The Alternative Press

WEST ORANGE, NJ - For parents of students performing in the WOHS Spring Band Concert, all those years of practice, replete with loud and eerie sounds emanating from homes across town, was well worth it.  The audience was wowed by performances from the Ninth Grade Band, the Concert Band, Symphonic Winds, and the Wind Ensemble.  Departing seniors were recognized for their four years in the music program, and an appreciative crowd responded. 

 

The West Orange School district is renown for their outstanding music program.  Students take up instruments in fourth grade, and those continuing on to the high school can choose to join the Marching Band, or one of the instrumental programs, including Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra and other ensembles. Instruments like the flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, piano, and percussion are utilized.  This year alone, the Marching Band took second place in state competition; the Ninth grade band and Concert band took silver in the Region I Concert Band Festival; and Symphonic Winds and Wind Esembles took gold.

 

Thanks to Lou Quagliato, Director of Fine Arts in the district; Lisa Swanick, Director, Ninth grade band; Erin McClure, Director, Concert/Symphonic Winds; and Lew Kelly, Director, Wind Ensemble, for all their efforts this year, along with all the parents who dedicated much time and effort as members of the music booster program.  The department has also announced the integration of "Smartmusic" into the band program.  Smartmusic is an interactive online program that will help students and teachers to track their progress online.  A teacher will create an assignment (instrumental or vocal) and the student will either play or sing and receive instant feedback from the program.  Teachers can track the student's progress online as well.  Students will be asked to pay a $ 36.00 yearly subscription fee to utilize the software at home.    For more information, please visit www.wohsmusic.org.