Come join us!

If you or your student is interested in joining any of our award-winning programs, please email Mr. Knepper at dknepper@amphi.com.

Please see the "About the Programs" tab for more information on our comprehensive band program.

IRHS Bands Audition Information:

Our band is still looking for YOU to join us! If interested in joining the program, please email the director of bands for more info at dknepper@amphi.com

Dear families and auditionees,

Thank you for being so interested in joining the award-winning Ironwood Ridge Nighthawk Vanguard for the upcoming fall season! The IRHS band program section is coming off a red-hot spring semester for all program parts. Our ensembles are consistently some of the top programs in the entire state of Arizona, and we look to continue this tradition of excellence! We have become a well-known pipeline for many university music programs and professional post-high school ensembles because students receive world-class instruction from music and visual specialists throughout the school year. Since the founding of the band program in 2001, The Nighthawk Vanguard has consistently placed at the top of their division at most competitions, including the yearly State Championships in Phoenix. Being a part of the Nighthawk Vanguard is a great honor, as many exceptional leaders in all different career paths have gained valuable life skills from being a part of the group. We are truly a “band family” with a rich history and tradition of excellence, success, and fun since our inception in 2001!

All skill levels are welcome:

The most important thing to note is that all skill levels are welcome to join – we have a spot for everybody! We start from the beginning of our comprehensive technique program with all members at our band camp. Our marching band does not have formal auditions for most sections. Only the drumline, front ensemble, and guard have auditions due to limited equipment and few available spots.

The IRHS band staff is looking for positive, hardworking, flexible, and dedicated students looking to better themselves musically and personally. Please come to join with an open mind, trying to the best of your abilities - we do not expect anybody to be perfect! Throughout the season, the IRHS educational staff expect marching band students to quickly make musical & visual adjustments based on verbal feedback as we enhance the show every rehearsal. Our comprehensive musical technique/exercise program will bring musicians of all skill levels to be highly skilled individuals by the end of the season! Students will all grow immensely in this short 4-month season. The show music will be challenging and require a good amount of outside practice time, but the reward of achieving high levels of performance excellence makes this activity so popular.

Private lessons are STRONGLY recommended. Most of our top musicians enroll in weekly lessons with private teachers to further enhance their musical growth.

Rehearsal Schedule Commitment:

The marching band meets as an 8th-hour class, which takes place after school hours. The class will meet on Tuesdays (full band) from 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., and Thursdays (Sectionals) typically from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Auditionees must be able to agree to attend these after-school class rehearsals. Just like with sports teams, just one student missing from any rehearsal puts great stress on other members and instructors within the ensemble. We also have important Friday night and Saturday rehearsals throughout the fall, which are also critical for our success. All of these dates can be found here.

Due to parents' busy work schedules, we have carpooling available from multiple families to and from rehearsals every year.

Please don’t hesitate to ask for assistance!

2024 Marching Band Clinic & Auditions:

• Have already happened, but we have openings in most sections!

Marching Band Rehearsal Checklist:

• 64 Ounce IRHS bands Water Jug - to be issued at band camp

• Issued 3-ring binder, with all show music & technique exercises in page protectors

• A Pencil

• Your instrument (IRHS will provide all larger instruments/equipment such as: tubas, baritones, percussion, and guard equipment).

• Athletic Clothing/Shoes (boots and jeans are not acceptable)

• Suncreen/sunglasses/hat

• Your chops!

•  A Positive Attitude 😊

Ironwood Ridge HS Band Room Location: