Did you know that starting an instrument in fourth or
fifth grade could lead to a lifetime of musical enjoyment? That’s what it did
for Mr. Richardson who directs the instrumental program for the PRUSD. Starting
on trumpet in fourth grade, he tried piano, bass, tuba and percussion before
settling on French horn in high school. Further education resulted in Bachelors
and Masters Degrees in Horn Performance from San Francisco State University and the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music as well as a teaching credential in music.
“Music has taken me around the world. A trip to the World’s
Fair-Expo ’70 in Osaka, Japan with my high school orchestra wetted my appetite
for travel and experiencing different cultures.” Mr. Richardson has played in
orchestras in Venezuela, Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland and the United
States. As a freelance musician, he has played with many orchestras in the San
Francisco Bay Area as well as Aspen, Sun Valley, Lake Tahoe and Rome Music
Festivals under such renown conductors as Segi Ozawa, Herbert Blomsted, Michael
Tilsen Thomas, Aaron Copland and Eric Leinsdorf. It was participation in the
Music in the Mountains Festival in Nevada City twenty-six years ago that
prompted a move in 2001 to Grass Valley with his family.
“My favorite music to play is that of the Romantic Period.
Mahler, Strauss, Brahms, Wagner and Stravinsky. Great horn parts!” Mr. Richardson also enjoys pops
concerts and has played with such artists as Dave Brubeck, Doc Severinson, Rod
Stewart, Moody Blues and recently with Chuck Mangione (1974, 1986, 2009).
Green Band
Green Band is made up of 7th graders that are on their second or third year of their instrument. They meet every day during the regular school day. Emphasis is on improving and expanding their skills through scales, chorals, exercises and repertoire. They present three concerts and attend 2-3 festivals. The local music store has an excellent rental program and all the necessary books, accessories and materials. Green Band uses Standard of Excellence Book 2.
Gold Band
Gold Band is made up of 8th graders that are on their third or fourth year of their instrument. They meet every day during the regular school day. Emphasis is on improving and expanding their skills through scales, chorals, exercises and repertoire. They present three concerts and attend 2-3 festivals. The local music store has an excellent rental program and all the necessary books, accessories and materials. Gold Band uses Standard of Excellence Book 3.
Jazz Band
Jazz Band is made up of 6-8th graders that audition for positions in The Rattler Jazz Band. Participation in one of the other band ensembles is required. They meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:00am. Emphasis is on jazz scales, style and improvisation. Music will include jazz standards along with rock, funk and Latin styles. They present four concerts, an elementary school tour and attend 1-2 festivals. The local music store has an excellent rental program and all the necessary books, accessories and materials. Jazz Band uses Standard of Excellence Jazz Ensemble Method.
the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music as well as a teaching credential in music.
other band ensembles is required. They meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:00am. Emphasis is on jazz scales, style and improvisation. Music will include jazz standards along with rock, funk and Latin styles. They present four concerts, an elementary school tour and attend 1-2 festivals. The local music store has an excellent rental program and all the necessary books, accessories and materials. Jazz Band uses Standard of Excellence Jazz Ensemble Method.