The Wind Ensemble students at Bridgewater-Raritan High School have been experiencing a successful run.
This run has been on the road where these gifted Bridgewater-Raritan High School student artists are seeking to continue to thrive.
The Wind Ensemble, guided by Dr. Tom Bourgault, Co-Director of the Band program with Nick Mossa at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, delivered a sparkling performance at the College Band Directors National Association/National Band Association (CBDNA/NBA) Eastern Division Conference held at the University of Massachusetts on Friday, March 20.
That showing came just three days after the Wind Ensemble competed at the Central Jersey Music Educators Association (CJMEA) 28th Annual Region II Concert Band Festival at Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School’s auditorium on Tuesday evening, March 17.
Their performance at the CJMEA regionals at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School will put this group back on the road.
Dr. Bourgault explained the next stop for the Wind Ensemble.
“Tuesday night (March 17) at the CJMEA Concert Band Festival, our Wind Ensemble earned a Gold Medal rating. At the conclusion of this event, the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the New Jersey State Band Gala, which William Paterson University will serve as the host on April 26,” Dr. Bourgault said. “The event is sponsored by the college band directors in the state. It has been four years since this ensemble earned this invitation, and we are one of four from central New Jersey who have been invited!”
Dr. Bourgault reported on the Wind Ensemble's experience at the University of Massachusetts.
“The CBDNA/NBA Eastern Division Conference was truly exceptional! The students traveled to Massachusetts that morning and prepared a 45-minute concert featuring several new, exciting, and colorfully diverse compositions. The president of the Eastern Division of the CBDNA/NBA was in our warm-up and recognized the incredibly sensitive artistry our kids performed with, how many individuals could make musical adjustments on the spot, and then commended how musically we were performing.”
He continued to speak about how well the Bridgewater-Raritan students performed.
“Several university conductors who have worked with our students in the past were in attendance and greeted us backstage after the performance and gave us glowing compliments and applause!”
“In this regard, I truly believe that our students are among the finest young musicians around. They work hard at their craft, show dedication to all facets of our program, and really "show up" in professional environments such as these. The venue, the audience and the outcome of events such as CJMEA and CBDNA/NBA are second to none, and give our kids the chance to learn and grow as students AND to showcase excellence for an appreciative audience.”
Dr. Bourgault concluded.
“I am personally grateful for the unwavering support we receive from our school community, parents, and administration. It's been a long week for the Wind Ensemble, and they've earned a break from festivals (until April!). This year's group is truly special.”