Middle School Band
Emmanuel Ross, Band Director 
Meet Mr. Ross
Mr. Ross is an award-winning music educator with over a decade of experience building thriving band programs across North Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Saxophone, from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, graduating Cum Laude as a North Carolina Teaching Fellows scholar.
Since beginning his teaching career in 2013, Mr. Ross has led highly successful music programs throughout North Carolina. Throughout his career, Mr. Ross’s ensembles have earned consistent superior ratings, championship titles, and national performance opportunities at venues including Walt Disney World, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and professional sports events. His students have regularly been selected for district, regional, all-state, and national honor ensembles.
Mr. Ross has been recognized as Porter Ridge High School Teacher of the Year, and has served in numerous leadership roles, including the Advisory Board for the Carolina Winter Ensemble Association, district music event leadership, and statewide professional development presentations. He is an active member of organizations including the National Association for Music Education and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Ross is passionate about developing student leadership, building community through music, and helping young musicians discover confidence, discipline, and joy through performance. He believes every student can achieve excellence, and he works every day to create a band program where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired.
Meet the other members of our MRMS Band Team!
Our specialists visit us bi-weekly, thanks to your fundraising efforts and the support of the Marvin Ridge Band Boosters! Our band members have the opportunity to go beyond the standard instrumental music curriculum and have access to additional knowledgeable performers and instructors.
Melissa Hagstedt, Brass Specialist
A passionate performer, trombonist Melissa Hagstedt has a mission to empower others to find their own unique voice. Evidence of this passion can be found from her time in eGALiterian, an all female brass ensemble that promotes the compositions of female composers. As a founding member of the ensemble, Melissa was instrumental in actively creating a space where all voices felt welcome and worthy of being heard. Her mission continued as she created safe spaces through her work with Azure Family Concerts Pittsburgh, a sensory friendly concert for individuals with Autism where all behaviors are welcome and Project Unmute, a research lab for older adults with changing cognition who participate in a music program delivered by teenage musicians. In her time as the trombone instructor for the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) music extension division program she ensured that her students felt empowered in their musical abilities. With her middle and high school students she encourages them to find confidence through their music making.
Melissa completed her Master of Music at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and her Bachelor of Instrumental Music Performance from New York University (NYU). During her time at these institutions she performed regularly with the school's orchestras and chamber ensembles. While at NYU she received an award for her excellence in Orchestral Studies. During her time in New York City (NYC) Melissa performed regularly with a broad range of local orchestras, opera companies and musical theater companies. The past few summers Melissa played for Music Academy International’s opera pits, Brevard Music Center’s festival orchestra and college student orchestra and College Light Opera Company who had a digital season for summer of 2020. For this Melissa collaborated and created online content for the Youtube and local television series.
High School Band
- Wednesday, May 27
- Thursday, June 11
- Tuesday, June 30
- Sunday, July 5
- Monday, July 6
