The Westfield High School Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at the 2019 National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis in March. They will participate as part of the Music for All National Festival which organizers say “celebrates outstanding music-making by the nation’s finest high school and middle school scholastic ensembles.”
“This is by far a momentous accomplishment for our instrumental music program,” says WHS band director Christopher Vitale. “This is the first invitation for our school and we are only the 5th school in New Jersey to receive an invitation in the festival’s 28-year history.”
Vitale says the invitation is “not your ordinary performance opportunity” as there are over 20,000 concert band programs across the country. “To be selected to perform at this festival is the highest accolade a band can receive,” he says.
An excerpt from the invitation sent by Eric Martin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Music for All, praises the WHS wind ensemble for having “achieved the level of musical performance and artistry worthy of being featured on a national stage.”
“Performing at the 28th annual Music for All National Festival is a prestigious honor and achievement,” Martin writes. “It places the Westfield High School Wind Ensemble in the extraordinary position of modeling to the world the results of performance excellence and a commitment to quality music education.”
Thomas Weber, district supervisor of visual and performing arts, applauds Vitale and band director Trevor Sindorf for “continuously encouraging their students to reach their highest potential.”
“Performing at the New Jersey Music Educators Association conference last year and now being selected to perform at the National Concert Band Festival is proof of that effort,” Weber says. “I congratulate our student musicians and their teachers on this impressive accomplishment.”
Vitale says while in Indianapolis next March, members of the WHS Wind Ensemble will participate in a variety of activities, including leadership seminars, instrument master classes, ensemble clinics and social gatherings with other selected schools.
(above) The Westfield High School Wind Ensemble will perform at the Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis in March 2019. “This festival is among the most prestigious in the country for high school bands,” says band director Christopher Vitale. “Being selected is an extremely high honor.” Photo Credit: Courtesy of Westfield Public Schools
