Many took advantage of a free show open to anyone who wanted a nice night of relaxation and good music right in the middle of the holiday season.  This show was the West Milford Highlander Bands winter concert, which they performed on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. in the West Milford High School auditorium

The night opened with a song titled “Celtic Carol”, composer Robert W. Smith, played by the symphonic band under the direction of Mr. Matthew Gramata, Assistant Director and Conductor.  After this tune Gramata welcomed everyone to the concert and a player from the band stood and spoke about the next song to be played, which was “A Festive Christmas” composed by Kenny Bierschenk.  The symphonic band consists of many seniors including: Abby Kreil, Patti Edwards, Gillian Todd, Kim Livingston, Chris Guarnieri, Sophia Oselador, Brendan Sushko, Nicole Heuer, and Austin Turek, whose dedication throughout their high school careers will not go unrecognized.  The seniors and symphonic band did a great job with this song and the next two, Winter Dances by Brian Balmages, and Iditarod by Robert Buckley, bringing their portion of the night to a close.

After a thunderous applause and the closing of the curtain, The Highlander Pipes and Drums took center stage marching in, playing bagpipes, and beating their drums to famous and festive Christmas and other holiday theme songs.  For many this is their favorite part of the night.  The bagpipes are always delightful to hear and are a Highlander specialty with the players dressed in their kilts and other authentic black and gold Scottish uniform.  Following their festive themes, the pipes and drums marched out and the curtains opened again, but now with a new set of faces eager to play.  The Highlander Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Brain McLaughlin, Director of Bands and Conductor, was ready to play.  The seniors in this band include: Rachael Janz, Danielle Burns, Ed Looney, Sal Alessio, Sophia Metcalf, Laura McLaughlin, Patrick Kerssen, Ashley Dondershine, Miranda Zangara, Katelyn Siebel, and Ian McAllister.   Many somber that this was their last winter concert, they were all ready to begin with the first song titled, “Holiday Piece” composed by David Foster and arranged by Jay Dawson.  This piece consisted of many holiday classics that everyone can relate to and remember.  Another song the ensemble played was “Country Cookin’ Christmas” composed by Jeff Simmons.  Although McLaughlin admitted this was an unorthodox song for concert bands, especially one of his concert bands, he stated that after some convincing, they went for it and had a lot of fun with it.  This upbeat country song was a great addition to the night.

The night concluded with a song played by the combined Highlander Bands titled “Sleigh Ride”, composed by Leroy Anderson.  With the stage packed with 48 musicians from the Ensemble and 87 musicians from the Symphonic band this song was surely going to be a good finale.  When the bands finished they were met with a standing ovation and the night of music and relaxation had sadly ended and all listeners were again forced back out into the cold winter night.  For all of the students and staff at the concert, the next day would mark their last day of school before the beginning of their long awaited and anticipated winter break.