Flutist, Brass Honored As VHS Band Tapped For State Gala

On Tuesday March 21, 2017 the Verona Concert Band hosted day one of the North Jersey School Music Association and the National Band Association Region I Concert Band Festival. The festival was held over a three-day period at five different locations and was attended by 33 bands. At the end of the festival, the four highest rated ensembles from Region I were selected to perform at the State Gala Concert to be held on Sunday, April 30, at The College of New Jersey: the Bergenfield High School Honors Wind Ensemble, West Orange High School Wind Ensemble, Verona High School Concert Band and Parsippany Hills High School Wind Ensemble.

Not only did the VHS Concert Band receive the second highest score on its two selections (97 and 96.5, respectively), it was the only all-inclusive, non-audition student musician group to be invited to the Gala. 
 
At the Festival, VHS’ Darilyn Fine received the outstanding soloist award, flute. The outstanding section award was given to the VHS brass section and the Concert Band received a Gold rating.
 
On Monday March 27, the Verona Marching Maroon and White was the featured band in the Epcot Parade at Walt Disney World.  Emotions were high as the band proudly presented their version of America to park guests and a large contingent of Verona residents as they marched through the park Monday morning.
 
The combination of the Concert Choir and the Chamber Choir dazzled audiences at the newly renovated Disney Springs’ Waterside Stage. The choirs performed an eclectic program of music from around the globe that captivated the audience and added to the Disney magic. 
 
Said Band Director Erik Lynch, “It was quite a week for our Music Department.”