The Bridgewater-Raritan High School wind ensemble performed this year at the 2012 NJ State Band Gala at Kean University’s Wilkin Theatre, showing off their talents and abilities.

The NJ State Band Gala Concert is an annual educational activity that serves between 750 and 1,000 instrumental music students from the state's public high schools in a day-long series of performances. This prestigious event was held on May 6, with the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Wind Ensemble performing last.  

Selections included "Komm Susser Tod," composed by Johann Sebastian Bach; "Canzona," by Peter Menin; and "Aegean Festival Overture," by Andreas Makris.

The 12 high school bands that perform in the Gala Concert are chosen through a series of three competitive preliminary rounds in three regions of the state,  north, central and south. Each year, more than 150 high school bands from all over New Jersey participate in the preliminary rounds of the NJ Band Festival. 

This Gala was a fabulous representation of the many talented young musicians within the State of New Jersey, and the band directors' dedication to music and to the students.   

To close the evening, the Bridgewater-Raritan band performed a "Galop," conducted by senior and 2011-2012 drum major, Nick Massa. Massa will continue his studies in music at Montclair State University in the fall.