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Elementary and Middle School Students Join West Orange High School Marching Band for District Band Night
WEST ORANGE, NJ - Over 75 elementary and middle school students joined with the West Orange High School Marching Band on Sept. 18 for the Second Annual District Band Night under the lights at Suriano Stadium.
Musicians from Washington, Hazel, Mt. Pleasant, Pleasantdale, Redwood, Gregory, and St. Cloud elementary schools and middle school students from Edison, Liberty and Roosevelt arrived during Fan Fest to rehearse in the WOHS Band Room with their high school counterparts. Following rehearsal, the WOHS Music Boosters provided pizza for the students and Marching Band. Everyone marched into the stadium together and sat in the stands, playing music throughout the game.
The younger musicians enjoyed the Marching Band's first home performance of their program, "Scenes from the Far East."
In addition to event organizers Lew Kelly, WOHS Band Director, and Erin Lagatic, Asstistant Director, several of the district music teachers were on hand to support students and participate in District Band Night, including Joe Romano (Edison), Ryan Krewer (Liberty), Andrea Rommel (Redwood/Washington), Josh Zimmer (Pleasantdale/WOHS), and Mark Lagatic (Gregory/Mt. Pleasant).
"Connecting elementary and middle school students with high school students not only develops a sense of community, but family" said West Orange High School Principal Hayden Moore.
"High school students become mentors that inspire and encourage younger musicians to excel," he continued.
"That fifth grade clarinet or trumpet player will someday soon be part of our award-winning Wind Ensemble, and we are happy to welcome them as part of our family here at the high school," Moore added.
(Photos courtesy of EMS Band Director Joe Romano.)
Cynthia Cumming