Over 100 band students from Bridgewater-Raritan High School performed in the annual Winter Concert on January 30, bringing energy and spirit through their wide range of selections and musical proficiency.
Every year, the concert consists of the three co-curricular ensembles part of the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Band Program: the Concert Band, the only ensemble for freshmen, the Symphonic Band, one of the two ensembles for sophomores to seniors and the Wind Ensemble, the audition-only ensemble for sophomores to seniors.
Although the concert was planned to be on January 9, due to inclement weather, the concert was postponed to January 30. Nevertheless, the new stage with improved lighting, audio systems and many other benefits following the auditorium renovations paved the way for the concert.
The first ensemble to perform at the concert was the Concert Band, under the direction of Nick Mossa and Dr. Tom Bourgault, who directed all three bands at BRHS.
Musical selections for this ensemble included “King Cotton,” by John Philip Sousa, a famous composer and conductor of many military marches; “The Headless Horseman” by Timothy Broege; “Marching Song” by Gustav Holt; and “Plaza de Toros” by Mark Williams.
As part of their first concert in their high school music careers, the 67 member ensemble, one of the largest concert bands in BRHS history, brought a lot of enthusiasm to their performance, especially when clapping during “Plaza de Toros.”
Next, the Symphonic Band performed their wide variety of compositions, starting with “Crown Him With Many Crowns” by James Swearingen. Subsequently, the ensemble performed “Through the Storm” by JaRod Hall, “Undertow” by John Mackey and “Seventy-Six Trombones” from “The Music Man” by Meredith Willson.
The last composition was notable due to all trombones from all three previously-mentioned ensembles coming together to perform this piece.
“Not near 76 yet, but close enough,” Dr. Bourgault said during the concert.
Finally, the Wind Ensemble concluded the concert with “Fairest of the Fair” by John Philip Sousa, “Colonial Song” by Percy Grainger, “There” by Viet Cuong and “The Ascension” by Robert W. Smith.
Some components of this ensemble’s performance included student teacher Mr. Mackiewicz, who was part of co-directing and learning necessary skills during Semester 1, conducting “Fairest of the Fair” as part of his training.
The Wind Ensemble’s third composition included nearly all of the musicians singing, adding a successful twist to the overall concert which many audience members enjoyed.
In light of the recent passing of Robert W. Smith, composer of “The Ascension” and “The Great Locomotive Chase,” the piece performed by the Wind Ensemble commemorated his great contributions to the world of music.
The concert was filled with special features and was a great way to celebrate the first semester of work from all three co-curricular bands.
“We’re proud of each of the bands for the many ways they showcased their incredible achievement in this concert,” Mr. Mossa said. “These performances are always a celebration of the many days of work and music-making we enjoy with the students in our band rehearsals each day and we’re grateful for the appreciation and support of the greater BR community to make these events so special for the students.”
