FROM THE START
The history of the Rock Bridge Band Program
1973-74 Phil Wood was the first band director at Rock Bridge High School. The band played all football games at Hickman. Sheri Overton Wendling transferred to Rock Bridge to be a featured twirler. She currently owns the Academy of Fine Arts.
1974-75 “The Marching Munchkins” have their first outing. A TROLL was worn on the overlay of the Rock Bridge band uniform and as a result the band became known as “the Marching Munchkins.” During this era, the band had no hats, so the members all wore different “crazy” hats. One member came in a full-length bunny suit.
1975-76 Superintendent Dr. Russell Thompson surprised everybody with green sweatshirts to wear in a parade.
1976-77 Steve Hasselriis received the John Philip Sousa Band Award.
1977-78 There were 68 band members, and the majorettes dressed up as bumble bees. The John Philip Sousa Award was given to Brent Stewart.
1978-79 The John Philip Sousa Award went to Keith Yarwood.
1979-80 The band marched in the new Rock Bridge Stadium where a large Rock Bridge football helmet was painted on the field. “Grease” was the hit tune. This was also the last year to wear the “troll” uniforms. Kyle Smith received the John Philip Sousa Award.
1980-81 Rich Hadfield took the job of band director. The competition was SMSU Ozarko Marching Contest, and they were given a Division 2 rating. Flag girls were added to the marching band–they were Michelle Leary, Lisa Viele, and Gina Urani. Burt Poehlman was the first drum major and also received the John Philip Sousa Award.
1981-82 This was the first year for Capers, with Michael Bancroft as master of ceremonies. Doug Graven and Jenny Alton were drum majors. We also had new green uniform tops and white shoes. Laura Rogers was the John Philip Sousa Award recipient this year. This was the first year that Rock Bridge hosted an RBHS-HHS football game. Rock Bridge was victorious and the band was outstanding!
1982-83 Steve Anderson received the John Philip Sousa Award. This was the year that mysterious matter came dripping from above during the Capers performance–an incident that required quick thinking on the part of Mr. Hadfield and a hurried intervention by the local constable.
1983-84 Linda Huntsucker was the string ensemble teacher. “Wags” Wagner (saxophone) played to a large crowd of seven at a basketball game. The band took 3rd place and Outstanding Auxiliary at the Francis Howell Marching Invitational. At Northeast Missouri State University, the band took 1st place. The John Philip Sousa Award went to Jerry Wagner this year.
1984-85 We applauded Kyle Gatsmeyer for receiving the John Philip Sousa Band Award.
1985-86 This year the band took 5th place and Outstanding Percussion at Washington High School in Class B. At the Francis Howell Marching Festival, the band placed 2nd and the color guard placed 1st in the Gold Division. In the Mizzou Home- coming Parade, they were awarded 2nd place with a AAA rating.
1986-87 Rock Bridge band swept their division at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival, taking 1st place and Best Auxiliary, Percussion, Drum Major, and Soloists. The members were so excited and pleased that they carried Mr. Hadfield on their shoulders. The recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award this year was Geoffrey Stamper.
1987-88 The jazz band played the backup music in this year’s spring musical, 1940s Radio Days. The drumline took 1st place in all three contests entered in the fall. The band placed 2nd at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival and 1st at the Francis Howell Marching Festival, with Auxiliary also placing 1st at Francis Howell. Joel Trueblood was this year John Philip Sousa Award recipient.
1988-89 This year, the band placed 2nd at Mizzou Homecoming, 5th at the Lafayette Contest of Champions, 3rd at Fran- cis Howell Invitational, and 3rd at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival and received Outstanding Percussion in St. Louis. The John Philip Sousa Award went to Britt Jeffcoat.
1989-90 Mr. Hadfield came to early morning practices in boots and a yellow raincoat. First thing he would say was, “Horns up! B-flat scale!” Drumline placed 1st at the Francis Howell Invitational and 3rd in the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival with Outstanding Soloists. Gary Denbow won best soloist at the Busch Stadium contest. Drum major for this year was Lynn Butler and Michael Nararella received the John Philip Sousa Award.
1990-91 Gary Denbow received an award for best player at the MU Jazz Contest. The jazz band took 1st place at three competitions while the bus driver for one of those competitions received a speeding ticket. The band placed 3rd at the Lafayette Contest of Champions and 1st at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival. This year’s John Philip Sousa Award went to Lynn Butler.
1991-92 The jazz band competed in Iowa with Gary Denbow and MacAllister Daniel receiving highest awards for out- standing solos. This year, the band placed 3rd at Echoes Off the River in Alton, Illinois, with the drumline taking 2nd place. They also placed 1st at the Lafayette Contest of Champions with Best Soloist and Best Music. We wiped the field at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival with 1st place Band, Outstanding Percussion, Outstanding Soloists, and Outstanding Drum Major! The John Philip Sousa Award was presented to Gary Denbow.
1992-93 Three members of the jazz band got a flat tire and had to hitchhike to the contest in Hannibal. We are recogniz- ing names like John and Gordon Hadfield, James Denbow, Jeanne Thalhuber, Alan Bancroft, and Andrea Arni. Our band placed 3rd at Washington High School and 3rd at Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival with Outstanding Auxiliary and Outstanding Solo- ists. We also placed 4th at Echoes Off the River in Alton, receiving 2nd place Auxiliary and 3rd place Drumline. Drum major was Tom Kay. MacAllister Daniel was presented the John Philip Sousa Award.
1993-94 Our awards this year were: Washington Field Show, 2nd place band, 1st place danceline, and 3rd place drumline; Echoes Off the River in Alton, 2nd place band, 1st place guard, 2nd place drumline, and Outstanding Music; Lafayette Contest of Champions, 1st place band and Outstanding Music; and Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival, 1st place band, 1st place drum- line, Outstanding Marching, and Outstanding Music. John Hadfield received the John Philip Sousa Award. Josh McGary was drum major, and Gordon Hadfield forgot that he needed special shoes to march in, so he had to “white sock” it over tennis shoes.
1994-95 The danceline won every contest entered. They even traveled to the Winter Guard International in Chicago where they won 3rd place in body movement. Alan Bancroft sported a well-trimmed goatee and also received the John Philip Sousa Award. Becky Speckman on mallets and John Hadfield on tenors won the Mozingo Percussion Competition. The music was from Les Miserables and the drum major was James Denbow. The band and danceline took 1st at the Lafayette Contest of Champions and received Outstanding Music and Outstanding Marching. The band, dance line and drumline all took 1st place at the Washing- ton Field Show. It was a sweep at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival with 1st place band, 1st place dance line, 1st place drumline, Outstanding Marching, and Outstanding Music.
1995-96 “Miss Saigon” was the field show theme and Rock Bridge band won its division at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival. They also won Outstanding Marching and 1st place drumline. Lafayette Contest of Champions brought home 3rd place band, 2nd place danceline, and 2nd place drumline. Rock Bridge received 4th place band, 1st place drumline, and 2nd place dance line at the Washington Field Show. The Francis Howell Field Show brought awards of 1st place band, 2nd place drumline, and 2nd place dance line. Dave Yonker led the band as drum major. We got new band jackets this year, continuing in the style of ’81. Beth Schenck was presented the John Philip Sousa Award this year.
1996-97 This year at the Lafayette Contest of Champions, our band placed 2nd, drumline took 3rd, and dance line brought home 2nd place. This is also the time when “someone” forgot their Baritone sax and had to “beg, borrow, steal” one from another school. The awards received at Echoes off the River in Alton, Illinois were 2nd place band, 1st place drumline, and 1st place dance- line. The Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival was held in the Edward Jones Dome for the first time, and the band placed 4th and the dance line 1st. Our theme for the show was selections from Guys and Dolls with Joe Denbow as drum major. Bob Thalhuber attended the Missouri Fine Arts Academy at SMSU in Springfield. This year, the John Philip Sousa Award was presented to Casey Hairston.
1997-98 “James Bond” was our theme for this year’s field show, with Amy Monaghan leading as drum major. The La- fayette Contest of Champions brought us 3rd place for the band. At Echoes off the River, we took 2nd place band and 3rd place dance line. At the Great St. Louis Marching Festival, we were awarded 2nd place band. Joshua Bryan and Mackenzie Daly will be attending the Missouri Fine Arts Academy at SMSU in Springfield this June. We updated our uniform this year with new band pants (no stripe), black gloves, black shoes, and black plumes. Jacob Rau was the recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award.
1998-99 This year our field show consisted of selections from the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar with David Wax as drum major. Josh Bryan was presented the John Philip Sousa Award. Our awards this year were: Lafayette Contest of Champi- ons, 3rd place band and 2nd place guard; Washington High School Field Show, 3rd place band, 1st place dance line, and 1st place drumline; Echoes Off the River in Alton, 2nd place band, 3rd place danceline, and 2nd place drumline; Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival, 5th place band and 1st place danceline. Competition at the Lindbergh High School Drumline Festival saw our drumline received 3rd place and Josh Bryan was recognized as best tenor soloist.
1999-2000 The New Look Is Now for the Rock Bridge Band. New black and white uniforms highlighted the 1999 marching season. The music was from Carmen and Kristin Monaghan was drum major. At the Lafayette Content of Champions the band got 3rd place. Washington Festival was next, with a 2nd place for the band. The band earned 3rd place at the Greater St. Louis Festival. In April, the new music wing was completed and the band moved into their wonderful new facility. Tom Yonker was the John Philip Sousa Award winner.
2000-01 The marching season opened for the first time in the band’s new quarters. The drumline sported brand new Yamaha marching drums and carriers–specialized carriers that someone forgot to load on the truck for the Lafayette competition. Thanks to the generosity of another band, the Bernstein show went on.
2001-02 The band had a very successful season this year under new director, Mr. Steve Williams, the third band director at RBHS in 29 years. Mr. Adam Altrup, who directed the second jazz band, assisted him this year. The marching band placed third at Washington and Lafayette, and fourth at Greater St. Louis. Alton was rained out. The drum major was Neil Ostercamp. The jazz band placed 2nd at MU, 1st at Quincy, and received a “1” rating at CMSU. The Jazz Combo won everything they entered, and competed with “Latin Funk,” an original tune by bass player Wes Randle. The concert band earned a “1” at district music festival, and 20 solo and ensemble entries received “1” ratings. Senior Jay Gengelbach wrote a wonderful concert band piece called “The Tempest” which won a composition contest sponsored by SMSU. The band played it on their final spring concert.
2002-03 Miss Fulkerson joined the program as the new assistant director. Drum majors this year were Laura Daugherty and Bart Wilson. The marching show was “Godzilla Eats Las Vegas” by Eric Whitacre. The band placed 3rd at the Washington Festival. Three students made All-State Band–Blake Bard, Dov Turner, and Nick LeFevre. The Jazz Band placed 2nd at the MU Jazz Festival for the second year in a row. The Concert Band received 4 straight “1” ratings at district festival. The winner of the John Philip Sousa Award was Blake Bard.
2003-04 The RBHS Band started this year with another very successful camp in Fredericktown, highlighted by team- building activities such as skit night and a low-element ropes course that every student went through. A very difficult marching show entitled “Colours” proved a challenge for the band this year, but finally culminated in a 2nd place finish in Class 5 at the MU Marching Festival. Drum majors were Stephen Dunkin, Charlie Childers, Jon Jackson, and Andy Smriga. The jazz bands contin- ued to excel across the state, with awards at the Truman State University and KU Jazz Festivals. A trip to Chicago for the jazz bands proved a lot of fun, and started with a concert by Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra in Symphony Hall. Four students made All-State Band: Nick LeFevre (2nd year), Dov Turner (2nd year), Kevin Hough, and Matt Collins. We broke into 2 bands during concert season for the first time ever, with Miss Fulkerson conducting the Symphonic Band and Mr. Williams conducting the Wind Ensemble.
2004-05 The marching band show was “Chase,” and featured the music of jazz trumpeter Bill Chase. Soloists were Nick LeFevre, Matt Collins, and Jason Evans. Our season culminated with a seventh place showing out of 15 bands in the finals at the competitive Mizzou Festival. The drumline received 3rd place at the Alton Marching Festival. Drum Majors were Jon Jackson, Ross Hinshaw, and Marley Cassels. During Spring Break, the band traveled to Florida for a performance at Disney World. The Jazz Band placed first in their division at the MU and Truman State Jazz Festivals. Jazz Ensemble placed 2nd in the 5A division at Truman. All-State musicians were Nick LeFevre, Trumpet (Jazz – 3rd year), Matt Collins, Trumpet (2nd year), Grace LaRose, and Jessica Roark. New assistant director Katy Anselmo had a highly successful year with her jazz bands. The John Phillip Sousa Award went to Nick LeFevre, and the Louis Armstrong Award went to Beau Rieger and David Aulgur.
2005-06 “The Music of Stevie Wonder” started off the year as the field show for the marching band, with a trumpet solo by senior Matt Collins. Drum Majors were Kelli Ackerman, Morgan Paris, and Josh Privitt. The band received 2nd place in their division at the Washington Marching Festival. Students who auditioned successfully for the All-State Band were trumpeter Matt Collins (3rd year), trombonist Matt Quetsch (2nd year), and bass clarinetist Jessica Roark (2nd year). Rock Bridge alum, Mr. Bob Thalhuber, joined the program as Assistant Band Director in January. The Jazz Ensemble received 1st place in the 5A class and the overall Sweepstakes Award at the MU Jazz Festival. The Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Jazz Combo excelled at the Truman State Jazz Festival, sweeping the competition! All three groups placed 1st in their respective divisions. The concert band was also very successful, receiving yet another “I” rating at District Contest.
2006-07 A new director took over the reigns at Rock Bridge High School this year, Steve Mathews became only the fourth Rock Bridge High School band director in the schools 34 years of existence. The field show was titled “Face the Music” and was comprised of music by Robert W. Smith. Drum Majors were Josh Privitt and Bethany Bonham. Rock Bridge band members participating in the All-State Band were Matt Quetsch (trombone, 2nd Year), Joe Neal (trombone), Grace LaRose (trombone), and Jessica Roark (Bass Clarinet, 3rd Year). Zach Beeson (Bass) participated in the Missouri All-State Jazz Band. Both the RBHS Jazz Ensemble (5A) and Jazz Band (4A) finished third in their respected divisions at the MU Jazz Festival. The concert bands were splint into two bands: Wind Ensemble, conducted by Mr. Mathews, and Symphonic Band, conducted by Mr. Thalhuber. Both concert bands received straight “I” ratings at district band festival in Mexico, MO. The John Philip Sousa award was awarded to Jessica Roark, and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award was awarded to Zach Beeson.
2007-08 The field show, entitled “Chased,” and was constructed using music from the King Kong (2005) motion picture. Drum Majors were Kathy Trabue and Brittany Schlager. Rock Bridge band members participating in the All-State Band were Sa- mantha Crouch (Clarinet), Rebecca Gingrich (Flute), Michael Lombardo (trumpet), and Matt Quetsch (trombone, 3nd Year). Derrick Neuner (Alto Saxophone) participated in the Missouri All-State Jazz Band. Both the RBHS Jazz Ensemble (5A) finished 1st while the RBHS Jazz Band (4A) finished 2nd at the MU Jazz Festival. Plas Johnson, most famous for recording Henry Mancani’s 1963 Pick Panther tenor sax solo, performed with all the jazz bands participating in Jazz Night. Both concert bands received straight “I” ratings at district band festival in Mexico, MO. During spring break the band took a trip to Hawaii where they competed in a number of events at the Hawaii Invitational. The band took 1st place in Concert Band, Jazz Band, Drum Major, and Percussion Ensemble while taking 2nd place in the Band Parade Competition. The color guard placed 3rd in parade guard and 2nd in winter guard competition. The John Philip Sousa Award was awarded to Samantha Crouch. The Outstanding Band Student Awards were given to Fritz Laun and Michael Lombardo. The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award was awarded to Derrick Neuner.
2008-09 Under the leadership of drum Majors Kathy Trabue and Yuna Eun, we started off our marching season with our show entitled The Storm. The show was constructed using original music written by John Meehan and successfully depicted a turbulent storm both musically and visually. Rock Bridge band members participating in the Missouri All-State Band were Molly Chann (Flute), Dillon Dains (Baritone Saxophone), Abby Fennewald (Flute), Rebecca Gingrich (Flute, 2nd Year), and Erin Jeter (Per- cussion). Jason Mathews (Trumpet) participated in the Missouri All-State Jazz Band. This year Grammy Nominated Trombonist Bill Watrous will perform with every secondary school in the District at the CPS Jazz Night. The RBHS Wind Ensemble received straight “I” ratings and the RBHS Symphonic Band received an overall rating of “II” at district music festival in Mexico, MO. In addition to the success of the large ensembles, 24 individuals received “I” ratings at District Solo & Ensemble.
2009-10 Performing the marching show, Winter Sketches, under the leadership of drum majors Aubrey Miller and Josh Garton, the band had successful performances in every venue. This year’s members of the Missouri All-State Band included Will Chann (Clarinet), Dillion Dains (Baritone Saxophone, 2nd year), Christian Ackmann (French Horn), AJ Roebuck (Trumpet), and Tina Wang (Flute alternate). For the second year in a row,, Jason Mathews (Trumpet) was selected for the Missouri All-State Jazz Band. This year also marked the first time a Rock Bridge High School instrumental group was selected to perform at the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference. The Wind Ensemble was one of only seven bands selected. In February, both RBHS Jazz bands traveled to Chicago to participate in the Evanston Township Jazz Festival. The Chicago style pizza was fabulous (but Shakespeare’s is better). In March the Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Band received straight “I” ratings at the District Large Ensemble Festival in Mexico, MO. Both RBHS Jazz bands performed with Mike Vax, former lead trumpet player for the Stan Kenton Jazz Orchestra, at the CPS Jazz Night.
2010 -11 The Rock Bridge Concert Band had the honor to perform at Epcot this year in Orlando, Florida over spring break. The concert band and jazz band then traveled to Kissimmee, Florida to participate at a Heritage Festival. Both ensembles took home gold level awards. The Emerald Regiment performed their marching show, Into the Dark. The Blue Springs Marching Festival brought forth a 7th place standing in finals. At the Francis Howell Marching Invitational, the band, guard and percussion earned a 4th place overall in finals. The final festival, the Greater St. Louis Competition culminated in a 5th place standing in the Red Division, only missing 3rd place by 0.25 of a point! Band members who participated in Missouri All-State ensembles this year included QinQin Yu (Flute), Elena Horvit (Flute), Tina Wang (Flute), Leyna Craigmile (Flute), Molly Krueger (Oboe), Ethan Boote (Bas- soon), Will Chann (Clarinet), Jacob Freyermuth (Clarinet), Ben Bergstrom (Alto Sax), Andrew Scavone (Trumpet), Adam Roebuck (Trumpet-Jazz), Christian Ackmann (Horn), & David Wang (Percussion). RBHS had more winds and percussion participating in All-State Ensembles than any other school in Missouri. At the Drury Jazz Festival in Springfield, Missouri, the Rock Bridge Jazz Ensemble received first place in the 5A division, with a 2nd place in the second band division for the Rock Bridge Jazz Band, a first place in the combo division for Rock Bridge Impressions, and a 3rd place also in the combo division for Rock Bridge Jazzmataz.
2011-12 Sporting brand new uniforms this fall, the Emerald Regiment had a very successful season. At St. Charles West the band took 1st place in prelims with best visual performance and 5th in finals earning best percussion for both. At Lafayette the band took 2nd in prelims and 3rd in finals. Traveling to Lee’s Summit North, the Emerald Regiment took 3rd place with best soloist (Elena Horvit) and the drumline took 1st place. The band also traveled to the Bands of America Super Regional in St. Louis this year for a taste of some stiff competition. Finishing the season of at MU, the band took 3rd in prelims and 7th in finals. Students participating in All-State included Elena Horvit (Flute), Christina Wang (Flute), Molly Krueger (Oboe),
11-12 Continued: Jonathan Ackmann (Trumpet), Daniel Shapiro (Trumpet), Christian Ackmann (Horn) and David Wang (Percussion). Kaleb Jacks (Alto Sax.), AJ Roebuck (Trumpet) and Dalton Maggard (Vibraphone) made All-State Jazz. Both concert bands received “Unanimous 1” ratings at the District Large Ensemble Festival in Mexico, MO. Teaming up with Mizzou, Rock Bridge hosted the 1st annual MU-Rock Bridge Jazz Festival where the Jazz Band received a “1” rating, the Jazz Ensemble received “Unanimous 1” ratings and ALL 3 Jazz combos received “Unanimous 1” ratings.
2012-13 The Emerald Regiment, under drum majors Alyssa Sykuta and Maggie Washer, performed their fieldshow To be free… at five competitions this year, including Bands of America Super Regional. Wind players doubled as color guard members, and the upper woodwinds took on the nickname, “Flaband.” The band took 2nd place in their division in prelims at St. Charles West and 5th place in finals. In every other competition (excluding BOA), the band won 1st place in prelims. Lafayette awarded the group with best music, best general effect, and 6th place in finals; Ft. Zum- walt North presented best music (prelims), best general effect (prelims), and 4th place in finals. The band finished their season at the University of Central Missouri with best drumline (prelims), best drum majors (prelims), 1st place indoor drumline, and 2nd place in finals. All-State Band members included Jonathan Ackmann (Trumpet), Ben Bergstrom (Alto Sax), Stephanie Bonham (Bari Sax), Jacob Freyermuth (Clarinet), Evan Schaffer (Horn), Daniel Shapiro (Trumpet) and David Wang (Percussion). Kaleb Jacks (Alto Sax) and Dalton Maggard (Vibraphone) made All-State Jazz Band. The Jazz Ensemble performed at the Jazz Education Network conference in Atlanta, Georgia and the Missouri Music Educators Association conference in January. The Drury Jazz Festival brought a 1st and 2nd place in the combo division, 2nd place in the second band division, and 1st place in the large high school division. Joel Pruitt (Percussion) and Kaleb Jacks (Alto Sax) won outstanding soloist awards in the combo division and large high school division, respectively. Band mem- bers traveled to Hawaii over spring break, performing for judges and receiving 1st place in their divisions for concert band, jazz band, and concert percussion. At the district festival, both concert bands achieved “Unanimous 1” ratings.
2013-14 This year, the band went through some changes of leadership with the departure of the assistant band director, Bob Thalhuber, who took the position of the band director at Battle High School. Replacing Mr. Thalhuber was Mr. Patrick Sullivan who has fit into the Rock Bridge band program extremely well. Also for the first time in the band’s history, the program added a third concert band mainly due to the inclusion of ninth grade students at Rock Bridge. The Emerald Regiment, under drum majors Emily Vu and Emily Franke, performed their field show Hemispheres. The band once again performed at the Bands of America Super Regional. The Emerald Regiment at the St. Charles West Marching Competition took 2nd place in their division and placed 7th overall in finals. The Ft. Zumwalt North Marching Competition had a rained out finals but the Emerald Regiment was still awarded fifth place overall. The MU Marching Competition gave the Emerald Regiment a 2nd place in prelims, 5th place overall for color guard, and and 4th place overall in finals. Last, the University of Central Missouri awarded the Emerald Regiment with 1st place in their division for prelims, 1st place in their division for color guard, 1st place for indoor percussion, and 7th place overall in finals out of 33 bands total competing for the day. All-State members included: Matt Hoeppner (1st chair flute); Emily Franke (7th chair flute); Emily Vu (3rd chair alto saxophone); Stephanie Bonham (2nd chair baritone saxophone); Daniel Shapiro (2nd chair trumpet); Aaron McCray (10th chair trumpet); and Stephanie Stanley (2nd chair trombone). The Norwest Missouri Jazz Festival brought a 1st place for the jazz combo, 1st place for the Jazz Band, 1st place for the Jazz Ensemble, and Stephanie Bonham received Outstanding Soloist for both the jazz combo and 5A band divisions. The Battle High School Band Festival and the State Large Ensemble Festival both awarded the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble “Unanimous 1” ratings. Our first-ever Concert Band received a “2” rating at the Battle Band Festival.
2015-16 The Emerald Regiment had a wonderful marching season under the direction of drum majors Matthew Hoeppner and Allie Rogers. The field show was titled “The Story Of My Life” and it brought back to Rock Bridge many accolades including Grand Champions at the University of Missouri’s Champion of Champions marching competition. Under the leadership of the Director of Marching and Athletic Bands, Mr. Patrick Sullivan, the Emerald Regiment also took 1st Place in the AAA Division, Best Music, Best Visual, and Best Color Guard at the Tiger Classic in Edwardsville, Illinois. The Emerald Regiment also took 1st Place, Best General Effect, and Best Music in their class and finishing 5th overall in finals. At the Blue Springs Marching Competition, the Emerald Regiment finished 5th in preliminary competition and 6th overall in finals against bands from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. This was truly a landmark marching season for the Emerald Regiment! All-State members included Matt Hoeppner (4 time flute/piccolo All-State member), Kaitlyn Smith (4th chair flute), and Martin Shapiro for All-State Jazz Band (piano). The jazz program took a trip to Chicago with combos receiving “1” and “2” ratings, the Jazz Band receiving a “1” rating, and the Jazz Ensemble receiving a “2” competing against bands from all over the Mid-West. At the Battle High School Band Festival, both the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band received “Unanimous 1” ratings with the Concert Band performing extremely well too. At State Large Ensemble, both the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band received “Unanimous 1” ratings again with wonderful comments from all of the judges. This year, there are 29 soloists and ensembles attending State Solo & Ensemble, the most Rock Bridge has ever sent to State.
2016-17 The Emerald Regiment once again had a fantastic marching season under the direction of drum majors Becca Wells, Hannah Evans, and Ty Jamieson. The field show was titled “Classically Twisted” and it was an extremely fun show combining classical music themes with rock. In prelims at the Lafayette Contest of Champions, the Emerald Regiment took 1st Place in their division, Outstanding General Effect and 7th Place overall in finals. At the Fort Zumwalt North River City Showcase, E.R. took 2nd Place in prelims and 5th overall in finals. In Potosi, E.R. took 2nd Place in their division and 4th Place overall in finals. Finally at the MU Champion of Champions, E.R. took 2nd Place in their division, 3rd Place in finals for Music General Effect as well as 5th Place overall in finals. All-State members included Cami Kudrna (Piccolo), Kaitlyn Smith (1st chair flute), Christian Candia (5th chair trumpet), Andrew Meister (5th chair trombone), Jack Fetting (8th chair trombone), 16-17 Continued: Ilinca Popescu (2nd chair oboe in the orchestra), Dilan Kurukulasuriya (4th chair horn in the orchestra), and Martin Shapiro (piano in the jazz band). The jazz program did extremely well at the Northwest State University Jazz Festival with the Jazz Ensemble receiving 1st Place in their division, Jazz Band receiving 1st Place in their division, and Jack Fetting awarded overall Outstanding Soloist in the 5A division. At the University of Central Missouri Jazz Festival, both the Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band, and one of our two combos received ‘1’ Ratings. At State Large Ensemble Festival, both the Wind Symphony (formerly Wind Ensemble) and Symphonic Band received ‘1’ Ratings and for the first time ever, the Concert Band was entered in the festival and received a ‘2’ rating. Another first ever at State Large Ensemble Festival for Rock Bridge was to enter a Brass and Woodwind Choir. The Brass Choir received a ‘1’ rating and the Woodwind Choir received a ‘2’ rating. This year at the CPS Jazz Night, our Rock Bridge jazz bands will have the opportunity to play with guest jazz trombonist, Tom “Bones” Malone, who was in the “Blues Brothers” movie, played in the 80’s with the SNL Band, and until just a few years ago, was in the Late Night Show Band with David Letterman. This year, there are 36 soloists and ensembles attending State Solo & Ensemble which now is the most Rock Bridge has ever sent to State.
2017-18 The Emerald Regiment had a wonderful year under the direction of drum majors Hannah Evans, Cami Kudrna, and Matt Luke. The field show was titled “Why So Blue?”. The show’s theme and message impacted many people at home football games and competitions in a positive manner. It was truly a show to remember. In Edwardsville, IL, the band finished 1st in their division as well as earning Best Musical Performance and Best Visual Performance. At the Lafayette High School Marching Competition, the band was crowned Grand Champions finishing 1st overall against some outstanding bands from Missouri. The band also traveled to Owasso, OK and finished 3rd in their division for prelims and 10th overall in finals against some incredible bands from Oklahoma and neighboring states. At their last competition of the marching season, the Emerald Regiment finished 3rd overall in finals at the MU Champion of Champions which was a wonderful way to end the fall. All -State members included Kaitlyn Smith (2nd chair flute), Hanna Evans (5th chair flute), Cami Kudrna (6th chair flute), Skyler Villescas (11th chair flute), Tricia Carver-Horner (15th chair clarinet), and Jackson Dampier (1st chair trumpet). The jazz program also had a successful festival/competition season. At the Northwest State University Jazz Festival the Jazz Ensemble placed 1st in the 5A division, the Jazz Band placed 2nd in the second band division, and both of our jazz combos placed 1st and 3rd in their respective division. The jazz bands also performed at the Drury Jazz Festival in Springfield, MO with the Jazz Ensemble placing 2nd in the 5A division, the Jazz Band placing 3rd in the second band division, and the combos placing 1st and 2nd. At State Large Ensemble, the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Woodwind Choir, and Percussion Ensemble received ‘1’ ratings and the Brass Choir received a ‘2’ rating. This year at the CPS Jazz Night, our Rock Bridge jazz bands will have the opportunity to play with guest jazz saxophonist, Lauren Sevian, who plays with the Charles Mingus Band out of New York. After 12 years as the Director of Bands at Rock Bridge, Mr. Steve Mathews is stepping down to finish out his career until retirement at Jefferson Middle School. Mr. Patrick Sullivan, who has served the past 5 years as the assistant director, will move into the lead director position with Mr. Josh Myers as the Associate Director.
2018-2019 took the band on a trip to Dallas, Texas for an extended weekend trip to perform at the Big “D” Classic Music festival in Dallas, Texas in April 2019. After stopping for a clinic at the University of Oklahoma, the concert band, with members from all 3 concert bands, performed very well at their festival and received unanimous “I” ratings and was awarded the “Best in Festival” award among all the bands in attendance. Earlier in the fall, the Emerald Regiment continued to demonstrate excellence with drum majors, Austin Ashbaugh, Matt Luke and Shanley Silvey. Their show was entitled, “When the Clock Strikes Twelve,” a creepy show with an entertaining Michael Jackson moment which ‘thrilled’ audiences in 3 states: Missouri, Illinois and Tennessee. At the Tiger Ambush Classic in Edwardsville, IL the band placed 4th in the 4A Class and 5th overall. At the Lafayette Contest of Champions in Wildwood, MO the band placed 2nd overall in Prelims and 2nd overall in Finals. The band traveled to Tennessee for the Bands of America Regional at Austin Peay in Clarksville where they placed 8th in the 3A class and were 17th overall among a large field of highly competitive bands. The band attended the Fort Zumwalt North contest in O’Fallon, MO with a 4th place finish in their class and 6th overall finish in finals. All-State Band members included: Jarett Ren (2nd Chair Percussion Option 2), Jackson Dampier (3rd Chair Trumpet), Anthony Wu (10th Chair Trumpet), Venice Skyler Villescas (7th Chair Flute), Jordan Kuhnert (11th Chair Flute). The jazz program attended the Northwest Missouri State jazz festival in Maryville, MO in February. The Jazz Ensemble placed 1st in the 5A division, the Jazz Band placed 1st in the 2nd Band division and 2 of the 3 Rock Bridge jazz combos placed 2nd and 3rd in the combo division. 3 concert bands attended the MU/CPS concert band festival in March where Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band received “I” ratings and our Concert Band received a “II” rating. State Large Ensemble Festival in Mexico, MO was a great day for Rock Bridge Bands. The Wind Symphony and Symphonic Bands both received unanimous ‘Exemplary’ ratings from all judges including sight-reading. Our Woodwind Choir, Brass Choir and Percussion Orchestra also received unanimous ‘Exemplary’ ratings from all judges as well. In late April 2019 Rock Bridge Bands is taking 31 events to State Solo and Small Ensemble festival. Kansas City jazz trombonist, Marcus Lewis will perform with Rock Bridge jazz students at the CPS Jazz Night. The band program is under new leadership this year as Patrick Sullivan assumes the role of Director of Bands as the 5th lead director at Rock Bridge. Mr. Josh Myers assumed the role of Associate Director of Bands and his contributions to the program have already helped continue the tradition of excellence. Former Director of Bands, Steve Mathews kept in close contact with the program by running the Fall Symphonic Band at Rock Bridge while mostly teaching at Jefferson Middle School.
2019-2020 The Emerald Regiment was led by drum majors, Justin Hahm, Jordan Kuhnert, and Shanley in their 2019 production, “A Million Dreams.” The band traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma for the Owasso Invitational where they placed 10th in finals. The marching band was 3rd at Blue Springs and 7th in finals at Fort Zumwalt North. For their final festival, the band placed 3rd overall at the University of Missouri, Champion of Champions festival also being awarded the 1st place Music General Effect award. The Emerald Regiment started a new tradition, a Fall Outdoor Concert, a season ending celebration performance in the Rock Bridge Stadium. In November, the band hosted Sweet Night of Jazz and featured a packed gymnasium of dancing, sweet treats, and of course lots of jazz. All-State Band members included: Jordan Kuhnert (6th Chair Flute), Meredith Farmer (2nd Chair Oboe), Anthony Wu (2nd Chair Trumpet), Sarah Keely (2nd Chair Horn), Ian Hendrickson (5th Chair Horn), Jarett Ren (2nd Chair Percussion Option 2), Arren Mallott (1st Chair Percussion Option 3). The Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble attended the Northwest Missouri State University Jazz Festival and the University of Missouri Jazz Festival. The Rock Bridge Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Woodwind Choir, Brass Choir and Percussion Ensemble were completely prepared for concert festivals in spring 2020. Unfortunately, before these festivals occurred Covid 19 shut down schools across the country for the remainder of the school year. We were able to host a virtual Capers event with several student performances submitting video performances, the Master of Ceremonies for the event was Anna Bess. Associate Director of Bands, Josh Myers completed his final year at Rock Bridge as we wished him well on his new journey as Director of Bands at the newest middle school in Columbia, John Warner Middle School. Rock Bridge Bands hired Erich Spaeth to be the new Associate Director of Bands for the fall of 2020.
2020-2021 Through the summer and into the fall of 2020, the Emerald Regiment continued its tradition of excellence but under much different circumstances of Covid protocols. Face masks, bell covers, disinfectant, 6 feet of space, and all outdoor rehearsals allowed the Emerald Regiment to continue as they prepared their 2020 production, “Scheherazade: The Tale of 1001 Night.” Emerald Regiment was led by drum majors Justin Hahm, Madeline Kovaleski, and Jessica Schroeder. The marching band attended two virtual festivals through an outstanding video performance hosted by the University of Central Missouri and the University of Missouri. The fall looked very different from past years with no marching band at football games or parades. The Emerald Regiment completed its season with two live performances for a socially distanced audience at the Fall Outdoor Concert in the Rock Bridge Stadium on October 19th and 22nd. The fall of 2020 started with virtual learning for all of CPS, which meant virtual band classes for many of our students in the fall semester. While the band was not able to function in its normal capacity for most of the school year, our Rock Bridge students remained resilient and pushed through many challenges thrown at them. The Missouri All-State Band did not perform, but did select ensembles through a virtual recording and submission process. Rock Bridge represented very well: Alexa Koga (11th Chair Honorable Mention Flute), Kyle Chen (22nd Chair Honorable Mention Clarinet), Zachary Simpson (1st Chair Honorable Mention Jazz Bari Sax), Anthony Wu (2nd Chair Honorable Mention Jazz Trumpet), Ian Hendrickson (2nd Chair All-State Band Horn), Peter Popescu (2nd Chair Chair All-State Band Percussion Option 2), Anthony Wu (1st Alternate All-State Band Trumpet), Jarett Renn (1st Alternate All-State Band Percussion Option 2). In January students came back to campus for Hybrid learning students rotating at home learning with virtual learning and before the end of the year students came back for full in seat learning at Rock Bridge. With some creative planning and rehearsing, Rock Bridge Bands put on a live and in person performance in the Rock Bridge Stadium in May, called Sweet Night of Music. Five performing ensembles performed in a ‘flipped’ environment where the audience sat on the turf of the stadium while the bands performed in the bleachers or the track. Performing groups included Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble (Mega-Band), Woodwind Choir, Brass Choir, and Percussion Ensemble.
2021-2022 The Emerald Regiment had a wonderful fall season led by drum majors: Kendall Flaherty, Alexa Koga, and Jessica Schroeder. The fall production, “The Power of Two,” told a simple yet powerful story, two people are alway stronger than one. At Lafayette high school, the band placed 6th in Finals, then at the University of Central Missouri, the band placed 8th place in finals and was awarded ‘Best Drum Majors.’ Last but not least, the band was Grand Champions at the University of Missouri Champion of Champions marching festival and also swept all four caption awards in finals: Best Music Effect, Best Visual Effect, Best Music Performance, Best Visual Performance. A prideful addition to the Emerald Regiment were new marching uniforms in the fall of 2021. The new uniforms put a modern spin on the historic Rock Bridge uniforms while keeping some traditions alive with keeping the aussie-style hats. All-State Band Members included Kyle Chen (1st Alternate Clarinet, and performing member), Peter Popescu (2nd Alternate General Percussion), Yasmine Green (1st Chair Flute, Orchestra), Anthony Wu (2nd Chair Trumpet, Orchestra). The Jazz Ensemble performed at the University of Missouri Jazz Festival. Columbia Public Schools Jazz Night was held at Battle High School and featured 4 high school bands and guest artist and tenor saxophonist, Roxy Cross. The Rock Bridge Wind Symphony was selected to perform at a Bands of America Regional Concert Band Festival hosted by the University of Missouri-Kansas City in March. This festival featured ensembles from several states and it was an extremely high honor for the Wind Symphony to perform at this festival. The Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Brass Choir, Woodwind Choir, and Percussion Ensemble attended the MSHSAA large ensemble festival hosted at HIckman High School and every ensemble received Explementary ratings. Sweet Night of Music, a tradition started in spring 2020, returned with an indoor version of a new and improved major band event. 11 performing ensembles and 5 senior solos performed. Performances included Rock Bridge Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Woodwind Choir, Brass Choir, and Percussion Ensemble. Jazz Bands from Gentry, Jefferson, and John Warner middle schools performed. Our senior soloists were: Alexa Koga, Flute; Hannah Kuhnert, Trumpet;Peter Popescu, Percussion; Grace Scholdenmeyer, Horn; Anthony Wu, Trumpet.
2022-2023 The Emerald Regiment had an outstanding fall season led by drum majors: Caroline Ma and Allison Schooley. The fall production, “The Rain is Gone,” tells a story that there can be damage and destruction from rain and storms, however beauty prevails. The Emerald Regiment made finals at the prestigious Owasso Invitational in Tulsa, Oklahoma, they placed 4th at Mizzou’s Champion of Champions and placed 2nd at the Festival of Champions at the University of Central Missouri. For the first time in school history, Rock Bridge hosted the inaugural Rock Bridge Marching Festival on October 1st, 2022. 12 bands from across the state attended. All-State Band Members included Yasmine Green (1st Chair Flute, All-State Orchestra), Alexis Doebelin (2nd Chair French Horn, All-State Band), Brayden Boone (2nd Chair General Percussion, All-State Orchestra). For the first time in school history, Rock Bridge facilitated 3 jazz bands, two before school bands and the curricular Jazz Ensemble. All 3 jazz bands performed at the University of Missouri Jazz Festival and Jazz Ensemble attended the Northwest Jazz Festival in Maryville, MO. Columbia Public Schools Jazz Night was held at Rock Bridge High School and featured 6 high school bands and guest artist and vibraphonist, Joel Ross. The Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Brass Choir, Woodwind Choir, and Percussion Ensemble attended the MSHSAA large ensemble festival hosted at Battle High School. The Concert Band attended the MU/CPS concert band festival at Battle High School. Sweet Night of Music, a tradition started in spring 2020, returned with an indoor version of a new and improved major band event. 10 performing ensembles. Performances included Rock Bridge Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Winter Guard, Jazz Ensemble, Green Jazz Band, and Gold Jazz Band. Jazz Bands from Gentry, Jefferson, and John Warner middle schools also performed. Under the direction of Erich Spaeth, the percussion ensemble was the first place ensemble at the Missouri Day of Percussion at Battle High School. In April, 95 students and 17 chaperones took a band trip to Chicago. Highlights included a clinic at the University of Illinois, a festival where the large concert band placed 1st place, a Chicago Symphony concert, and visits to several Chicago area attractions! On our May concert, we will feature two senior soloists: Allison Schooley, Alto Saxophone; and Yoell Tewolde, Clarinet.