Seniors

Hello! My name is Sarah Babcock and I have played the flute in Concert Band for the past four years! I am forever grateful I always was able to fit Band into my schedule, as it was always one of the classes I could have a break in my day whether at 7:35 am freshman year or in the afternoons sophomore-senior year, and through the pandemic. I started playing the flute in fifth grade in New York, continued in sixth grade in Florida, and finished out seventh grade and on from here in New Jersey. Throughout all of the places, I am happy Band was always a constant for me and that Concert Band allowed me to continue playing the flute as well as continue my other extracurricular activities. Band allowed me to continue the friendships I have, as well as continue to make new friendships. Next year, I will be attending Texas Tech University (Wreck ‘em!) in the fall and majoring in Education to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming an elementary school teacher! 

When I think back to freshman year, it feels like it has been an eternity since I began High School. Throughout all four years, I have been involved with multiple Ridge ensembles and musical activities; for example, I have been a part of the Ridge Marching Band and Jazz band for four years. During freshman year, I played with the Concert Band, and then the Wind Ensemble for the next three years. Later in High School, I joined other musical ensembles like the Orchestra program, Pit Orchestra, and Tri-M. My time in the band program has enabled me to become a leader among my peers by serving as the Low Brass section leader in the Marching Band my senior year. Most importantly, the band program has allowed me to connect with some of my closest friends. Throughout all four years, I knew that I count on the band program to help me through tough times; moreover, I could count on Mr. B and Mr. Z to help me when I needed it most. When I begin to study Biochemistry at the University of Vermont, I will always think back to some of the best moments of high school in the band program.  

Evan,

Congratulations on your final Ridge performance! We are so proud of all you have accomplished as both a trombone and baritone player.

As you embrace your future, we can’t wait to see you continue to grow your talent and reach all of your goals.

Love, Mom & Dad

The Ridge Band program has been my home for the last four years, I have participated in marching band through all four of my years here at Ridge and in my final year I joined the concert band and the Jazz Band as well. Honestly, the band program here at Ridge changed me and my course at Ridge forever. Via the Marching Band, I met a new group of people who soon became my good friends. I enjoyed working with a collective of fellow band students to put on a story, it brought to me a sense of unity, teamwork, cooperation and the Marching Band became my family over the years. It rekindled my enjoyment of playing an instrument and for that reason I joined the concert band. One thing I enjoyed the most in Concert Band and in Marching is that B and Z always pushed me and others to be our best and to keep improving.

For me, when I look back on my band experience, my two favorite memories will be performing at MetLife and the whole experience of our Home Competition from working to set up to leading a band to their warm up spot. My final remark about my experience in the band program is that I was glad I was able to help change the culture specifically in the High Brass section, to be a section that balanced the importance of improving while enjoying the moment. I will be heading to American University in Washington D.C. Double majoring in Spanish and International Studies. I will be heading to AU's Madrid center as part of an International Studies Program. Once I come back on campus, I hope to continue to play the trumpet in a symphonic band or the pep band.

Ben, 

We loved watching all your band performances from LCS to RHS, from PAC to Trenton State. Nash will miss hearing you practice at home so Abe will have to pick up the slack.  Orgulloso de ti.  Love, Rob, Mom, Abe & Nash

Gene - 4 years of sax awesomeness!!  marching straight into more years of “hitting your mark”.  We are so very proud of you!!

Love ya

Mom, Dad, Ana 

In 7th grade, I could never have guessed that taking one crazy chance on a strange, new instrument would evolve into my life today. Playing music brings me joy. The music program at Ridge has provided me with a strong foundation for my four years here. I am grateful to know that no matter the time of day, there is always someone in the band room that I can get advice from, laugh with, or talk to. I will never forget the April Fools pranks we played this year because they reminded me of just how much fun we have together. Being a member of the wind ensemble (9th-12th), and a student leader in the marching band (9th-12th) and Tri-M (11th, 12th) has taught me many lessons about time management, goal setting, cooperation, and personal responsibility. But most importantly, it showed me how lucky I am to find a community within Ridge that shares my love of music. 

Outside of Ridge I have taken lessons with Joe Eggebeen and played in the Central Jersey Regions Band (9th, 11th, 12th) and Orchestra (11th, 12th), the All-State Symphonic Band (11th) and Wind Ensemble (12th), the New Jersey Youth Symphony (12th), and the All-Eastern Symphony Orchestra (12th). These groups are extensions of the magic that we make at Ridge. They bring talented and dedicated musicians together to perform high level repertoire and have fun.

Next year I will be attending the University of Rochester where I plan to major in Economics and minors in Italian studies and music. With the University’s connections to the Eastman School of Music, and many ensembles of its own, I look forward to continuing my tuba journey. Thank you to all my directors for encouraging and supporting my musical growth. And thank you to my parents for putting up with my practicing, and driving my friends and I all around the state!

Congratulations Zoe on your last Ridge band concert! Marching band, wind ensemble, orchestra, NJYS, Regions, All-State and All-Eastern - what a thrilling and amazing adventure it has been. Thank you for sharing it with us! We look forward to all the music you will make in the future. Congratulations and best wishes to the Ridge Band Senior Class of 2023!

Love, Mom and Dad. 

My name is Minaal Kauser and I have played the flute since 6th grade. I started off in the Concert Band my freshman year, and have been in the Wind Ensemble since my sophomore year. Throughout the years, I have taken private lessons from Ms. Laura George. 

Words cannot describe my experience with the band program at Ridge. With both the Concert Band and Wind Ensemble classes, I had the opportunity to meet and work with incredible musicians, allowing me to expand my knowledge on the history of music, music theory, and the flute itself. But most of all, what kept me in the program the past four years, is the teachers who make every class period an enjoyable experience. A break from the day, a breath of fresh air, a moment to take in the wonderful program we all not only chose to take part in, but chose to stay in. Mr. Z and Mr. B have supported each of their students, and have always personally encouraged me to be confident in my playing. Over the years, I have transformed from a shy band kid to a proud flutist. 

Thanks to Mr. Z and Mr. B who have preserved the band community at Ridge. It’s been an amazing four years and I am so grateful for it all. Truthfully, thank you so much. 

Minaal-Your are a born leader and an inspiration to all. You family believes in you and loves you very much! Wishing you all the best in your new adventures! 

Much love,  Your family

Congrats to the Class of 2023, and to John - We are so proud of all that you've accomplished and have loved watching your concerts over the years! (Ginny, on the other hand, will be glad to not hear any more practicing!) 

Keep on playing!

Love, Mom, Dad, and Sarah.

The Ridge band program has provided me with many irreplaceable lessons, skills, and memories. Throughout my four years at Ridge, I played in the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Marching Band, each of which provided me with many valuable opportunities. Not only was band a great place to learn, practice, and perform music, but it was also a great place to socialize and make friends. I met many great people who helped make band substantially more enjoyable. I am extremely grateful for Mr. Z and Mr. B and the band program as a whole for the exceptional experience I had throughout high school. Next year I will be studying Finance and Data Science at the University of Florida. 

To Andrew,

We are so happy that you made a place for music in your life. We have loved seeing you perform in marching band competitions, football games, and band concerts over these four years of high school. We have watched you develop musically but have also seen you become a mentor to others students. We are very proud of you and wish you the best as you become part of Gator Nation!

Love, Dan, Wendy, Leah, Rufus and Juno

I never thought about my music career at the start of high school nor ever tried to reach this level of passion and joy. Even though as a baby, all I ever wanted was to play drums. My intentions in staying with percussion was never at the level of expectations in my freshman year. But after joining so many music opportunities in this school, like Concert Band (9th), Wind Ensemble(10th-12th), Orchestra(11th-12th), Tri-M, and Marching Band (9th-12th), I grew an extreme passion for percussion music. I have never taken any outside lessons since starting percussion. But I think the absence of private lessons gave me an opportunity to learn in a different way, a different style. Throughout the years, I learned new skills by watching and listening to other students in the band and trying to experiment with many techniques. And while experimenting, I figured why not audition for the Eastern Wind Symphony Youth Band (12th), the first time I ever auditioned for music outside of school. And after being accepted, the experience was something I have never felt before. 

After looking up to many fellow musicians and teachers in high school to having great support from my peers, it was a journey I will never forget. Even though I’m studying engineering, I wish to continue this passion as my joyful hobby.

Dear Brandon,   Finishing 4 years of hard work at RHS is just one step on your journey.  Your perseverance is an inspiration to everyone you meet. Keep up the good work and always remember-  “Be Water, My Friend”

Love Mom, Dad, and Connor

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to explain the exhilaration you get from being in the Ridge Band program. Every day (even on days when the band room is 79 degrees), I am always excited to see the decorative countdown to band camp on the white board, hear the deafening thumping of the percussion warming up, and play the music I love with the people I love. From music, I have not only found a relaxing hobby, but also a deep passion that gives me pure joy and a tight-knit community that I now call my family. I truly mean it when I say the band room is my second home, and I will carry my memories from room 222 forever.

As a flutist of nine years, I’ve been in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Orchestra. I’ve also been involved with Regions/All-State/All-Eastern, and other competitions such as the Bellagrande International Music Competition, in which I placed first in. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without all of my teachers throughout my music journey, and I give a big thank you to Mr. Z, B, W(ong), and my private teacher, Ms. Chia Wang. This fall, you can find me playing Taylor Swift in a practice room at Wake Forest University, where I’ll be pursuing a double major in Finance and Music.

We're so proud of you, Karina! You've come so far - keep chasing your passions. We can't wait to see the amazing things you'll do in college! 

Love, Mom, Dad, Elena, Blu, and Paulie🐺🐦