Performing as a musician is in James Krempasky's bloodline.
The senior student at Bridgewater-Raritan High School launched his musical career when he was in 6th Grade on the recommendation of his father, Matt Krempasky, who had served as the Band Director for Somerville High School before his retirement.
James also inherited his skills and devotion to music from his mother, Lisa Rotondi, who is the highly dedicated Director of Choirs at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
James’ home life also includes another well-respected musical influencer in Tony Sgro, James’ stepfather, who is the Choral and Music Education Director at the Hillside Intermediate School.
His sister, Julia Krempasky, graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Music Education last spring and is teaching at Bayberry Elementary School in Watchung.
So it is no surprise that James has mastered the art of music.
That statement is supported by the honor that he recently received.
James, a very active member of the music program at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, is the recipient of the 2026 New Jersey Governor’s Awards in Arts Education for receiving All-State Band honors.
James’ recognition for instrumental music was the result of his application being selected by a panel of educators from the New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA), according to Ms. Rotondi.
James explained the process that led to his prestigious award.
“I sent in my resume and letter of recommendation to the NJMEA this past fall,” James revealed. “I was told in February that I was selected. It felt very rewarding because of all the hard work involved.”
Plenty of hard work and just plenty of work, too, describes James and his many roles at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
He serves as the principal Euphonium in the Wind Ensemble, horn sergeant for the Marching Band, lead trombone for the Monday Jazz Band, principal trombone in the Symphony Orchestra and bass section leader in the Symphonic Choir.
Outside of Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s walls, James has been a four-year member of NJMEA All-State Ensembles and a six-year member of Central Jersey Music Educators Association Region bands. At the same time, he is a bass section lead of the choir at St. James Episcopal Church in Upper Montclair, as well as a member of the brass studio of Joe Eggebeen.
He’s also gifted in the classroom, earning Honor Roll during all four years of his high school career.
James will study Music Education when he enrolls this fall at Rutgers University, where he reported that he “will audition for the bands there.”
A Governor’s Award winner walking around the campus at Bridgewater-Raritan High School has become a common scene.
Lucia Bolle, who is presently a junior at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, received the Governor’s Awards in Arts Education last spring for being named the recipient of the 2025 Art Administrators of New Jersey Visual Art Student Achievement Award.
Bridgewater-Raritan High School graduates Sharanya Ram in 2024 and Crystal Zhang in 2023 each received the Visual Art Student Achievement Award in conjunction with the Governor’s Awards for Arts Education.
In 2023, Alexander Lu was the recipient of the Governor’s Awards in Arts Education for his selection to the All-State Orchestra.
Matt McCarthy, the Supervisor for Arts Education for the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District, applauded James and all that he has achieved.
“I am so proud of James and thrilled that he received this recognition. He has brought so much to our ensembles throughout his scholastic career,” Mr. McCarthy said. “He is a model of what you can achieve when you take advantage of opportunities, work hard, and develop your talents with dedication.”
James cherishes the musical guidance he has received from his family.
“It really helps having them (parents and sister), but they always gave me support and never put any pressure on me."