Submitted by: Rob Kinch
It has been indeed an exciting and successful year of competition and performance for Rahway High’s 21 piece ensemble. Now in its second year under the direction of Mr. Joe Bergen, Percussion Specialist and Director of the Ensemble with assistance from Mr. Miguel Bolivar, Director of Bands at RHS, the Percussion Ensemble traveled with the Mid Atlantic Percussion Society and received 1st place honors in the Concert Open Standstill Performance in Old Bridge, NJ. In subsequent competitions, the award for 1st place was again received, for the second consecutive year, at the USBands Indoor Championship held at Stambler Arena in Bethlehem, PA.
Ensemble member Osaze Morris finds these wins especially meaningful. “I think that completing a very time consuming season of Marching Band only to push and dedicate yourself to learning even more music really shows our dedication and love for the music program. Winning the two 1st place titles is just so exhilarating for all of us.” He is quick to add, “Without Mr. Bolivar’s ‘open door’ policy of helping his students, the atmosphere of success would never be there!”
In addition to their wins, the ensemble members were regional finalists in the highly competitive circuit of Winter Guard International Sport of the Arts, with groups ultimately competing in their grand nationals. Positions as regional finalists were also garnered at both the Trumbull and Unionville Regional Competition in the Concert Standstill Open. Mr. Bolivar affirms, “These two wins plus our standing as finalists certainly catapult Rahway and its students into competitive prominence in the Northeast. Our eye is definitely fixed on competing in the grand nationals going forward!”
Junior Anna Belfon discovered that her first year in the program had taught her more than just how to play a vibraphone. “This was the first opportunity I ever had to work with kids who all shared the same passion as me. I learned responsibility, discipline, and respect!”
(above) Rahway High School’s percussion ensemble.
Photo by: Joseph Mudrak
