On Sunday, September 2, 2018, seven members of the Columbia High School Honors Wind Ensemble had the honor of being invited to perform with the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus at a summer concert presented in Maplewood Memorial Park.  The students were invited to perform “America the Beautiful” with the band, and in fact took the place of players from the band who left the stage to make room for the Columbia students to play within the ensemble.

“This was a tremendous honor for our students” said Peter F. Bauer, Director of Bands.  “To have the opportunity to play with a world-class ensemble is a memory that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.  At this point in their careers it’s all about providing exciting and memorable experiences for all of our students.”

The concert was arranged through the efforts of Andrew Fishman and the Maplewood Office of Cultural Affairs, who had solicited the Army Band for several years before being awarded the concert this year.

In addition to playing with the ensemble, Columbia students had the opportunity to meet the conductor of the band, Colonel Jim R. Keene, as well as other members of the band, who graciously gave of their time and expertise to prepare the students for the experience.  A large and appreciative audience that had come to enjoy the beautiful weather and wonderful performance by the band cheered with thunderous applause at the conclusion of the student’s performance, making the experience even more memorable. “We are grateful to everyone who had a hand in making this performance happen, and we look forward to hosting the next event with the Army Band in March of 2019.”  The United States Army Field Band, a corollary ensemble to the Field Band, will perform at Columbia High School on Friday, March 22, 2019. For more information contact Peter F. Bauer, Director of Bands, at pbauer@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us.

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Pictured, above, top left:  Columbia High School Honors Wind Ensemble students who participated with the United States Army Field Band: Andre Weinberger, Louise Kern-Kensler, Linsday Camara, Brian da Silva, Poe Rosenberg, Joe Lintern, and Peter Glynn.

 

Pictured, above right:  Louise Kern-Kensler, Lindsay Camara, Poe Rosenberg, Brian da Silva, and Andre Weinberger wait to perform with the US Army Field Band.

 

Pictured left:  Joe Lintern, Poe Rosenberg, Brian da Silva, and Andre Weinberger listened to instructions prior to their performance.