The Vaughn Stapleton Gymnasium at Bridgewater-Raritan High School was filled with musical passion when it served as the concert hall to the annual Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District Festival of the Arts.
The Orchestra Concert brought together young musicians from across the school district for a night of passion and dedication. The concert was held on the evening of March 26.
The Festival featured performances from Eisenhower Intermediate School’s 6th Grade Orchestra under the direction of Carrie Jendza, Hillside Intermediate’s 6th Grade Orchestra conducted by Thomas Lewis, the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School’s 7th Grade Orchestra under the direction of Timothy Nuzzetti and the Bridgewater-Rarritan Middle School’s 8th Grade Orchestra conducted by Catherine Butler.
Additionally, all high school orchestra ensembles, including the Bridgewater-Raritan Ninth Orchestra (BR90), Concert Orchestra (BRCO), and Symphony Orchestra (BRSO) performed under the direction of Hsiao-yu Lin (Sherry) Griggs.
The evening opened with a powerful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” performed by the Symphony Orchestra, setting the stage for the eventful night to come. The 6th Grade ensembles followed with their first time performing at the Festival of the Arts, impressing the audience with their early mastery of orchestral performance.
The Middle School students then took the stage, demonstrating the progression of skill that comes with continued practice and commitment at that level.
As the evening progressed, BR90, BRCO and BRSO captivated the audience with their refined musicianship and continued dedication to their instruments. Choosing to continue orchestra in high school requires immense dedication, as students must balance rigorous rehearsals with their demanding academic responsibilities.
Each group’s performance was met with tremendous applause, reflecting both the effort that students put into preparing for their performances and the appreciation of those who attended.
The gymnasium was filled with excited students, parents and supporters, all eager to celebrate the hard work of the performers. Months of preparation and dedication culminated in an evening that highlighted not only technical skill but also all the performers’ shared love for music.
Bridgewater-Raritan High School Orchestra Director Ms. Griggs shared her insight on the significance of this event.
“The Festival of the Arts concert is a vital part of the Orchestra Program. The collaboration of the Orchestra Directors demonstrates the strength of the program, and the ensemble performance shows the growth of music education. It’s important for the younger musicians to witness the older students’ skills, and it’s just as important for the older students to reflect on how much they’ve grown and matured,” she said.
“I hope the Intermediate and Middle School students will be inspired by the High School ensembles and continue their musical journey,” she added.
The orchestra department congratulates all participating students on their outstanding performance. The success of this year’s Festival of the Arts reflects the commitment of both the students and conductors who foster a strong music program in our district.
The Festival of the Arts continues to serve as an inspiration for young musicians, encouraging them to pursue their passion for music in the years to come.
