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Hello to All,

        Forty-two years ago I came to Ridley as a student, and one year ago, after 35 years of teaching, I decided it was time to retire. At my retirement dinner I was surprised to find several of my “older” students smiling back at me from the audience. After the dinner and speeches, we had some time to revisit memories of the high school band. During our conversations, everyone kept saying, “Remember this . . . , or remember that . . . . , and we always seemed to end with, “Wouldn’t it be fun to have a reunion of the band?”. Well, several months later, a group of eight got together to discuss the possibilities, and after a year of collecting names, addresses, emails, and planning, the BRAC, (Band Reunion Action Committee) has come up with the plans for a reunion date.

        It was important to the committee from the very outset to have everyone involved and welcome. To that end, the evening is open to past RAMP, band staff, unit and band members.

        Accompanying this note is a personal invitation with all of the pertinent information about the reunion. It is our hope that everyone will attend and enjoy a night of great memories and friends. Please take a moment to fill out the form and reserve October 13 on your calendars. By the way, the evening includes a cocktail hour, sit-down dinner, DJ entertainment, an open bar for the entire evening, favors and much more.

        You might want to check out the Ridley Band website on line at  www.RidleyBandReunion.com. (Thank Dave Emplit for the creation of this website). To date, we have had well over 4000 hits and incredibly positive responses from those who have viewed it online. You could help us out by;

·    Looking for your decade of involvement to view pictures and send any pictures you might have to add to the web pages (send to Dave Emplit at Dave@ridleybandreunion.com)

·    Check the list of names that we have so far on our list, then match them against your address books, email logs and send us names and emails of members that we might not yet have listed.   Even if you cannot make it, help spread the word.    The saddest thing would be to have someone find out after the fact and have missed the opportunity to attend (send names and addresses to Lee Harper at Lee@ridleybandreunion.com)

        Whether you performed the 1812 Overture, PDQ Bach, or J.C. Superstar, . . . . marched in Spanish shows, Good and Evil, Chinese, or Scheherazade, . . . . played or cheered to Jingo, The Saints or the Fight Song in the stands, . . . . made hoagies, packed equipment, vans, stacked papers in the bin, . . . . chaperoned at camp or a comp, . . . marched untold hours, did 100 arm circles, or performed in rain, sun, mud and snow, . . . each of you has had a part in creating the history of music that is the legacy of the Ridley Raider Band. 

YOU, Ridley Alumni, have set a standard, that to this day is viewed as the goal for all Ridley bands to achieve, and I have a lifetime of memories to thank you for. Nothing would make myself or the committee happier than to have YOU attend YOUR reunion. Thank you, students . . . friends . . . family!        

I look forward to seeing you! Best wishes, Rick Swallow

Home | Click on the RSVP Form link to view and print the RSVP or right click the link to download the file to your computer.

Last Updated: October 16, 2007