After months of careful planning by dedicated administrators and teachers, and hours of practice by students of all ages across town, West Milford’s Annual District Wide Arts Festival was held April 15 at the high school, and was a smashing success. Hundreds of students, parents, and teachers enjoyed the festivities and entertainment throughout the evening.

Art pieces from students of all grades across town were displayed for everyone to see in the High School Cafeteria. Some truly marvelous creations from every element of the art classes offered in our school district in every school from the elementary schools to the high school were exhibited. From paintings hanging on the wall to beautiful wooden creations made by high school students, the festival had everyone admiring the work of such dedicated and talented students in our community.

Our high school’s Indoor Color Guard put on a masterful performance as they danced to the song “The House That Made Me.” All the dancers were remarkable and passionate during the very touching number.

The Symphonic and Woodwind bands were extraordinary as per usual, and were under the direction of Mr. Gramata and Dr. McLaughlin. Exciting pieces were performed, such as the theme to the new “Star Trek” movie. The bagpipers and drummers were also stellar, and it is clear that so much love and dedication goes into the time students here take to master music and band.

The District Wide Arts Festival is truly a wonderful celebration of the arts, both musical and creative, that are so cherished in our school system. While we spend hours each day toiling away buried in textbooks of complicated mathematics and sciences, it’s nights like these that make us remember the key to a good education is to be well-rounded. Art and music allow students to have fun and be creative in many different aspects of themselves and it is a magnificent part of our school to celebrate.

A round of applause goes to all those who participated in the exciting events and to both teachers and administrators who worked tirelessly for weeks to make this night possible for students and parents. And if you couldn’t make it this, year, be sure to be a mark in the calendar for next year’s All District Arts Festival!