Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s annual Concert in the Round brought together all curricular ensembles to highlight their achievements during the first marking period.
The performance, which was held on Wednesday, November 20, in the high school band room, provided an intimate and immersive setting that celebrated the dedication and skill of the students across three bands: Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Concert Band.
The event, under the guidance of Co-Band Directors Nick Mossa and Dr. Tom Bourgault, opened with the Wind Ensemble during the third period. As the school’s only audition-based band, the Wind Ensemble features musicians from grades ten through twelve who consistently rise to the challenge of performing high-level repertoire. Their accomplishments have earned them a coveted spot at the New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) State Conference later this year.
The ensemble captivated the audience with a selection of pieces, including O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Laurisden, Divertimento for Band by Vincent Persichetti, The Leaves Are Falling by Warren Benson and Ride by Samuel Hazo.
Junior Lahari Thota, a member of the Wind Ensemble, reflected on her experience performing in these concerts over the years.
“It’s been such a fun and rewarding experience to perform in Concert in the Round for all three years so far. It’s a great way to express my passion for music and share it with others in the band community,” she said.
The Symphonic Band took the stage during sixth period, featuring students in grades ten through twelve. Unlike the audition-only Wind Ensemble, the Symphonic Band provides a welcoming space for all musicians to showcase their talent. Their set began with a percussion feature titled Bombastix by Chris Crockarell, which wowed the audience with its dynamic energy and use of both traditional and unorthodox percussion instruments.
The band followed this rousing opening with an impressive selection of pieces, including Procession of the Nobles by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (transcribed by Jay Bocook), Abendlied (Evening Song) by Josef Rheinberger (arranged by Shelley Hanson), Hypnotic Fireflies by Brian Balmages and Infinity by Katahj Copley.
The final performance of the day belonged to the Concert Band, comprised entirely of ninth-grade students. For many, this marked their first high school performance, and they opened their musical journey beautifully. The band performed Rhythm Machine by Timothy Broege, Three Ayres from Gloucester by Hugh M. Stuart, Air for Band by Frank Erickson and Encanto by Robert W. Smith. Notably, Air for Band holds a special tradition as it is performed by every freshman class as a rite of passage into the high school band program.
As the first concert of the year, Concert in the Round sets the tone for the upcoming Winter Concert in January, where all ensembles will perform new pieces for a larger audience in the school auditorium. This event continues to be a cherished opportunity to showcase the incredible talent and hard work of the school’s musicians.
