From Taps To Star Wars: Bernards High School Band Caps Busy Spring Season

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — The Bernards High School Marching Band closed out spring with a pair of community performances, marching in the Bernardsville Memorial Day Parade before bringing music to the 30th annual Miles for Matheny fundraiser in Peapack-Gladstone.

On May 25, 21 students and four directors arrived early to rehearse their cadence and music in parade formation before joining the procession from High School Lane at Bernards High School. Marching through drizzle on a rainy holiday weekend, the band performed military marches including "The Marine's Hymn," "When the Caissons Go Rolling Along" and "Anchors Aweigh" along the route to the Bernardsville Fire Company and First Aid Squad.

At the ceremony honoring fallen service members, Drum Major Jack Cohen performed taps for the final time in his high school career. The band also sent students to march in Bedminster's Memorial Day parade the same day.

Five days later, on May 30, the band returned to action at Miles for Matheny, the annual fundraiser for the Matheny hospital and school in Peapack-Gladstone. The event, which marked its 30th anniversary, features a 5K trail run and walk, a children's obstacle course, games and food.

Stationed at the finish line of the Lu Huggins Wheelchair Walk, the band played selections including "Iron Man," "Land of 1,000 Dances," "Runaway Baby" and "The Force Theme" from Star Wars as Matheny residents completed a lap around a trail connected to the facility.

"I am so proud of our BHS musicians for their spirit of volunteerism and eagerness to perform music for the good of all around them," said Band Director Stephen Taesler.

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