RISD EDUCATORS’ CORNER Editor’s Note: In each issue of Richardson Life Magazine, we highlight individuals who are making a difference in the lives of Richardson Independent School District students. If you would like to nominate someone to be showcased in this section of RLM, email pmotte@hylogroup.com.
Friday Night Lights
By Jeff Bradford, RISD Executive Director of Fine Arts
Pageantry for high school football games is just as big as the games themselves. For our Fine Arts programs, this involves marching bands and drill teams who bring the energy and entertainment to all the varsity games. These programs start preparing in July for their fall performances. Drill teams learn 4-6 routines throughout the fall and marching bands prepare an 8-minute performance that evolves throughout the season.
A typical game day for a drill team or band student starts with a 6:00 am wakeup call, practice at 7:00 am, 9:00 am – 4:20 pm classes, 4:30 pm change/rehearsal/dinner, 7:00 pm game, and then hopefully they are back home in their beds by 12:00 am the next day. 18-hour days is a commitment most people can’t make, but our drill team and marching band students do it because they love what they do and enjoy supporting their campuses and communities. These dedicated students are learning about time management, commitment to the team, creating excellence in all aspects of life and being servant leaders in their schools and communities.
While drill teams do not compete in the fall, October is the month for marching band contests across the state. All four RISD bands compete in invitational events starting on the first Saturday of October. These contests are warm-up opportunities for their UIL state evaluation that starts in late October, with the very best groups advancing to Area and the top 4 on to State in San Antonio in November.
As one can imagine, the commitment of a high school band student is incredible, with preparation spanning from July-November, all for the love of performing an 8-minute show. The opportunity to hold the audience’s emotions in the palm of their hand can sometimes be the most rewarding experience, as they hit the loudest note or reveal the coolest visual moment, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Many of the kids say this is the closest they’ll ever get to being a rockstar!
Holiday Concerts and Events
What would the holiday season be without the visual and performing arts? During this festive season, RISD Fine Arts performing groups will be seen throughout the RISD community spreading holiday cheer. Look for them at NorthPark Center, the Galleria Dallas, COR Santa’s Village, numerous assisted living facilities, and community events. There are more than 60 opportunities to see our talented kiddos perform this December. These are a few upcoming events:
December 1 – 3:00 pm
Lake Highlands High School Choir at ‘Light the Highlands’
Lake Highlands Town Center
7100 Wildcat Way
Dallas
December 4 – 6:00 pm
Berkner High School Learning Community Winter Concert
BHS Auditorium
1600 E Spring Valley Rd
Richardson
December 5 – 1:00 pm
JJ Pearce High School Choir sings at NorthPark Center
8687 N Central Expressway
Dallas
December 10 – 6:00 pm
Berkner High School Orchestra Winter Concert
BHS Auditorium
1600 E Spring Valley Rd
Richardson
December 12 – 1:00 pm
Lake Highlands High School Country Western Dance Performance
The Galleria Dallas
13350 Dallas Parkway
Dallas
December 12 – 7:00 pm
JJ Pearce Band Winter Concert
Pearce Auditorium
1600 N Coit Road
Richardson
Visit http://risd.org/finearts/calendars for a monthly listing of RISD Fine Arts events.
RISD Holiday Cards Contest
Get ready for the 8th Annual Richardson ISD Holiday Card Art Competition! This cherished tradition invites students from all grades to showcase their creativity and holiday spirit. The winning designs will be featured on RISD’s official holiday cards, which will be shared with district staff, local businesses, state senators, state representatives, and organizations across Texas. Students will be invited to participate by their campus art teachers. If a student is not currently enrolled in an art class but wishes to enter a design, he or she may still do so by stopping by their campus art teacher’s room and picking up information. All students from pre-K through 12th grade are encouraged to participate.
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