Garden State Band performs for local schools at WAC

The historic Garden State Concert Band held its annual outreach initiative, “Children’s Concerts” at Westminster Arts Center on Oct. 16, providing local elementary schools with an educational musical performance in one of Essex County’s legendary arts venues.

A charity event detailing the composition of a concert band and its various instrumental sections, elementary school students from nearby Northeast (Montclair) and Fairview (Bloomfield) schools were treated to a morning of musical performances during the 45-minute presentation.

“Bloomfield College has worked in partnership with the Garden State Band for years as they offer this concert to elementary schools,” Allen said of the event. “Nothing makes me happier than to walk in and see the smiling young faces of those hearing a live band – many of them for the first time. It is an event we will always support here at this institution.”

Founded in 1979 by current Conductor Dominick Ferrara, the Garden State Concert Band has long had a connection to Bloomfield College, holding its first-ever fundraiser in the school’s gymnasium. Currently receiving funding through the Essex County Local Arts and History Grants Program, the band has performed in such venues as PNC Bank Arts Center, South Street Seaport and the Jacob Javits center during its storied history.

“In partnership with the College, we provide an opportunity for young students to learn about musical instruments and how they are put together to form a concert band,” Ferrara said of the performance. “We always love coming to the Van Fossan Theatre here at Westminster Arts Center, and look forward to putting on many more shows like this here at Bloomfield College.”

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