Solo and Ensemble schedules will be published around 2/21. As soon as Mr. Riler receives the times and confirms any necessary changes, he will publish the schedule on the website, Google Classroom and in hard copy.

A number of key positions in the FOCB organization will be opening up next year as seniors move on and take their parents with them. We urge parents and guardians whose students are remaining (especially freshmen and sophomores) to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to help steer the program to continued success. It takes a community to build a community!

Please attend the next FOCB meeting TONIGHT (Monday, Feb 10th) at 6:30pm in the band room to find out more information. Can’t make the meeting? Please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Jennifer Means at  jennmeans@gmail.com for information about specific openings. You won’t regret it.

Under Gary Riler’s directorship, we have seen the Cleveland band program flourish in ways many of us couldn’t have imagined five years ago. From the revival of the marching band and its resplendent new uniforms to participation (not to mention awards) at festivals and events around the state, the Cleveland band program is a model for what community supported arts programs can be. But none of this would be possible without the tireless support of the greater band community under the guidance of the Friends of Cleveland Bands, who have pioneered so many ways to support our program and our musicians.

Thank you for your support.

Please mark these changes in your calendars:
Awards Concert
Thursday, May 14, 6:30 pm call time for musicians, 7:00 pm performance

End of the Year Celebration
Friday, May 15, 4:00 pm–6:00 pm

The PIL Solo Ensemble schedule will be coming out this week. All students participating in an ensemble are strongly encouraged to find time to meet outside of the school day.

One tried-and-true solution: If you can, why not host your student’s ensemble for a rehearsal and feed them? They’ll be motivated and we guarantee you will enjoy what you hear! Percussion ensembles can meet before school, during lunch and after school in the band room. Then, come join us for a Chamber Concert of our fantastic ensembles on Thursday the 27th.

The actual Solo & Ensemble Contest is Saturday, February 29 at Wilson HS.

Congrats to the CHS Jazz Ensemble for taking 4th place tonight at the West Salem Jazz Festival!

This year’s solo and ensemble competitions will take place Saturday, February 29 at Wilson HS. Students who plan to participate should already have forms for parent signatures—these must be returned by tomorrow (Tuesday, February 4).

Please note that all participation fees will be paid for by the Friends of Cleveland Bands. Thank you, FOCB! Participation letter and registration forms can be found here »

Our CHS Jazz Ensemble will be competing this weekend at the West Salem Jazz Festival. Please come out and show them some support and enjoy some great jazz music! The Festival will be held this Saturday, February 8 at West Salem Auditorium located at 1776 Titan Drive NW, Salem, OR 97304. View letter & itinerary »

Tickets are $7 for the general public and $5 for students, seniors, and military. Cleveland is scheduled to perform at 8:30pm. If you wish to join the band on the bus, we have plenty of seats available. Contact Mr Riler via email to let him know you are interested in travelling with the band.

This past weekend, top musicians from seven Portland high schools and twelve middle schools came together for an intense two days of practice culminating in a knock-out performances under the direction of Pat Vandehey from Portland State University and Jennifer Bell of Whiteaker MS in Salem School District. The event was again chaired by our own Mr. Riler.

“It gave me not only a better understanding of what it means to be a musician but also what it takes to be one of the best at what you do.”
– Zacheyea Swires-Arnold, Senior / Bari Sax

Looking for ways to help your student improve their skills on their instrument and grow as a musician? Check out our Resources page on the Cleveland Bands website for a host of information about music workshops, summer music camps in the area and around the state, a list of excellent private teachers for every instrument, and much more.

Studies show that consistent, disciplined practice is the single most important factor in improving music skills. Ensemble opportunities and regular lessons over the long summer break are a great way to increase proficiency from one school year to the next.

Partial summer scholarships for music camps are available courtesy of the Friends of Cleveland Bands. (Thank you again, FOCB!) Please contact Stacy Lovett at salovett75@gmail.com directly for more info.

Find out what’s coming and what goes on behind the scene at the Friends of Cleveland Bands meetings. Board meetings are welcome to all! Our next meeting is next Monday, February 10th. Always check the calendar for dates and updates.

Can’t make a meeting? Complete meeting minutes and agendas are available on the Band website.