On Wednesday, December 4, and Friday, December 13, the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Co-Curricular Band Ensembles were privileged to have two regency experiences with two different guest musicians.
In a band context, a regency refers to a guest musician or clinician visiting an ensemble to share their expertise and inspire the group. These sessions often include performances, workshops and discussions, allowing the students to learn from a professional’s experience. A regency enriches the ensemble’s understanding of music and provides fresh insights into technique, interpretation and performance.
The first guest musician event was observed on Wednesday, December 4, with bassoonist Dr. Joseph Swift.
Dr. Joseph Swift is a distinguished bassoonist, educator and administrator based in New Jersey. He serves as the Principal Bassoonist for The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes and is a Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts faculty member. Swift holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Bassoon Performance from Stony Brook University, where he presented a doctoral recital featuring works by various composers.
In addition to his performance career, he is an endorsed artist with Key Leaves and a bassoon specialist with Silverstein Works.
Swift is also active on social media, sharing his musical endeavors and recordings on platforms like Instagram and SoundCloud. His debut CD, “Room to Breathe,” showcases his versatility and commitment to expanding the bassoon repertoire. Through his multifaceted career, Swift continues to contribute significantly to the music community as a performer, educator, and advocate for the bassoon.
The second guest musician event was observed on Friday, December 13, with oboist Dr. Marie Trudeau.
Dr. Marie Trudeau is a versatile oboist whose career seamlessly blends performance, education and advocacy. She has captivated audiences across the United States and internationally, performing with prestigious orchestras such as the Allentown Symphony and the Reading Symphony, as well as at renowned venues like Carnegie Hall. Her passion for historical performance is evident in her mastery of the Baroque and Classical oboe, while her modern oboe repertoire includes collaborations on Grammy-nominated jazz projects and genre-spanning works inspired by Motown and R&B.
In addition to her performances, Dr. Trudeau dedicates her time to nurturing the next generation of musicians, offering clinics, sectionals and specialized music courses tailored to neurodivergent students at the Lewis School of Princeton. She co-founded Total Harmony Effect, a non-profit organization that promotes music education in underprivileged areas and provides annual student recitals.
A skilled reed maker, she supplies custom reeds for students and professionals nationwide, including exclusive work for the University of Delaware. With a Doctorate of Musical Arts from Rutgers University and extensive training from institutions such as the Cleveland Institute of Music and Michigan State University, Dr. Trudeau is deeply committed to expanding musical knowledge.
Many instrumentalists, regardless of whether they play the same instrument as the guest, greatly benefitted from the experience of learning more about the path to pursue music beyond high school and understanding what adults take part in when doing so.
“Working with Dr. Trudeau was an inspiring experience,” said junior Rishita Kalambkar, an oboist in the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Symphonic Band. “Her guidance not only improved my technique but also deepened my connection to the oboe, as we share the same passion for this instrument,” she said.
