The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District’s annual Festival of the Arts Orchestra Concert was performed on the evening of March 25.
Students from grades 6-12 gathered from across the district for a night of dedication and shared passion for musical performance at the Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s Vaughn Stapleton Gymnasium.
The concert brought together ensembles representing each level of the district’s orchestra program. The combined 6th Grade Orchestra from Eisenhower Intermediate School and Hillside Intermediate School performed under the direction of Thomas Wagner. The Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School’s 7th Grade Orchestra was conducted by Timothy Nuzzetti, while the 8th Grade Orchestra performed under the direction of Catherine Butler.
The high school ensembles, including the Bridgewater-Raritan Ninth Orchestra (BR9O), Concert Orchestra (BRCO) and Symphony Orchestra (BRSO), were led by Hsiao-yu (Sherry) Lin Griggs.
The show began with a powerful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner: performed by the Bridgewater-Raritan Symphony Orchestra, setting the stage for the night to come. The combined 6th Grade Orchestra then followed with their performance of “Medieval Kings” by Soon Hee Newbold, making their first appearance at the Festival of the Arts. Despite their early stage in musical performance, the ensemble demonstrated strong confidence and passion.
The 7th Grade Orchestra then took the stage, performing “Soul Bossa Nova” by Robert Longfield with energy. Their performance highlighted the growth that comes with continued practice and rehearsal at the middle school level. The Bridgewater-Raritan Ninth Orchestra followed with “Dance of the Trolls” by Mike Forbes, delivering a lively, engaging performance that captivated the audience.
The 8th Grade Orchestra continued the program with “Force of Nature” by Brian Balmags. As the evening progressed, the high school ensembles elevated their musicianship even further, demonstrating the commitment required to play an instrument at the high school level.
The Concert Orchestra performed “The Wizard of Oz” by Bob Cerulli, earning enthusiastic applause for its recognizable melodies. The night concluded with the Symphony Orchestra’s performance of “The Lord of the Rings” by John Whitney. Their performance demonstrated a high level of musicianship and cohesiveness, reflecting the years of dedication and refinement they put into their instruments.
Senior Paritosh Bhole, a member of the Symphony Orchestra, reflected on his final Festival of the Arts performance.
“The festival went really well, and it was amazing to see all of the musical talent across so many different grade levels. I’m very proud to have been part of a program as rewarding as this one,” he shared.
The gymnasium was filled with excited students, parents, and supporters, all eager to celebrate the performers’ hard work. Months of preparation and dedication culminated in an evening that highlighted not only technical skill but also all the performers’ shared love for music.
Ms. Griggs, the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Orchestra Director, shared her perspective on the significance of the event.
“The Orchestra Festival of the Arts showcases a unique Orchestra Program in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District. I am confident to say that there are very few music programs in the state of New Jersey that can boast such a robust Orchestra Program, which also consists of so many talented student musicians,” she explained.
“I hope the students and their families at the FAF Concert will realize the importance of continuing in the Orchestra Program from Grades 5-12. I hope the Intermediate and Middle School students will keep going, even when transitioning to the High School, and I hope the High School students will reflect on the early stages of their musical journey and not let the pressure of college and career overshadow the joy of making music with like-minded friends,” 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 inspire young musicians, encouraging them to pursue their passion for music in the years to come.
