May The 4th Be With You: BRMS Band Concert Honors Star Wars Day

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The stars were on stage at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School auditorium during Star Wars Day.

The Middle School Band Concert was performed by the 7th and 8th Graders before an appreciative audience that included families, friends and staff on Thursday, May 4, which is also a commemorative day when Star Wars is observed.

The force was the delightful sounds that the Middle School 7th Grade Band and Wind Ensembleunder their director, Ashlen Udell, and the Middle School 8th Grade and Jazz Ensemble, led by their director, Barron Caromano, produced on this evening.

"We also had a lot of fun celebrating Star Wars Day with our mass band rendition of the Star
Wars theme...lightsaber batons included!" Ms. Udell said.

Udell was also thrilled by how her students performed in other segments during the concert.

"A standout of the night was the performance of the BRMS Woodwind Quintet. These five students rehearsed on their own to perform a piece without a conductor. They started the concert program off beautifully," Udell said.

Caromano touched on the fine performances of his 8th Graders.

"The Force Awakens was a highlight for the Eighth Grade Band, and Coconut Champagne was a highlight for the Jazz Ensemble," Caromano said.

While the sounds were very well received by all in attendance that evening, both Middle School
directors discussed the advancement of their students, both on stage and off.

"I am really proud of the students, and it is really edifying to observe their growth not only as
musicians but as individuals," Caromano said. "All of the groups did their best at the performance."

Udell shared her positive beliefs, as well as what the entertained audience had to say.

"I am so proud of the work our students were able to accomplish. Many parents were impressed
and stayed after the concert to talk with us about their child's positive experience in our program," Udell said. "The concert was fantastic!"

The shows are not over yet, reminded Caromano.

"We’ll continue to refine our skills, as we still have a few performances to do before the school
the year ends," said Caromano.

One of those upcoming performances will be held on Friday, June 2, at Doney Park in Allentown, Pa.

On that day, the Middle School’s performances will be delivered by the Wind Ensemble, conducted by Udell, the Jazz Ensemble, guided by Caromano, the Chamber Orchestra, directed by Maria Ramsay, and the Dolce, led by Choral Program Director Gabriele Hingelberg.

And, the students will also engage in the many activities that the amusement and water park
provides.

"They will enjoy a rewarding day, too," Caromano said.

They deserve it.

— Submitted by Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District