Mendham Township Students Selected for Prestigious Regions Band

Four Mendham Township Middle School students have been selected to participate in the prestigious Jr. High Regions ensembles, sponsored by the NJSMA (North Jersey School Music Association.) 8th grade bass players, Michael Ewing and Giovanni Lombardo were accepted into the Junior Region I Orchestra, with Lombarbo earning the first bass chair position. 8th grade percussionist Jack Xu and 7th grade trumpet player Chloe Brodeur were accepted into the Region I Concert Band.

Both the Orchestra and the Concert Band are audition ensembles, made up of the best young musicians in Northern New Jersey. On Saturday, February 2, 2019 over 500 students gathered at Clifton High School to compete for 120 spots. Students were evaluated on the performance of scales by memory, a solo and sight reading. Before heading to the audition location, each student musician was given a number and assigned to a warm up room. The judging process was anonymous, as the 3 judges were unable to see the students as they performed. After all the scores had been tallied and only a small percentage of those who audition were accepted. Those that were accepted into the Jr. High Regions ensembles will participate in four rehearsals, two at Jefferson Township High School and two at Randolph High School. On Sunday March 3rd the Junior Regions I Concert Band will perform at Randolph High School and the Junior Region Orchestra will have their performance on the following Sunday, March 10, 2019.

Acceptance into the Regions band is an incredible accomplishment that requires hard work and hours of practice. Mendham Township Middle School students began preparation for the auditions in September, during their weekly lessons with Mendham Township strings instructor Mrs. Karen Schaberg and band instructor Mr. Russell Branch. In addition to preparing during their lessons, students were also required to spend time practicing and preparing at home. Mendham Township School District is extremely proud of the hardworking and dedicated music staff, all of the talented students who auditioned and the four outstanding young musicians who will represent the school in the 2019 NJSMA Region I Concert Bands.