On Thursday, March 30 the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Band Ensembles served as the host and performed in a magnificent performance, not only underscoring their musical prowess but also unifying the band realm in the Bridgewater Raritan District including the Intermediate, Middle, and High School ensembles.

Fine and Performing Arts Supervisor Matthew McCarthy welcomed the performing groups to an amazing festival, and opened the celebration by recognizing the importance of musical education and the willingness of the seemingly “crazy” students who performed who are willing to dedicate more and more time towards perfecting their respective arts, for their risk-taking ability in the face of musical magnificence.

Mr. McCarthy also took the time to thank Superintendent Beers, the custodial staff, the band directors who spend their time contributing to the talent observed and the performance, and the parents of the children who are putting their valuable time into supporting the fine arts!

The concert opened with the National Anthem, performed by the BRMS 7th Grade Ensemble and directed by Ms. Ashlen Udell.

Our fellow BRHS ensembles performed in the second half of the evening, with the 9th Grade Concert Band performing Encanto by Robert W. Smith, followed by the Sophomore to Senior Symphonic Band who played Autobahn by Ryan George, and a final conclusion of the performance with A Mother of a Revolution by Omar Thomas and Farandole by Georges Bizet from the Honors Collegiate-level Wind Ensemble.

Also performing at the concert was the Eisenhower Intermediate School 6th Grade Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Christian Dickson, and the Hillside Intermediate Grade 6 conducted by Mr. Jacob Ulm. 

The Fine Arts Festivals hosted in March are a fantastic opportunity for the students throughout our district to share a common interest in musical education, and the Covid-19 Pandemic has restricted us from observing the progression and improvement of each and every music student’s skills. By being able to reunite our band community once again after two years of isolation, it is amazing to recognize the wonderful talent we nurture within our school walls.