The Student and Community Ensemble Band of Expressions and Reflections, a group
of musicians of varying backgrounds, ages, experience and instrumentation, under the
direction of Judie Jensen, proprietor and executive director, of Howell, will present its annual “Patriotic Concert – A Salute to Our Heroes” at 3 p.m. June 27 in the base theater on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in south central New Jersey.
“This concert has been presented since 2013 in local senior living centers as our way of
thanking the active duty members of the military, veterans, first responders and their
families for the sacrifices they make daily on our behalf,” Jensen said.
“We cannot financially support these heroes, build them a house or provide a job. Our hope is to be able to lift their spirits for an hour or so and demonstrate how very grateful we are for what they do on a daily basis.
“We are honored to have the participation of U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Patrick Rosso as both
an instrumentalist and vocalist. Tech Sgt. Rosso has been participating with this group for
several years at this concert, as well as at the holiday concerts and the annual student concert. As a result of his dedicated efforts, we are privileged to present this concert
on the base,” Jensen said.
Members of this group are Sidhu Arakkal, 17, of Howell; Lidhu Arakkal, 14, of Howell;
Gary Gainey, of Lakewood; Julia Gimbelman, 10, of Colts Neck; Zachary Koshy, 19, of Jackson; Jamie Polonet, 15, of Manalapan; Dr. Robin Polonet, of Manalapan; Samara Polonet, 12, of Manalapan; Matthew Waldron, 10, of Howell; and Robert Waldron, 13, of Howell. The sound engineer is Christopher Brown of Brick Township.
Selections to be performed include “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Old Oak Tree,” “American Soldier,” “C’Mon Everybody” and “God Bless the USA.”
“We would like to extend a warm welcome to active duty members of the military,
veterans, first responders and their families, as well as any member of the public who
would like to attend this concert,” Jensen said.
Individuals who are interested in attending the concert may contact Judie Jensen at 732-534-4594 or email [email protected] no later than June 15 to arrange for access to the military base.
Jensen said the ensemble is always looking for musicians from the community. Musicians who enjoy performing in a group and working with students may contact Jensen for additional information.