Another fun filled night opened with soon to be famous words from our own Mr. Paul Gorski, West Milford High School Principal. He explained how he could not believe how spring was already here and that for all of the seniors sitting on stage this would be their last high school spring band concert ever.
Dr. Brian McLaughlin, the Director of bands, later went on to say to the parents in the crowd, “Thanks for allowing me to teach your kids for four years now, but I am now returning them, and no longer want them!”
The first song played that night was by the Highlander Symphonic Band, conducted by Mr. Matthew Gramata, titled “Night Flight.” The seniors who deserve recognition in this band are: Abby Kreil, Patti Edwards, Gillian Todd, Kim Livingston, Chris Guarnieri, Sophia Oselador, Brendan Sushko, Ryan Cassidy, Nicole Heuer, and Austin Turek. These players have put in several years of hard work and dedication to the award winning Highlander Band. The second song was titled “Persistence” which featured a solo from the horn sections Maeve Gordon. This song was about taking life to the fullest and always driving forward to reach your goals. Senior Gillian Todd was featured with a solo in the song titled “Costa del Sol,” which was followed by a solo from Austin Hopler in the next song titled “Groove Music.” With the conclusion of the Symphonic band the Highlander Pipes and Drums took center stage in the best half time performance by this group I have ever seen.
After the pipes and drums marched out, the Wind Ensemble was welcomed on stage with conductor McLaughlin. The first song featured a solo by Patrick Kerssen, a senior trumpet player, titled “Symphonic Dance No. 3 Fiesta.” The next song played was titled “Carmen Suite,” from the famous opera titled “Carmen.” McLaughlin explained the four hour four part play in about five minutes. He told of a young man Don Jose who deserted his childhood sweetheart for a beautiful gypsy women named Carmen. He then deserts his military duties and abandons his entire life to fulfill the needs of this women. Spoiler alert for all those planning on going to the opera this weekend: in the end Carmen falls in love with another man named Escamillo, who he eventually kills after killing Carmen. After the band plays the beautiful music from the play which depicts the rise and fall of the love between all of the characters and the eventual downfall of Carmen and her lover through the rage filled hands of Don Jose. After two more songs, the night of May 22, 2014 concluded with a piece titled Washington Post which was performed by the combined Highlander Bands.
The whole night was a success and we give a big congratulations to all of the seniors in the band and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours.