21st Annual NJMEA State Marching Band Ratings Festival

The 21st Annual NJMEA State Marching Band Ratings Festival was held on October 15th, 2022, at Wayne Hills High School. The evening was a tremendous success due mainly to the spirit and performances of the fifteen bands in attendance and one of the most beautiful October nights ever! “The shows presented showed an incredible variety of performance styles and the creativity was amazing. The enthusiasm and energy of the bands provided a great atmosphere, and the cooperation of the directors was fantastic,” said festival coordinator Matthew J. Paterno.

Performing bands included: Dover HS, Belleville HS, Emerson HS, Ramapo HS, North Hunterdon HS, PCTVS, Whippany Park HS, Bergenfield, Montgomery HS, Pompton Lakes HS, Garfield HS, Indian Hills, Hopatcong HS, Midland Park HS, Lakeland, Bergenfield HS and Wayne Hills HS. 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: Gary Mallison, Tom Seibenhuhner, Cliff Bialkin, Bobby Jones, Fred Moreno and Jackie Sarracco.

The weather was incredible for mid-October and the support each band gave to their fellow performers was equally warm and inspiring. The band members and directors of each group deserve a special thank you for both their performances and willingness to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of each group.

Mark your calendars for next year’s Festival on Saturday, October 21st , 2023. Sign-ups begin on March 1st, 2023. Please email Matt Paterno at mpaterno[at]wayneschools.com if you are interested in performing. Traditionally there has been a waiting list by June so please sign in early!

If you are interested in hosting a festival in South Jersey, contact Bill McDevitt at wmcdevittnjmea[at] gmail.com.

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.