Click Here for Audition Requirements





Instructor:  Mr. Beratis

Prerequisite: Audition/Invitation - Director’s Discretion

1 credit

H1

The Jazz Band is a select group of students in grades 9-12. A standard 17 piece jazz band is formed out of auditioning/invited students: 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 1 baritone saxophone, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, and a standard rhythm section of 1 guitar, 1 bass guitar, 1 piano, and 1 drum set. The class studies a variety of jazz styles. Emphasis is placed on ability level as determined by the Music Department. Entrance into this class is based on audition and invitation only. Members of Jazz Band (except rhythm section and saxophone) are encouraged, but not required, to participate in the Symphony Orchestra. The Jazz Band performs at concerts, appropriate festivals, and community events. All members of the Jazz Band are required to participate in Pep Band as well as prepare and perform the repertoire for Concert Band at other events.

As this course is taught by Mr. Beratis, you can find his page here:

visit mr. Beratis’ Page here

Jazz Band Repertoire

2024-25

2025 Spring Concert:

April 23, 2025 at Anne Richardson Auditorium, Ridgefield High School, in Ridgefield, CT

George Beratis, Band Director

Filmed and Produced by Manheimer Productions

https://manheimerproductions.com

2024 Winter Concert

George Beratis, conductor

Performed January 8th, 2025

Anne Richardson Auditorium Ridgefield High School Ridgefield, CT

FIlmed, edited, and mastered by Manheimer Video Productions

manheimerproductions.com

2023-24

Ridgefield High School Jazz Band

George Beratis, conductor

Performed April 24th, 2024 Anne Richardson Auditorium Ridgefield High School Ridgefield, CT

Filmed, edited, and mastered by Manheimer Video Productions

manheimerproductions.com

Produced by Ridgefield Music Parents

ridgefieldmusicparents.org

2023 Jazz Band Winter Concert:

George Beratis, conductor

Performed January 10th, 2024 Anne Richardson Auditorium Ridgefield High School Ridgefield, CT

Filmed by What A Production, LLC. Edited, and mastered by Manheimer Video Productions manheimerproductions.com

Produced by Ridgefield Music Parents ridgefieldmusicparents.org

2022-23

2023 Spring Concert:

“One O’Clock Jump“ arr by don Sebesky

"Hunting Wabbits" by Gordon Goodwin

“The Heart of The Matter" by Bob Mintzer

Recorded at Anne Richardson Auditorium, Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield

George Beratis, Conductor

Produced Manheimer Video Productions and Ridgefield Music Parents


2021-22

Ridgefield High School Jazz Band. George Beratis, conductor. Produced by Manheimer Video Productions in Ridgefield, CT. Performed February 10th, 2022 at the Anne Richardson Auditorium in Ridgefield High School.

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy by Joe Zawinul

Breathing by Fred Strum

Home Cookin' by Lennie Niehaus

2020-21

Shiny Stockings, arr. Sammy Nestico

Blue Train, arr. Mark Taylor

Spain, arr. John La Barbera

Cold Duck Time, arr. Alan Baylock

George Beratis, Director. Ridgefield High School Music ridgefieldhsmusic.org

Filmed by Manheimer Video Productions manheimerproduction.com

2017-18

By Dizzy Gillespie. May 23, 2018. Michael McNamara, Director.
By Jimmy Herring, arranged by Michael McNamara, Director. May 23, 2018

2015-2016

The Ridgefield High School Jazz Band performs Happy Friends by Greyboy Allstars at the spring concert, 14th April 2016. This arrangement by the RHS Jazz Band themselves.
The Ridgefield High School Jazz Band performs Caravan by Duke Ellington at the spring concert, 14th April 2016.

2014-2015

Ridgefield High School Jazz Band performs Home Cookin' by Lennie Niehaus at their Spring 2015 concert. Directed by Michael McNamara.
Ridgefield High School Jazz Band performs Scapegoat Blues by Jimmy Herring at their Spring 2015 concert. Directed by Michael McNamara.
Ridgefield High School Jazz Band performs Pretty Eyes by D.Sorenson and B.Pearson at their Spring 2015 concert. Directed by Michael McNamara.
Ridgefield High School Jazz Band performs Pressure Cooker by Sammy Nestico at their Spring 2015 concert. Directed by Michael McNamara.

2013-2014

The Ridgefield, Connecticut, High School Jazz Band in concert 29th April 2014. The band performs Check's in the Mail by Dean Sorenson and Bruce Pearson, conducted by Michael McNamara.
The Ridgefield, Connecticut, High School Jazz Band in concert 29th April 2014. The band performs Billy's Bounce by Charlie Parker, conducted by Michael McNamara.
The Ridgefield, Connecticut, High School Jazz Band in concert 29th April 2014. The band performs Big Darlin an original composition by band member and pianist Josh Reiss, conducted by Michael McNamara.
The Ridgefield, Connecticut, High School Jazz Band in concert 29th April 2014. The band performs Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? by Chicago. Vocals performed by Ryan Konopka, conducted by Michael McNamara.
The Ridgefield, Connecticut, High School Jazz Band in concert 29th April 2014. The band performs I've Got You Under My Skin a Cole Porter composition as sung by Frank Sinatra. Vocals on this performance by Jacob Litt. RHS Jazz Band conducted by Michael McNamara.
The Ridgefield, Connecticut, High School Jazz Band in concert 29th April 2014. The band performs Fire Eater by Rusty Bryant, conducted by Michael McNamara.
The Ridgefield, Connecticut, High School Jazz Band in concert 29th April 2014. The band performs Wind Machine by Sammy Nestico conducted by Michael McNamara.