On Wednesday, April 2,, the Bridgewater-Raritan Concert Band performed at Westfield High School at the annual Freshman Band Invitational.
The event started with a performance of Autobahn and Among the Clouds by the Westfield High School Freshman Band.
Following their performance was the Bridgewater-Raritan Concert Band. The band performed Songs of Old Kentucky, which was conducted by Co-Band Director Nick Mossa. After the Songs of Old Kentucky, Mr. Hansen conducted Fortress with the Bridgewater-Raritan Concert Band.
The band received a clinic from Dr. Brooke Johnson from the University of Delaware. She is the assistant professor of music and also the director of athletic bands at the university.
Through her guidance, the Bridgewater-Raritan Concert Band was given some tips and advice on how to improve its already phenomenal performance.
The freshman band from John P. Stevens High School followed with a performance of Sonata for Winds and The Cave You Fear.
The night continued with a musical performance of Fate of the Gods and Undertow by the freshman band from Montgomery Township High School.
To end off the night, Imperial Brass, a renowned brass band, performed a various selection of pieces with varying emotions. Ronald Waiksnoris directed the band.
Imperial Brass performed Imperial March, Rhapsody for Cornet and Brass Band and Quid Pro Quo.
Before the end of the night, there was a surprise in tow for everyone.
Students from each of the freshman bands’ brass sections had been invited to perform alongside the performers from Imperial Brass.
The students who had been invited from the Bridgewater-Raritan Concert Band were Suphachikaa Chinnasamy on trumpet, Oluwasemilore Jegede on euphonium and Adit Sinha on French Horn.
Imperial Brass performed two more pieces with the students, Amazing Grace and St. Julien. Then, the night ended with students who were inspired to continue on with their musical careers.
Adit Sinha, a freshman who is a part of the Bridgewater-Raritan Concert Band, talks about his experience at the event.
“The Westfield Invitational was a really great experience, getting to hear the other bands and having them hear us was something special, seeing how far everyone had come. Playing with the Imperial Brass Band was also a unique event, seeing the professionals doing what they do was truly magnificent. Overall, it was a great event, hearing and performing with everyone,” they said.
Mr. Mossa, who is Co-Director with Dr. Tom Bourgault of the Bridgewater-Raritan Concert Band, shared his thoughts on the night.
“We’re so proud of the concert band for their performance and overall experience at the Westfield Invitational. It is a great camaraderie event that we share with other 9th grade bands from our peer group, with directors giving feedback to each other’s bands, and the students getting the chance to support each other too. Musically speaking, it was one of the most fulfilling and memorable performances of the year and the students should feel so accomplished!” Mr. Mossa said.
The band was grateful to attend the event and look forward to many other exciting opportunities in the future.
