Welcome to
PARK RIDGE
MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SHOOL
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
- About Mr. Diomede
- Instrumental Music Philosophy
- Marching Band Expectations and Information
- Band Calendar
- Band Parents Association
About Mr. Diomede
About Me:
Park Ridge High School is near and dear to my heart, especially since I have had continuous involvement in the PRHS marching band for the past twenty-five years! I moved into Park Ridge when I was in the second grade and joined band as a trombone player in elementary school. When I graduated from East Brook Elementary School, I joined the Park Ridge marching band in seventh grade. My involvement in marching band was what solidified my love of and passion for music. As a senior, I was named the lone drum major of the marching band for the 2002-2003 season.
I attended the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI and completed my Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in music composition in 2007. I performed with That Ram Band and many ensembles on a variety of instruments. I also took many classes in the area of music education, but I felt more strongly connected to writing music at that point in my life. In 2009, I graduated from the Catholic University of America with a Master of Music degree in stage music composition. For my thesis, I wrote an opera that was performed on stage in the spring of 2009.
While completing my masters, I taught general music and chorus at a small Catholic school outside of Washington DC. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at that school and realized how much I love sharing my passion for music with others. Upon graduation from Catholic University, I took classes to complete my teaching certificate that would allow me to teach music in public schools here in New Jersey.
My first public school teaching position was in Glen Rock, NJ. I spent eleven years teaching general music, chorus, strings, and band at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. My position in Glen Rock also included teaching string instruments at the Glen Rock Middle School, as well as a club for string instruments at the high school level.
I loved my time in Glen Rock, but I am very excited to be back “home” in Park Ridge! I have been the assistant marching band director here in Park Ridge for eleven years, and I am very excited to now be serving as band director. I have a vision for this band program and I cannot wait to take steps together, as a band, toward the future.
Instrumental Music Philosophy
A comprehensive instrumental music curriculum has to be designed for the purpose of awakening and refining the aesthetic sensitivities of all performers. The program at Park Ridge High School develops musicianship to the highest level, giving students access to playing and performing different styles and genres of music from a variety of time periods and geographical locations. The goal of our program is to enable students to master concepts and skills such as rhythm, intonation, blend, melody, harmony, dynamics, and more. Through the process, students will gain the ability and confidence to play beyond high school, as playing an Instrument can and should be a lifelong experience. An instrument can truly become one's voice, as no other discipline provides students the opportunity to express themselves in such a creative and unique manner.
Music is as much a part of our present culture as it is a part of our cultural heritage. People must feel as well as think; they must create as well as discover and learn. We must help them to cultivate sensitivity to the world of sound, form, and color, just as we must enable them to acquire the intellectual and academic tools of thought. A well-balanced instrumental music program provides a basis for later appreciation and participation, both in school and as an adult. The ultimate aim of this program is to enrich the lives of our students – academically, aesthetically, socially, and personally. For all students, the performing arts can be a catalyst toward the maximum development of individual potential.
Marching Band Expectations and Information
Attendance: The success and quality of the marching band is directly impacted by members attending every rehearsal and performance possible. It is understood that many members participate in athletic and academic activities outside of marching band, and accommodations can and will be made on an individual basis.
All performances are mandatory and it is your responsibility to make those accommodations in other activities. Excused absences include serious illness, family emergencies, or religious obligations. If you are working or participating in out of school activities (such as town sports, scouts, karate or dance classes etc.) you must inform your employers, instructors, and coaches of your marching band commitments.
Please be sure that you have filled out the conflict form to notify your band director of known scheduling conflicts and sports participation as far in advance as possible. If any new conflicts arise, it is YOUR responsibility, as the marching band member, to email your band director as soon as possible. Any delay in notice may negatively impact your fellow bandmates.
Mindset: The marching band is just like any other team. We work hard, we’re committed to success, and we work together toward a common goal. The marching band should operate as one unit on the field in both practice and performance. The tradition of excellence in this band only exists because those who came before you believed that they could be the best and didn’t stop until they achieved that level of success. The expectation is that all band members are committed to our team and will not only show up physically, but will also show up mentally at the highest level and dedicate time and effort for the good of the band.
Performance Participation Requirements: In order for a Park Ridge MS/HS student to participate in Marching Band performances and activities, he/she/they must be in attendance for a minimum of 4 hours on the day of the event or last school day prior to the event. This is in accordance with the New Jersey Administrative code.
Uniforms: Each band member is responsible for their uniform and instrument. Please make sure your uniforms look presentable, shoes are shined for all performances, and hats are well maintained. Black socks that cover the ankle must be worn for all performances - there are no exceptions.
It is advised that band members wear either thermals or Under Armor Cold Gear under their uniforms and thick socks during cold weather events.
Cell Phone Policy: Cell phones and backpacks are not allowed at performances. If any band member needs to make a phone call during a performance, they are to ask a staff member or band parent for phone access. If a parent needs to contact their child during a performance, they can call a staff member or band parent. For the staff and band parent cell phone numbers, you must contact the Band Director’s office at school 201-573-6000 x5931 or by email well in advance of any performance. The staff and band parent cell phone numbers will ONLY be given to adult parents or guardians.
Home Games: All cell phones will be collected before the band leaves the band room. The cell phones will be secured in the Band Director's locked office. Backpacks and bags will be left in the locked band room during the performance.
Away Performances: All cell phones, bags, and backpacks will be left on the locked bus with the driver. The driver will remain with the bus for security purposes.
Medical Needs: Band members needing medication, whether it be inhalers, Epi Pens or pills, will give the medications to a staff member. All medication will remain in the band’s first-aid kit at both home and away performances. The first-aid kit will be readily available if needed in the event of an emergency.
*Special Accommodation: If any band member has a parent or adult guardian at the performances, they can carry his/her/their child's medication.
Band Calendar
Band Parents Association
The Band Parents Association supports the band through fundraisers, scholarships, supplemental materials, equipment, and staffing. We hope all Band Parent’s participate, contribute and share the Band experience as well as the activities to help ensure the success of the program. The Boosters need parent volunteers in order to function. Please reach out to prmbboosters@gmail.com to volunteer for an Executive Board position. We especially need a treasurer ASAP.
Executive Board
President - Colin MacDonald
Vice President -
Treasurer -
Secretary -
Uniform Coordinator - Dr. Jennie Nakamura
Band Photographer/Videographer -
Fundraising Chairs
SCRIP - Marie Anjiuli / Ellen Eddy
Cheesecake Fundraiser - Dr. Jennie Nakumura
Movie Night Fundraiser -
Pride Slides Fundraiser -
** If school vacation or a conflict falls on the first week of the month the meeting will be held on the second Tuesday.
Contact
John Diomede
Director of Bands
201-573-6000 ext. 5931
Marching Band Images
Marching Band Calendar
Copy this link into your calendar app to subscribe to the marching band calendar on your personal calendar.