Going to Disney is exciting for many, but to perform there is an extra special treat! In late March, Mr. Stephen Taesler and forty-four talented musicians from Bernards High School’s Concert Band and Orchestra headed to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. They got to embrace the magic and “be a kid again” as well as meet other high school musicians from 17 schools throughout the country.
Mr. Taesler brought two ensembles, a concert band and a full orchestra. Over the course of five days they performed four pieces, including songs from Disney’s Moana and Ratatouille. For this performance experience, schools were able to select competition, scores-only, or comments-only. Mr. Taesler chose scores-only. A panel of esteemed judges provided praise and constructive feedback. Their honest assessments spanned the following areas: sound quality, technical accuracy, general musicality, management of instruments, and stage presence. The final category was one that earned a perfect score for both ensembles! While it is wonderful to receive positive recognition, it was the overall critique that ignited a spark within the BHS students to move forth and finish the school year strong… with renewed passion for their instrument, performing, and setting personal goals.
In addition to engaging with the musical community, and performing for judges and larger-scale audiences, students enjoyed time with peers at Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. They represented the music program and the Somerset Hills School District well, with maturity and confidence. “Our hope is to return to Disney in 2026 and have the chance to demonstrate improvements based upon this adjudication,” shared Taesler. “My predecessor Fred Trumpy began this tradition, and was a staunch advocate of festivals and performance opportunities that allowed students to learn from world-class musicians, test their metal against stellar music programs, and ultimately develop deeper reasons to study music. Therefore, I was glad to return to the tradition, and I look forward to an increase in music advocacy in the days to come.”
Special thanks to Bernards High School Seniors Mary Tropp, Addison Dunn, Anya Singh, and Gavin Byers; Juniors Betsy Lezme and Kathleen Bonanno; Sophomore Lucian Spitiri; and Freshman Charlie Quinn for stepping up as student leaders; to Rachael Ann Taesler, BHS Marching Band's Colorguard instructor, for her valuable help in organizing the trip details; to SHSD staff members Jason Snyder, Jaclyn Pistilli-Urena, James Ferrara, and Peg Dolson for their assistance and support in chaperoning the students; and to Superintendent Dr. Brian Brotschul, BHS Principal Dr. Scott Neigel, and Lindsay Barna, Supervisor for Visual and Performing Arts, for supporting this musical endeavor.