The PROJECT
The purpose of this web page is two fold. It is to provide band directors with a source for finding music literature for their smaller ensembles. The other purpose is to be able to share and collaborate with other directors on selections that work for their groups.
About the Author
My name is John G. Ryszka. I am currently the director of bands at Wasatch County High School in Heber City, Utah. For many years I have had a great love for the world of music and the people associated with it. Helping students become successful in music has brought me great satisfaction and an appreciation for what this art form contributes to society.
As a small child I had expressed great interest in playing drums. After coaxing my parents many times concerning a drum set, my mom made me one out of old buckets and metal lids (cymbals). I took great pleasure in playing them to the radio. In middle school I joined band playing my father’s old cornet. I viewed music as a fun pastime and enjoyed the social aspects of the organization. In my early years of high school I auditioned for the Denver Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps. Working and performing in the Blue Knights was life altering. I was amazed by the dedication of the instructors and their wealth of knowledge in the approach to brass playing and performing. I came to love music at a higher level and valued working with dedicated professionals and members in the ensemble. They pushed me to the limits of my mind, body, and spirit to learn how to perform and express the intricacies of the music. Soon I became more involved in my high school program and had some great opportunities to serve as a section leader and as drum major. The Blue Knight experience helped me to motivate my peers because I understood their potential and the personal rewards that come from working hard to create music mastery.
I was privileged to study and receive my bachelor’s degree in music education at Brigham Young University, Idaho. The dedicated staff of the school helped me improve as a performer , teacher, and all around person. After graduating in 2008 I began teaching elementary music at two elementary schools in Bonneville School District 93 located in Idaho Fall, Idaho. After two years I was offered a 6th- 12th grade band teaching position in Shelley, Idaho. Going into my 6th year of teaching I have enjoyed living and working in the fine community of Shelley. I am fortunate to have opportunities playing in a Jazz group called the Jazz House Big band out of Idaho Falls. Led by Doug Waring a former band director in Rigby, Idaho it has been an excellent opportunity to continue playing trumpet and developing my talents.
My wife is Kimberly Ryszka to whom I have been married since December of 2008. We met at BYU-Idaho in the music department. We have two daughters, our oldest named Adalynn and the youngest named Elizabeth . Kim is also a fine Alto Saxophonist. Our little family enjoys attending and performing at many music events throughout the year.
I am grateful for the many great teachers I have encountered. No matter the subject area each has inspired me to work hard and become a better person. Though their classes were not easy I knew each was passionate about what they taught and cared for each student. I feel it a privilege to be working in such an important capacity and hope that I may continue to develop the necessary skills of successful teachers.
Schooling
Brigham Young University-Idaho; Rexburg, Idaho; December 2008 Graduation.
Bachelor’s of Music Ed: Trumpet Cum. GPA: 3.84
Currently I am working on a Masters in Music Conducting. It is an arts degree through the Al and Gladys Wright School of Music of the American Band College of Sam Houston State University.
My name is John G. Ryszka. I am currently the director of bands at Wasatch County High School in Heber City, Utah. For many years I have had a great love for the world of music and the people associated with it. Helping students become successful in music has brought me great satisfaction and an appreciation for what this art form contributes to society.
As a small child I had expressed great interest in playing drums. After coaxing my parents many times concerning a drum set, my mom made me one out of old buckets and metal lids (cymbals). I took great pleasure in playing them to the radio. In middle school I joined band playing my father’s old cornet. I viewed music as a fun pastime and enjoyed the social aspects of the organization. In my early years of high school I auditioned for the Denver Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps. Working and performing in the Blue Knights was life altering. I was amazed by the dedication of the instructors and their wealth of knowledge in the approach to brass playing and performing. I came to love music at a higher level and valued working with dedicated professionals and members in the ensemble. They pushed me to the limits of my mind, body, and spirit to learn how to perform and express the intricacies of the music. Soon I became more involved in my high school program and had some great opportunities to serve as a section leader and as drum major. The Blue Knight experience helped me to motivate my peers because I understood their potential and the personal rewards that come from working hard to create music mastery.
I was privileged to study and receive my bachelor’s degree in music education at Brigham Young University, Idaho. The dedicated staff of the school helped me improve as a performer , teacher, and all around person. After graduating in 2008 I began teaching elementary music at two elementary schools in Bonneville School District 93 located in Idaho Fall, Idaho. After two years I was offered a 6th- 12th grade band teaching position in Shelley, Idaho. Going into my 6th year of teaching I have enjoyed living and working in the fine community of Shelley. I am fortunate to have opportunities playing in a Jazz group called the Jazz House Big band out of Idaho Falls. Led by Doug Waring a former band director in Rigby, Idaho it has been an excellent opportunity to continue playing trumpet and developing my talents.
My wife is Kimberly Ryszka to whom I have been married since December of 2008. We met at BYU-Idaho in the music department. We have two daughters, our oldest named Adalynn and the youngest named Elizabeth . Kim is also a fine Alto Saxophonist. Our little family enjoys attending and performing at many music events throughout the year.
I am grateful for the many great teachers I have encountered. No matter the subject area each has inspired me to work hard and become a better person. Though their classes were not easy I knew each was passionate about what they taught and cared for each student. I feel it a privilege to be working in such an important capacity and hope that I may continue to develop the necessary skills of successful teachers.
Schooling
Brigham Young University-Idaho; Rexburg, Idaho; December 2008 Graduation.
Bachelor’s of Music Ed: Trumpet Cum. GPA: 3.84
Currently I am working on a Masters in Music Conducting. It is an arts degree through the Al and Gladys Wright School of Music of the American Band College of Sam Houston State University.
MUSI 6285 (PA3)
Masters Candidate: John G. Ryszka
This project was completed as part of the MMA degree requirements for the Al & Gladys Wright School of Music of The American Band College of Sam Houston State University.
This project was completed as part of the MMA degree requirements for the Al & Gladys Wright School of Music of The American Band College of Sam Houston State University.