PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, April 29, the Parsippany Hills High School Wind Ensemble was recognized at the NJ State Band Gala 2018, held at the Wilkins Theatre at Kean University.
Only twelve high school bands from the state (the top four groups from each region, North, Central and South) were invited to participate making this a highly selective and prestigious event.
This year is the Third consecutive gala selection for the Parsippany Hills Wind Ensemble.
Only five other high school bands in all of New Jersey have performed at the last three galas and just one other band from the North Jersey Region.
This third Gala selection has established the PHHS Wind Ensemble as one of the absolute best high school bands in New Jersey.
Over the past nineteen years, the NJ State Gala concert has highlighted the accomplishments of over 150 outstanding ensembles and this event continues to serve as a strong advocate of the instrumental music programs in the New Jersey public schools.
“On behalf of the executive board of the New Jersey Band Association (NJBA), it is my pleasure to congratulate the band directors and their student musicians for their dedication to excellence. Their outstanding achievements serve as model and inspiration to all of us who find great satisfaction in the fact that quality music education does reside in New Jersey. Congratulations!” Thomas N. Connors, Executive Board Chair, NJBA.
Parsippany Hills High School Band Directors Mike Iapicca and Michelle Christianson, along with the students, parents and community friends, wish to thank the Parsippany District administrators, Board of Education members and school staff members who actively champion music education in the school district.
They also express a very special thank you to Dr. Barbara Sargent, Parsippany’s Superintendent of Schools, for joining them during this milestone Gala event.