RHS PHILOSOPHY OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

A well-rounded education is enhanced by one of the most basic of all studies…the study of music. Music teaches discipline, develops self-confidence, and gives each student a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Playing in band teaches students the importance of working with others and helps them develop the social skills necessary to be part of a performing organization. Instrumental music engages students in a group activity which allows them to use their free time constructively. Band instills values: responsibility, purpose and direction, devotion to duty, spirit of cooperation, and sensitivity to beauty. Not all band students become great musicians, but certainly all become more mature, cooperative, self-disciplined, hard working members of society with an appreciation of the arts. Music is a subject which affects all sides of a student's personality. This includes the intellectual, physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and social aspects of a person.

Discipline, pride, and commitment to excellence are important elements of a quality organization. Every part of your participation in the RHS Band must contain these three elements. These elements are our backbone and make us what we are…the Raider Band. We have begun a tradition of superior performances. We believe that external discipline creates internal discipline which the students demonstrate on their own. Pride is taking what you do seriously. Pride is enjoying what you do. Pride is having a desire to succeed in what you do. Pride is respecting yourself and others around you. Pride is a state of mind. A person's quality of life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence - whatever their field of endeavor.