WEST ORANGE, NJ - The music program at West Orange High School continued its award-winning ways at the Region I North Jersey School Music Association (NJSMA) Concert Festival, held March 18 and 19 at West Essex and Hanover Park High Schools.

On March 18, the Ninth Grade Band, under the direction of Joshua Zimmer, received a Silver rating. The Concert Band and Symphonic Winds, under the direction of Erin Lagatic, both received Gold ratings at the West Essex High School Festival. Theo Brinkerhoff, senior percussionist, was awarded an Outstanding Soloist Award for his work on the vibraphone in the piece Incandescence by Adrian B. Sims.

On March 19, the Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Lew Kelly, received a Gold Rating as well as Outstanding Woodwind Section, Outstanding Brass Section, and Outstanding Percussion Section. Josie Mair, junior flute player, was awarded an Outstanding Soloist Award for Council Oak by David R. Gillingham, at the Hanover Park High School Festival.

"The Wind Ensemble has been chosen again to represent Region I (North Jersey) in the New Jersey State Concert Band Gala Concert," said Kelly.

"The concert will be held at The College of New Jersey on April 27, and will feature the top four scoring bands from each region of the state: North, Central, and South," he added.