On Monday, May 29th, a bugler and a chamber ensemble performs at the Noble Memorial Day Ceremony. The Symphonic Band, the Honors Wind Ensemble, & the drumline are all performing at the Olney Memorial Day parade and ceremony.

Here are the details regarding the Noble & Olney Memorial Day Parade Ceremonies:

NOBLE: The Cornerstone Community Church and the Mayor of Noble hosts a Memorial Day ceremony at the cemetery in East Noble. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held in the Cornerstone Community Church (160 E. Elm St. Noble, IL). Immediately after the Noble ceremony, the quintet and bugler will join the band at the Olney VFW.

OLNEY: The VFW is hosting a Memorial Day parade and ceremony. The parade will begin at the Olney VFW. The ceremony will take place immediately after the conclusion of the parade at Haven Hill Cemetery (just north of the City Park). In the event of rain, the ceremony shall be held in the VFW hall.

The uniform is khaki shorts, black polo shirts, socks, belt (preferably black), and either Drillmaster shoes or tennis shoes. Students will also need flip folders, lyres, and instruments.

The times are as follows:
Cornerstone Community Church at the Cemetery in East Noble

8:30 AM: Call-time for bugler & quintet at RCHS
8:35 AM: Change into performance attire, warm-up & run through music
9:05 AM: Bugler & saxophone ensemble leaves for Noble Cemetery in a school van
9:30 AM: Bugler & saxophone ensemble arrive at the cemetery in East Noble.
10:00 AM: Noble Ceremony (bugler & saxophone ensemble only)
IMMEDIATELY AFTER GOD BLESS AMERICA & TAPS: Return to Olney and join the band at the Olney VFW.

9:30 AM: Call-time at RCHS (all but bugler & saxophone ensemble)
10:00 AM: Load bus and depart for Olney VFW followed by Haven Hill Cemetery
10:15 AM: Parade line-up at the Olney VFW or at the cemetery (based on time)
10:30 AM: Parade step-off (parade begins)
11:00 AM: Olney Memorial Day ceremony at Haven Hill Cemetery.

I anticipate the parade and the ceremony won't last longer than an hour and a half, which will put the band back at the school around 12-12:30 PM.

The band is performing the following songs:
TAPS (Noble ceremony only)
​God Bless America (Noble ceremony only)
Hosts of Freedom
Star Spangled Banner

[Not performing for 2023]
Army
Navy
Marines
Coast Guard
Air Force
Merchant Marines

Please bring water with you to this event. I encourage students to bring a water canteen. Canteens/coolers need to go on the bus. Please drink plenty of water!

I know that this falls on Memorial Day weekend, falls during the summer, and many families will be out of town. That being said, we need as many RCHS Bands members to this performance as possible. All total, the combined Honors Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band are around 35 students during the 4th term. This is a record low for the band program! We want to support the cities of Olney & Noble (and our veterans) that support us. For us to do this, we need your help. Students, please make every effort to be at this event. It means a lot to this community.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

The Olney, IL Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, November 26th at 6:30 PM. The schedule for the combined Symphonic Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Color Guard is as follows:

5:30 PM.............Meet in the RCHS Music Department. Change into uniforms & load sousaphone and drum line cases into the small trailer.

5:55 PM.............Walk from the school to parade line-up at the intersection of Scott St. & East St.

6:10 PM.............Set in parade block at parade location

6:15 PM.............Drum major steps off the parade block, band warm-up, and run through the parade tunes.

6:30 PM.............Parade step-off

7:00 PM.............Estimated meet-up with buses near Eagleson's Car Dealership

7:15-7:30 PM....Estimated return to RCHS

I recommend that all students layer up underneath to stay warm. Color guard may wear any holiday garb. Winds & percussion will wear the marching band uniforms (don't forget your marching band shoes and black, crew socks!). Those wearing the marching band uniforms may string lights, tinsel, and wear a Santa's hat, elf hat, reindeer antlers, etc.

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: Should the parade be cancelled, the ceremony will move indoors to the VFW hall. The new call-time is 10am in department shorts, shirts, black crew socks, and black marching band shoes.

The combined Symphonic Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, the cologuard (for those that wish to perform) performs in the Olney Veterans Day Parade scheduled for Friday, November 11th. We are performing in our marching band uniforms for this event. If you do not have a uniform, please contact Mr. Jones or Mrs. Deimel as soon as possible.

The itinerary for the day is as follows:

9:30 AM................Call-time in the rehearsal hall in show/division shirt, shorts & Drillmasters. You may wear sweat pants under the uniform; however, no jeans, please.

9:35 AM................Change into marching band uniforms.

10:00 AM..............Buses arrive at the circle drive at RCHS

10:10 AM..............Load the buses

10:20 AM..............Parade line-up at Trust Band

10:40 AM..............Parade step-off

• Host of Freedom (memorized)

11:00 AM..............Ceremony outside the Richland County Court House. In the event of rain, the event will take place in the VFW hall. You will need:

• Lyre
• Flip folder
• Armed Forces on Parade
• Heave Ho My Lads

12:00 PM.............Estimated return time to RCHS


SCRIPT FOR THE CEREMONY AT THE COURTHOUSE:

1. Preceremony Music (Hosts of Freedom)
2. Opening Remarks
3. Invocation
4. Introduction of VFW Commander
5. Empty Chair
6. Star Spangled Banner
7. Guest Speaker
8. Branch of Service Songs (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines)
9. 21-Gun Salute & TAPS
10. God Bless America
11. Benediction
12. Closing Remarks
    

The Olney, IL Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, November 27th at 6:30 PM. The schedule for the combined Symphonic Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and colorguard is as follows:

5:30 PM.............Meet in the RCHS Music Department. Change into uniforms & load sousaphone and drum line cases into the small trailer.

5:55 PM.............Walk from the school to parade line-up at the intersection of Scott St. & East St.

6:10 PM.............Set in parade block at parade location

6:15 PM.............Drum major steps off the parade block, band warm-up, and run through the parade tunes.

6:30 PM.............Parade step-off

7:00 PM.............Estimated meet-up with buses near Eagleson's Car Dealership

7:15-7:30 PM....Estimated return to RCHS

I recommend that all students layer up underneath to stay warm. Color guard may wear any holiday garb. Winds & percussion will wear the marching band uniforms (don't forget your marching band shoes and black, crew socks!). Those wearing the marching band uniforms may string lights, tinsel, and wear a Santa's hat, elf hat, reindeer antlers, etc.

UPDATE: The parade has been cancelled, and the ceremony has been moved indoors to the VFW hall. The new call-time is 10am in department shorts, shirts, black crew socks, and black marching band shoes.

The combined Symphonic Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, the cologuard (for those that wish to perform) performs in the Olney Veterans Day Parade scheduled for Thursday, November 11th. We are performing in our marching band uniforms for this event. If you do not have a uniform, please contact Mr. Jones or Mrs. Deimel as soon as possible.

The itinerary for the day is as follows:

9:30 AM................Call-time in the rehearsal hall in show/division shirt, shorts & Drillmasters. You may wear sweat pants under the uniform; however, no jeans, please.

9:35 AM................Change into marching band uniforms.

10:00 AM..............Buses arrive at the circle drive at RCHS

10:10 AM..............Load the buses

10:20 AM..............Parade line-up at Trust Band

10:40 AM..............Parade step-off

• Host of Freedom (memorized)

11:00 AM..............Ceremony outside the Richland County Court House. In the event of rain, the event will take place in the VFW hall. You will need:

• Lyre
• Flip folder
• Armed Forces on Parade
• Heave Ho My Lads

12:00 PM.............Estimated return time to RCHS


SCRIPT FOR THE CEREMONY AT THE COURTHOUSE:

1. Preceremony Music (Hosts of Freedom)
2. Opening Remarks
3. Invocation
4. Introduction of VFW Commander
5. Empty Chair
6. Star Spangled Banner
7. Guest Speaker
8. Branch of Service Songs (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines)
9. 21-Gun Salute & TAPS
10. God Bless America
11. Benediction
12. Closing Remarks

Ladies & gentlemen, the Oblong Spooktacular Parade is right around the corner! This is your chance to dress up in your favorite Halloween garb. The parade is hosted in Oblong, IL on Saturday, October 30th, 2021.

The schedule for the Spooktacular Parade is as follows:

4:30 PM.........................................Call-time at RCHS
4:35 PM.........................................Load equipment
5:05 PM.........................................Buses arrive at exit 21
5:15 PM.........................................Depart for Oblong, IL
6:00 PM.........................................Parade line-up
7:00 PM.........................................Parade step-off
11:00 PM.......................................Estimated return time to RCHS


Parade Route
The Oblong Spooktacular Parade will follow the same parade route as previous years.  The parade will begin at the Oblong City Park, travel west on Main Street (IL Rt. 33) through town, and end at the west end of town by the Oblong Elementary School.  The bands will turn south (left) on Jefferson Street , go 2 blocks, turn east (left) , travel 2 blocks to Adams – turn south (right) on Adams and continue to the Oblong High School. 
 
Concessions at Park
There will be concessions available at the Oblong City Park since there can be a long wait to march.  Debbie’s concession trailer will be there, as well as the local 4-H club, with a variety of foods available.
 
Parade Line-up
Parade bands will need to be at the Oblong City Park no later than 6:00pm for line-up, Also there is no entrance to the park from Main Street.  When arriving in Oblong, either from the east or west, turn north on Taylor Street and go all the way to the end of Taylor.  This brings you to Wisconsin Street, where you will turn east (right) and follow the road around the Oblong Lake. 
 
The buses and equipment trailers will be directed to the high school after unloading. The band will meet up with the buses at the high school following the parade.
            
Post-Parade / Awards
When arriving back at the Oblong High School, the pavilion and concession area will be serving hot food, popcorn, candy and drinks.  A DJ will be there to play music, and students are welcome to dance on the football field.  Please ask your bands to use the trash and recycle containers located around the school grounds.  There will be portable toilets available in the school parking area, and limited indoor restrooms are available at the southeast corner of the school.

This band festival was formed to afford the students an opportunity to perform in a concert band consisting of only high school student-musicians of the Little Illini Conference, under the direction of a guest conductor. We are fortunate for the opportunity for the Symphonic Band to participate in the event. There are some that are unable to attend this year, and have elected to write a research project. Those students attending may be found at the bottom of this post.

The festival is held at Casey-Westfield High School. There is no cost associated with the Lincoln Trail Band Festival, aside from food money.

Buffet Lunch:  ($11.50/person) Chicken Strips, Pork BBQ, Oven Baked Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad/Bread Bar, Chocolate Cake, Cookies, Iced Tea, Lemonade

Dinner:  ($4.00/person) Casey’s Pizza, Soft Drinks


THE ITINERARY FOR THE DAY IS AS FOLLOWS:

7:20-7:30...........MEET AT RCHS

7:30......................DEPART FOR CASEY, IL

8:30–9:00...........ARRIVE AT CASEY-WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL (306 E Edgar Ave. Casey IL)

9:00–11:15.........REHEARSAL (Breaks will be taken at guest conductor’s discretion)

11:15–12:45.......LUNCH (Richard's Farm)

12:45–4:30..........REHEARSAL (Breaks will be taken at guest conductor’s discretion)

4:30-5:30..............DINNER (pizza and then change into concert attire)

5:30........................WARM-UP AND TUNE

6:00.......................CONCERT

7:30.......................DEPART FOR OLNEY, IL

9:00.......................ESTIMATED RETURN TIME TO RCHS


The concert is open to the public for $2.00 per person. Students may be signed out immediately after the concert.

Please feel free to contact me should there be any further questions at cjones@rccu1.net or at (618) 393-2191 ext. 3137.

Congratulations to those that were selected to participate in the LIC Pep Band Conference on Saturday, January 25th, 2020! You may find the roster of participating students listed below, as well as the assignments for the LIC Pep Bands.

The LIC Conference is held at Paris High School this year. Rehearsal begins at 1:00 p.m. The call-time for that day is 10:00 am in the RCHS rehearsal hall. Buses arrive at 10:00 am at RCHS exit 21.  We depart for Paris, IL at 10:10 am. Lunch is at the Paris McDonald's when we pull into town, so please bring money or a sack lunch. We arrive at the host school no later than 12:45 pm. Rehearsals begin at 1 pm.

Band 1 & Band 2 perform before games and during all breaks. Pizza & drinks are provided between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m at no cost to the students. Concessions is also available, for those that wish to bring cash.

Performance attire:

• Jeans
• Tennis shoes with socks
• Department shirt
• Basketball band jersey (unless all have a department shirt)

Required items:

• Instrument
• Valve oil or slide grease
• Extra reeds
• Money for dinner at concessions
• Jacket or coat

Rehearsal locations:
Band 1 (stage)
Band 2 (band room)

Each band will perform before and at half-time of two games:
Band 1 will play the first and 3rd games.
Band 2 will play at the second and fourth games.

Historically, the game times are as follows (take with a grain of salt):
Game 1 = 3pm
Game 2 = 4:30pm
Game 3 = 6pm
Game 4 = 7:30pm

I anticipate a return time to Richland County High School at around 11pm.

PICCOLO
Kali Hinterscher

FLUTE
Arianna Henby
Evelyn Bogard

CLARINETS
Kendra Jellison (1st)
Jozalyn Houser (2nd)
Paige Elder (3rd)

ALTO SAXOPHONE
Jase Rusk (1st)

Kyle Rennier (2nd)

BARI SAXOPHONE
Austin Vaughn

TRUMPET
Adrian Bower (1st)
Madison Hinderliter (2nd or 3rd)

MELLOPHONE
Jacob Pompe 

BARITONE
Mallory Miller
William Fritchey

SOUSAPHONE
Jake Wheeler

PERCUSSION
Rylan Craig (mallets & auxiliary)
Maddi McKinney (mallets & auxiliary)
Harrison Hahn (set & tenor drums)

The RCHS Graduation Ceremony is scheduled for the third Sunday in May from 3-5 pm in the auditorium. The call-time for graduation is 2 pm in the rehearsal hall.  This performance features the Honors Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Band. The attire for the venue is concert black-and-whites (dresses and tuxedos). All students, except for seniors, are expected to attend.