for marching band?

The marching band season starts with a camp the week before school begins. Students learn the field show and begin practicing music together. Outside of class time during the school day, students are required to attend a marching band practice once per week (currently Wednesdays) after school. The band will perform at all home games for the varsity football team and school pep rallies. The marching band also participates in the Independence Day parades in both Riverside and Brookfield and the Von Steuben Day parade in September. Participation in the parades are strongly encouraged. Every other year, the music department takes a trip that students can attend, if desired (extra fees involved). Previous trips were to Orlando in 2023 and New York in 2025.

How does a student get involved in theater? What are the opportunities?

Students have the opportunity to audition for two performances every year - a fall play and a spring musical. There is also the improv group, Shenanigans, and performances like the Radio Show, providing a variety of theater experiences. If being backstage is of interest, RB has a tech crew that is pivotal to these performances running effectively. 

What is tech crew?

Tech crew meets once per week after school and helps with things such as props, costumes, sound, lights, and set builds/design. In addition to the fall play and spring musical, tech crew also helps with other performances, such as dance and concerts.

What are the summer activities for music/theater? How do we sign up for these? 

There are a variety of opportunities available. Freshman and new band students are highly encouraged to attend New Member Orientation that takes place for two weeks in June. There is also the opportunity to practice with the band and perform in the Riverside and Brookfield Independence Day parades. Field show camp is held for 4 days (5 days for percussion) in August, 1-2 weeks before school starts. This is a fun experience for everyone where you will meet your band mates, make friends, and start learning the field show. There are plenty of games and treats, as well. Registration is required and will be available in April at https://rbhs208.revtrak.net/ under ‘Summer Enrichment Camps’. 

There are additional opportunities for music and theater activities in the summer at camps outside of the school that have various fees: Smith Walbridge, UIC, Merit School of Music, Ghostlight, Stage Door, and Theater of Western Springs.

How do we find out about upcoming music and theater activities?

The music department faculty maintain a calendar of performances and other related activities. The Music and Theatre Sponsors (MTS) is a parent-run charitable organization that is very involved in all of the concerts, stage performances, camps, and more. Students learn about auditions through in-school announcements and posters around school. For more information on MTS, a calendar of activities, and volunteer/donation opportunities.