By Lisa P. Neeld
Montgomery High School is holding their annual Big Band Bash in the school’s Commons on Friday, January 28, at 7pm. The evening will feature three hours of jazz provided by the high school’s Jazz and Stage Bands and the Upper Middle School Jazz Band. In addition to the music provided by these three award-winning jazz ensembles, the Band Parents Association will be hosting a raffle, silent auction and live auction to raise money for the music program and for scholarships.
“This year’s program promises to offer great music, great auction items and a wonderful evening for all,” says chairperson Jennifer Pierce. “Some of the items available this year include restaurant certificates, jewelry, an IPAD, a week at a beach house and even use of a hospitality suite for a Somerset Patriots game. Our community has been so generous supporting the band program. We are so lucky to live in an area that supports the arts.” Donations are still being accepted and are tax deductible, explains Pierce.
The Big Band Bash is the music program’s biggest and most popular fundraiser. “Since the jazz ensembles don’t perform in the winter or spring concerts, this is the best opportunity to hear the school’s jazz bands,” says MHS band director Adam Warshafsky. “People will be blown away by these performances.”
“This is a perfect occasion for people to come out and hear some fantastic music, maybe win a great prize and support the school’s music program at the same time,” says MHS band director Kawika Kahalehoe.
For the first time, the Montgomery School Band Program will honor four people in three categories (Instructor, Parent and Student) for their outstanding contributions to the music program.
Matt Mingle, a former Montgomery Social Studies teacher, will receive this year’s Instructor Award. Mingle has been the high school marching band’s visual instructor, currently writes the drills for the marching band and is the basketball band leader, all on a volunteer basis.
Pete Vala, the high school’s former band director and parent of a child in the marching band, will receive the Parent Award for his participation in creating and producing the annual spring production of “Music from the Heart.” The musical is made up entirely of high school staff members, and 100 percent of the profits goes to scholarships for band seniors heading to college.
Tricia Meola and Jess Marino, both seniors, will share this year’s Student Award. Meola plays percussion in the wind ensemble, the marching band drum line and is the drum captain. Marino is also a percussionist and plays in the marching band drum line and the symphonic winds. Both Meola and Marino have tirelessly spearheaded student volunteers to help with the music program’s events, both last year and this year.
Warshafsky explains that events like this are very important to the music program. The money raised goes in part to scholarships and other costs not covered by the Board of Education. For example, he says, they are able to commission a composer to compose a piece especially for the school’s concert band or fly in guest conductors to work with the students.
“These are special experiences our students wouldn’t be able to get otherwise,” says Warshafsky.
Tickets for the event are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, and $5 for students and seniors. To purchase advance tickets, donate an item or service, or for more information, contact Jennifer Pierce at [email protected].

