West Essex Band Boosters Welcome our new Director of Bands! 

The West Essex Band Boosters warmly welcome Mr. Edward Griffin to the West Essex community as our new Director of Bands for West Essex High School.  Mr. Griffin joins West Essex from Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Edison, New Jersey.

Mr. Griffin met many students and parents at a “Meet and Greet” held on Thursday July 8, where he introduced himself and provided a brief career background.  He will waste no time immersing himself in the program, as plans for the Marching Knights’ 2021 season are in full swing.

We look forward to working with and supporting Mr. Griffin as he leads the West Essex High School Band Programs forward!

WEBB Wishes All Our Seniors Best Wishes! 

Another memorable year comes to a close, this one punctuated by an array of virtual classrooms, social distancing, masked instruments, a (first ever) standstill Marching Season, and – finally – the long-awaited in-person live performances by the Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Winds, Jazz Quintet, Indoor Percussion and Winter Guard.  How great it was to see and hear live music once again fill the auditorium!  And let’s not forget the Marching Knights at the Memorial Day celebration in Caldwell! 

The year was also punctuated by the departure of Mr. Fabrizio as he moves to new and exciting experiences at Millburn High School.  We thank all our Band Parents for their generosity in presenting Mr. Fabrizio with gifts of appreciation and thanks, including tickets to the New Jersey Symphony.  The WEBB Executive Board presented the gifts during the year-end awards celebration for students under the big tent on Campus.  He will be missed!

We congratulate this year’s recipients of the West Essex Band Boosters Scholarships, as well as all the Band award recipients. Your perseverance, dedication and leadership example throughout this unusual school year were greatly appreciated!

WEBB wishes all graduating seniors and their parents the best of luck as you embark on the next chapter of your lives! We hope you come back to visit often!

For returning parents… we are already planning for the Fall!  Keep an eye out for emails over the summer as we plan for our annual Parent Gathering during Band Camp, the Marching Season Kick-Off Breakfast, Tournament of Bands Home Competition, and more!  There are so many ways for parents to help – and we’ll need everyone to lend a hand as we (hopefully) get back to normal in the new school year!  Please click here to visit our Parents page for more information on volunteer opportunities.

Email us anytime at info@webandboosters.org if you have questions.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Marching Knights 2021 Show Revealed!

Live and in person in the High School Auditorium, Mr. Fabrizio revealed the exciting 2021 Marching Knights theme,  “Captured”!  Composed by Frank Sullivan, with Drill Design by Christopher DeLeon, Captured will feature a modern take on traditional Spanish music, featuring the struggle of the various ensemble sections being captured and freed throughout the show, punctuated by striking colors and visuals.

The show’s reveal featured a digital demonstration of the music of Captured, and was received energetically by the student and parent attendees.  Also during the Open House, Mr. Fabrizio introduced the student leaders and instructors for the 2021 Marching Knights season.

Ms. Heidi Levine and Mr. Andrew Marino, WEBB President and Corresponding Secretary, respectively, introduced the West Essex Band Boosters organization and invited parents to volunteer for activities throughout the school year.

Parents were also invited to explore our website, including our Parent Resources page (click here) to learn more about the organization and the many ways to get involved.

We look forward to the 2021 Season!

West Essex Perform at Caldwell/West Caldwell Memorial Day Ceremonies

The West Essex Marching Knights, under the direction of Mr. Fabrizio and Drum Majors Michael Ragusa and Tiana Pimentel, performed at the Caldwell/West Caldwell Memorial Day Ceremonies on Monday May 31.  The ceremony, in lieu of the annual Parade down Bloomfield Avenue, was held at the Gazebo.

Honoring our fallen servicemen and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Marching Knights performed a fitting medley of patriotic songs for the large audience and the many dignitaries who were gathered at the park.

With this being the final Marching Knights performance of the school year, we look forward to what is in store in the Fall of 2021!

Click here to view photos of the event.

A Final “Live” Concert to End the Year and Bid Mr. Fabrizio Farewell

Energy once again filled the West Essex High School Auditorium on May 25, 2021, as students and parents gathered in that venue for the first time in more than a year to enjoy live music performed by the Concert Band and Symphonic Winds, and – via livestream from the Gymnasium – the Jazz Band and Jazz Quintet.

An extended ovation was given to Mr. Fabrizio, at what was his final concert with West Essex. The students, led by Michael Ragusa and Tiana Pimentel, presented Mr. Fabrizio a beautiful plaque with a touching inscription that included a quote by Mr. Fabrizo’s own friend and mentor, the late Dr. Joel Craig Davis: “You Get Back What You Put In”.  That truth was evident on the stage Tuesday night.  Notably, this year’s Senior Class started and ended their time at West Essex alongside Mr. Fabrizio.

Outgoing and incoming WEBB Presidents, Anthony Fermo and Heidi Levine, reflected on Mr. Fabrizio’s contributions to the program during his six years at West Essex, which included numerous awards, accolades, and that near-performance at Carnegie Hall.  Mr. Fabrizio shared his own reflections of his time at West Essex, the students, administration and parents.

We congratulate all of the students, our Seniors, and Mr. Fabrizio for persevering during a challenging year, and delivering a memorable Spring Concert performance.

We thank Mr. Fabrizio for being such an inspirational educator, mentor and friend to so many.

Click here to view photos of the event.

Congratulations to the Newly Elected Board Members!

The following parents were elected to the West Essex Band Boosters Executive Board for the 2021/2022 school year at the May 12 General Meeting.  We thank you for your time and dedication to supporting the West Essex High School Band Programs!

• President – Heidi Levine
• Vice President – Stacey Bachenheimer
• Treasurer – Greg Bogumil
• Recording Secretary – Michelle Bogumil
• Corresponding Secretary – Andrew Marino

We also thank outgoing Board Members – Anthony Fermo, President and Sue Alamia, Treasurer – for your service to WEBB!

Indoor Percussion and Winter Guard Wrap Up The Season

It was great to once again watch our kids perform live during the season-ending Family & Friends performance for both the Indoor Percussion and Winter Guard ensembles.

Held in the gymnasium and socially distanced, we celebrated the students’ dedication and talent throughout a challenging year, and further celebrated our senior students from both ensembles who demonstrated particular leadership during these unconventional times.

We also congratulate Ms. McAloon, Mr. Bouvier and the Indoor Percussion ensemble for achieving an “Outstanding” rating for their final competition of the season!  

In lieu of season-end celebrations, the West Essex Band Boosters provided a “goodie bag” full of treats for each performer to take home after the performance.  We thank Ms. Swanick, Mr. Fabrizio and all instructors for their hard work and dedication to our students over the past several months, and we look forward to next season!

Click here to see more photos.

USBands Virtual Competition – Standstill Category

Congratulations to the West Essex Indoor Percussion ensemble for earning a rating of “Excellent” at their recent virtual competition hosted by USBands.  The 2021 show, “Arachnid” is a technically challenging one, and these results demonstrate the hard work and dedication of this group of talented students.  Click here to watch the show!

There is one more competition remaining for the 2021 season, and we wish the Indoor Percussion ensemble the best of luck!

Congratulations to all the students, Ms. M. and staff!  Click here for more information on the USBands organization and events.

Arts Education NJ Solo and Ensemble Festival

WEBB Congratulates the following students who entered the inaugural Arts Education NJ Solo and Ensemble Festival last month and represented the West Essex Bands extremely well. 

According to Mr. Fabrizio’s recent email, there were over 1,000 entries from all over the state and our WE students worked hard to practice and record themselves for the event. Each student received a score, rating, and recorded feedback from professional independent adjudicators from around the United States. Gabriel Ruszala (12th) scored among the top musicians who were invited to State Finals later in the year.

Click here to learn more about the organization and festival. The five students are as follows.  Congratulations!

• Gabriel Ruszala (12th) trombone solo – Gold
• Gianna Lodato (10th) snare drum solo – Silver
• Andrew Marino (11th) marimba solo – Silver
• Julia Zhang (12th) oboe solo – Bronze
• Logan Bogumil (10th) clarinet solo – Bronze

NorthJersey.com’s Best Band – Fan Favorite Award! 

Vote for the Marching Knights for NorthJersey.com’s Best Band – Fan Favorite Award!  

Click Here to vote between March 3 and March 31, 2021, and be sure to spread the word!  Every vote counts! 

The Best Band – Fan Favorite Award is part of the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards program, the largest high school sports recognition program in the country, and is your chance to honor your favorite Marching Band!

VOTE KNIGHTS!!