RHS Bands

The Ridgewood High School Band Program consist of approximately 120 students. Students enrolled in the band program are placed in to ensembles based on their age and/or ability. All first-year students are enrolled in Concert Band. Concert Band curriculum is designed with a primary focus on the fundamentals of music theory and instrumental performance techniques. Upon completion of their first year, all students will audition for placement into the Symphonic Band. Percussionist will be enrolled in a percussion specific course.

Students enrolled in Symphonic Band will graduate to higher-level music, and an increased number of performances, while still focused on the development of fundamental performance skills.

Student events may include, but are not limited to:

  • Fall Concert/Showcase

  • Winter Concert

  • BandFest

  • Spring Concert

  • Pops Concert

  • IHSA Solo & Ensemble

  • IHSA Organization Festival

  • ILMEA Honor Bands

  • Metro Suburban Conference Honor Band

  • Chicagoland Concert Band Festivals

  • Fine Art Trips (Disney World, Six Flags, etc.)

Mr. Bernie Moore

Director of Bands

bmoore@ridgenet.org

Mr. Bernie Moore serves as the Director of Bands at Ridgewood High School in Norridge, IL where he conducts the RHS Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, and the Marching Rebels.

A native of Muscatine, Iowa, Bernie earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education at Iowa State University (GO STATE!). Upon completion of his degree, he served as Director of Bands at Mount Vernon High School in Mount Vernon, Iowa. During his time at MVHS (2011 - 2015) the program doubled its enrollment while receiving four consecutive "superior" ratings at the IHSMA Large Group Festival. In 2015, the Mount Vernon High School Symphonic Band was invited to perform as a clinic ensemble at the Iowa Bandmaster Association Convention in Des Moines, IA, as a part of the "In Tone; In Tune" clinic presented by Dr. Brad Genervo, current Director of Bands at the University of Texas, El Paso.

In 2015, Bernie accepted a graduate assistantship at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Go Rebels!). During his two years at UNLV he conducted the UNLV "Star of Nevada" Marching Band, Runnin' Rebel Pep Bands, New Horizons Community Band, and Symphonic Winds. Bernie also served as a rehearsal assistant for the internationally acclaimed UNLV Wind Orchestra, under the direction of Professor Thomas G. Leslie. Mr. Moore was involved in the editing and recording process for two CD recordings; Traveler (2016) and 24K Gould(2017) under the Klavier Record Label.

Graduating with a Master’s of Music in Wind Band Conducting, Moore accepted the position of Director of Bands at Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas, NV. In this role, he conducted the Spring Valley Concert Band, Symphonic Winds, Wind Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and oversaw operations of the Indoor Colorguard and Indoor Percussion. Student involvement within the program doubled from 2017 -2018. During this time, the program received numerous accolades including an undefeated marching band season within their class (2018), consecutive "superior" ratings at the Clark County Advanced Band Festival, "superior" rating at the Southern Nevada Band Association Intimidate Band Festival, and consecutive "superior" ratings within the Marching Band Open Series Marching Band Circuit. In 2019, the Spring Valley Wind Orchestra was extended an invitation to perform at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in conjunction with the UNLV Symphonic Winds, under direction of Professor Anthony LaBounty.

While an educator in Nevada, Moore served as Region Governor for the Clark County Regional Honor Band (Southwest) and the High School Representative/ Intermediate Middle School Band Festival for the Southern Nevada Band Association.

Mr. Moore moved from Las Vegas to Chicago in 2019 when he accept a position at UIC College Prep serving 220 students in the West Town Neighborhood of Chicago.

Mr. Moore is excited for his new position at Ridgewood High School and cannot wait to get back to teaching music and getting to know his new students.

Moore's professional affiliations include the Illinois Music Education Association, National Association for Music Education, and the National Band Association.