2021 NJMEA Marching Band Ratings Festival

The 20th annual N.J.M.E.A. State Marching Band Ratings Festival was held on October 23rd, 2021, at Wayne Hills High School. Originally scheduled for October 16th, the show had to be postponed due to severe weather and the inability to move inside due to COVID concerns. Moving a show is never an easy task, but the evening was a tremendous success due mainly to the spirit and performances of the bands in attendance. “The cooperation of the directors, students and parents was fantastic, and the shows that were presented demonstrated an incredible variety of performance styles. The enthusiasm and energy of the bands provided a great atmosphere, and it was inspiring to see the bands all supporting one another,” said festival coordinator Matt Paterno.

Performing bands included: Garfield, Passaic County Technical Institute, Belleville, Midland Park, Neptune, Whippany Park, Bergenfield, and Wayne Hills. Each band received quality feedback from our team of “Evaluators” and a rating of Bronze, Silver or Gold. Bands also received awards for the most outstanding musical contribution and most outstanding visual contribution to their show. A special thank you to our knowledgeable and enthusiastic evaluation team: Cliff Bialkin, Edie Duncan, Ray Troxel, Josh Jenkins, Teddi Sotiropoulos, and Dan Traglia.

The weather was fantastic for late October, and we all were thankful that so many groups could adjust their schedules to attend. Mark your calendars for next year’s festival on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Sign-ups begin on March 1st, 2022. Please email Matt Paterno at mpaterno@wayneschools if you are interested in performing. Traditionally there has been a waiting list by June so please sign in early! Also - stay tuned for a second site in South Jersey!!!

The Crescendo Foundation is a Not For Profit Corporation initially formed by leadership of the New Jersey Music Educators Association, who serves as the registered agent. The Association’s mission includes the advancement of music instruction in New Jersey’s educational institutions at all levels that provide in-service and enrichment opportunities for music educators, as well as sponsoring various festivals and All-State performing groups for K-12 students. As a result, the Foundation’s goal is to provide financial support to underserved students and communities to create access to the aforementioned festivals and performing groups. In this first phase of giving, funds will go to a scholarship model geared towards students aspiring to participate in All-State ensembles.

The Scholarship Framework

Through data assessment, it has been identified that All-State ensemble participation is not reflective of statewide total population demographics when comparing race and socio-economic status. The scholarship opportunities from the Crescendo Foundation gifts will allow students to apply for financial support to assist with any or all of the fees associated with participation including: • Audition Fee - $25 • Participation Fee - $35 • Housing - $315

As part of the All-State experience and upon acceptance, students are housed together throughout the performance weekend. Scholarship opportunities would be available to cover the entire cost of this invaluable experience. In subsidizing these costs for qualified students and easing the burden of financial access, it is the hope of the Foundation that our All-State programming will become more inclusive, diverse and equitable.

We Need Your Help

We acknowledge that the Foundation’s ability to realize the plans outlined in the Scholarship program will require the generous support of the community. The initial phase of the program will require $50,000 which aims to assist 150 students over the course of the next three years in the areas of All-State Orchestra, Choir, Band and Jazz. All-State ensembles contribute to a total of 6 concerts annually in both Atlantic City and Newark. The vision for the Foundation is to eventually go beyond the scope of All-State ensembles to positively support several aspects of music education programming both at the State and Region levels, making this an important first step.

All gifts are tax deductible and there are many ways and opportunities to support this important effort. We thank you in advance for your support of our state’s students and providing transformative experiences outside of their school programs.

Giving Opportunities

Large Ensemble Concert Sponsorship - $5,000 • All State Orchestra and Mixed Chorus, Atlantic City • All State Orchestra and Mixed Chorus, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark • All State Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Treble Chorus, Atlantic City • All State Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Treble Chorus, NJPAC, Newark

Concert Sponsorship - $2,500 • All State Jazz, Atlantic City • All State Jazz, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark

Crescendo Giving Level - $1,000

Sforzando Giving Level - $500

Arts Advocate - $250

Friends of the Arts - $100

Other $_____________

All gifts and giving levels will be recognized in programs for that school year and program cycle, including concerts listed above, as well as NJMEA conference materials.

All gifts are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable and sent to:

The Crescendo Foundation 300 W Somerdale Road, Suite C Voorhees, NJ 08043-2236

Please include contact information and appropriate name listing for program printing.