By Amy Batista
HIGHTSTOWN — Musicians came out in support of jazz on Feb. 10.
It was the first-ever pasta dinner event featuring musical performances by jazz students from Hightstown High School and the Peddie School.
Sponsored by the Hightstown High School Music Boosters, it raised $300, according to Deborah Wilmer, co-president of the organization.
The Pulse, which is the name of the Peddie School’s jazz group, performed throughout the evening. The HHS Jazz Band also play throughout the evening.
Although HHS has hosted jazz pasta dinners previously, this was the first time the school invited Peddie students to partake in the event.
"We would like to thank all of those who generously supported our Jazz Band pasta dinner. It was nice to see the smiles on the faces of those attending as the Hightstown High School and Peddie School jazz band students,” said Ms. Wilmer.
Seventeen players from Peddie’s The Pulse performed, as did nine players from the HHS Jazz Band.
There were 12 volunteers serving pasta dishes as well.
The cost was $6 per student or senior citizen; and $8 for adult tickets.
"Hopefully, this is the first of many of since we are right up the street from each other. We hope to do more combined stuff like this because it’s fun and it’s community building,” said Charles Ernst, director of the HHS Jazz Band.
Around 50 parents, students, grandparents showed up for a night of food and music.
"I think it’s great especially with two schools like Peddie and Hightstown coming together in a great collaboration with us performing together it creates a bond with music,” said junior Christopher Alexander of Hightstown with the HHS Jazz Band.
"I think it’s really great event and that you get to hear different instruments that you heard before but live,” said sophomore Aron Tankersley, of Hightstown, with the HHS Jazz Band. “You just get to get together and play. I’m hoping to make some new friends. I found another trumpet player who players the pocket trumpet. I can’t wait for the rest of the night.”
Said Peddie freshman Erik Stefanowicz, “I think it’s nice because both schools are really close to each other. It’s nice to be able to share a music program especially two really small groups that can come together, same style.”
He noted the “nice little jam session” they had before they started the pasta dinner.
Mr. Stefanowicz took on the role of conducting Peddie’s Jazz Band, The Pulse, during the evening which was the first time a freshman was every given that opportunity while Peddie School Director of Music Alan Michaels stepped in to play the drums for a student of The Pulse who was absent from the event.
After all, the show must go on.
"When we realized that our drummer would be unable to play that evening, the obvious decision was for me to step in and play the drums,” said Mr. Michaels. “Erik expressed a desire to conduct and told me that he conducted his middle school band for a performance. I gave him a shot during rehearsal and he did a great job. I often give students the opportunity to conduct our various ensembles, but I don’t recall ever extending the opportunity to a freshman, especially during a performance.”
Continued Mr. Michaels, “Members of The Pulse had a wonderful time collaborating with the Hightstown High School Jazz Band on Friday evening. The event was for a great cause, presented my students with an educational experience, and we were able to contribute in a positive way to the community.”
It truly was a time in which the public students of HHS and the private students of the Peddie School came together and celebrated the art of jazz.
"I have always admired the work that Mr. Ernst does with his students and having a chance to include my students in a jam session with the Hightstown High School Jazz Band was a great opportunity,” said Mr. Michaels. “The instrumentalists in the HHS jazz band are quite impressive and it was really cool the way that the students from both schools worked together. The volunteers and guests at the event could not have been more accommodating to us. It was a very nice evening.”
The event also showcased the support of parents for the music department of HHS.
"We had great support from parents with setting up, getting the menu items together, and preparing food,” said Ms. Wilmer. “Fellow music students helped to serve and clear tables. Being a non-profit organization, we rely on the support and volunteer efforts by both parents and students.”
She said, “This is just one small fundraiser that we do to raise money for the high school music department, we want nothing but the best for our students. We are appreciative for the hard work and dedication of our music department directors.”
Said Mr. Ernst’s wife, Lisa Ernst, of Hightstown, “I think it’s been a fun night. I think it’s been great to have the Peddie School come out and combine with Hightstown. That is something my husband has always wanted to do. He worked briefly at Peddie before he came to Hightstown. He’s always wanted to mix the two schools because they should reinforce each other and it’s great.”
Said parent Jeanne Conlon, of East Windsor, “They’re excellent. We’ve been to several performances. Mr. Ernst is an outstanding musician as well as director. My son has him for several classes and loves him.”
The evening menu consisted of unlimited salad, bread, angel hair pasta, meatballs, choice of marinara sauce or butter, fresh baked assorted cookies, and assorted beverages. The jazz pasta dinner was backed by the support of several local businesses, including: Sal’s Pizza, Nocolina’s Restaurant, Perkins Restaurant, Americana Diner and Claremont Diner.

