North Jersey Area Band (NJAB) welcomed the following seven RHS student musicians to its highly selective state-wide ensemble on Friday, Jan. 20:
Wind Ensemble
- Junior Sophie Visser – Flute
- Junior Gregory Ford – Trombone
- Sophomore Jonathan Ford – Percussion
- Freshman Griffin Branch – Tuba
Symphonic Band
- Junior Megan Yoga – Flute
- Junior Katelyn Ford – Alto Saxophone
- Senior Gerald Creighton – Trombone
The purpose of the well-known ensemble is to enhance music education by providing students with the opportunity to organize auditions, rehearse more complicated music and perform with experienced conductors. This sequence aids their musical skills and allows them to gain valuable experience in a competitive setting. The band includes several ensembles such as Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and the Percussion Ensemble.
“It was an amazing experience to be in a room full of so many other talented and dedicated musicians,” junior NJAB member Megan Yoga said. “Hearing so many different instruments all come together to create music was an incomparable feeling.”
To be selected for the NJAB, students first had to audition in December. “We are incredibly proud of our students for their successful auditions into the North Jersey Area Band (NJAB),” RHS Band Director Michael Lichtenfeld said. “Their hard work, dedication and musical skill have truly shone through. Participating in NJAB has been a fantastic experience, offering them the opportunity to grow as musicians, collaborate with peers from across the region and perform at a high level.”
Following their successful auditions, students were selected to participate in “Festival Week,” a large workshop where they learned from experienced players focusing on certain skills to better their technique. The ultimate goal is for NJAB members to participate in a concert performance to showcase their hard work.
“It was super cool to play with a bunch of kids from other schools,” junior NJAB member Gregory Ford said.
