Spring 2026: A Showcase of Talent, Dedication, and Success for the Arts Department

This spring was nothing short of extraordinary for the Arts Department under the direction of Mrs. Lisa Swanick, Supervisor of Fine, Performing, and Practical Arts. From award-winning performances and exhibitions to community showcases and special recognitions, students and faculty alike demonstrated the passion, hard work, and creativity that define our arts programs. Together, these achievements have made this season one of the most successful and memorable in recent years.

A Tradition of Excellence: State and National Recognitions

For the twelfth year, the West Essex Regional School District has been recognized as one of the nation's Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). This prestigious honor celebrates districts that provide students with exceptional access to music education as part of a well-rounded academic experience.

The Technology Education Department was once again recognized by the New Jersey Technology Educators Association as a member of its prestigious "100% Club" for the sixth consecutive year. The designation honors schools that demonstrate outstanding commitment to professional development, innovation, and growth in technology education.

West Essex Culinary Arts students achieved an impressive milestone this year, with students successfully earning ServSafe certification. A total of 151 students passed the ServSafe Food Handler examination, while 17 students earned the more advanced ServSafe Food Manager certification. These nationally recognized credentials provide students with valuable industry knowledge and demonstrate their commitment to food safety, sanitation, and professional standards in the culinary field.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Students in AP Studio Art, AP Art History, and Art III expanded their artistic horizons with a visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. The trip provided students with the opportunity to experience world-renowned works of art firsthand, deepening their understanding of artistic techniques, historical movements, and creative expression beyond the classroom.

Women in STEM Club Connects Students with Industry Professionals

The newly formed Women in STEM Club hosted a career panel featuring five engineers from Picatinny Arsenal. Representing fields including mechanical and chemical engineering, physics, and analysis, the guests shared their educational journeys and professional experiences with students. The event reflected the club's mission to inspire and empower students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, architecture, and design through mentorship, guest speakers, hands-on projects, and other real-world learning opportunities.

WEHS Culinary Students Explore Sustainability at Pequest

WEHS Culinary students participated in a hands-on field trip to the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center, where they explored environmental stewardship, fish sustainability, and responsible resource management. Through hatchery tours, ecosystem studies, and a learn-to-fish activity, students gained a deeper understanding of trout development, conservation efforts, and the connection between healthy ecosystems and sustainable food sourcing. The experience provided valuable real-world insights into the environmental practices that support both recreation and the culinary industry.

NJSMA Region I High School Concert Band Festival

This spring, West Essex Regional High School hosted the annual NJSMA Region I Concert Band Festival. During this event, high school band programs from across New Jersey perform and are evaluated for the opportunity to advance to the New Jersey State Gala Performance. We are pleased to share that both the Concert Band and Symphonic Winds earned outstanding ratings. 

In addition, the Symphonic Winds was recognized for excellence across all instrumental sections, receiving awards for Best Woodwinds, Best Brass, and Best Percussion. High school junior Surya Singh was also honored as the festival's Outstanding Soloist for his performance on the soprano saxophone.

Congratulations to all of our student musicians for their hard work, dedication, and musical achievement.

Metropolitan Wind Band Invitational

For the second year in a row, the West Essex Symphonic Winds was invited to perform at the Metropolitan Wind Band Invitational, a prestigious event sponsored by Bands of America. The invitational recognizes outstanding school band programs from across the region and provides students with the opportunity to perform, learn, and receive feedback from distinguished conductors and music educators from around the country.

Being selected for this event for a second year is a testament to the dedication, musicianship, and hard work of our student performers. During the invitational, the Symphonic Winds presented two selections from their Region Concert Band Festival program, Illumination by David Maslanka and Perthshire Majesty by Sam Hazo, showcasing the musical growth and achievements they have accomplished throughout the year.

We are incredibly proud of the ensemble for earning this honor and representing West Essex with excellence on such a distinguished stage.

NJSMA Region I Middle School Band Festival

On April 14, 2026, the West Essex Middle School hosted the annual NJSMA Region 1 Middle School Concert Band Festival at West Essex High School. At this event, 11 instrumental ensembles from across New Jersey came to perform for two renowned adjudicators from the northern New Jersey area. In addition, all ensembles received an on-stage clinic and an overall rating.

We are pleased to share that the West Essex Middle School 7th-8th Concert Band received a rating of Silver at this event, and would like to congratulate the students for their hard work and dedication.

NJSMA Region I Orchestra Adjudication Festival

On April 21st and 22nd, the West Essex Orchestra Program hosted the NJSMA Region 1 Orchestra Adjudication Festival. We hosted eight middle and high school orchestras from six different districts across northern New Jersey. Orchestras had the opportunity to perform for and rehearse with our adjudicators, Dr. Ching-Chun Lai of Rutgers University and Michael Montero of Moravian University. The West Essex High School Orchestra received a Gold Rating for their performance!

PAS: Knight of Percussion

New this year, West Essex Percussion Ensemble proudly hosted its inaugural Knight of Percussion, a celebration of percussion performance and education. Sponsored by the Percussive Arts Society (PAS), the event featured performances by middle- and high-school percussion ensembles from across New Jersey, including our own West Essex Percussion Ensemble. The evening also included a masterclass led by renowned percussionist and drum set artist James Musto. Students had the opportunity to perform for one another, receive valuable feedback on their musical selections, and learn from both their peers and a distinguished guest clinician.

The event fostered a strong sense of community among young percussionists while providing an enriching educational experience. We are incredibly proud of the success of our first Knight of Percussion and look forward to growing this event into a lasting tradition for years to come.

WEMS Singers Earn All-State Honors

Vanessa Stefanakis, Addison Schlachter, Milo Schneider, and Dominick Cocilovo earned selection to the New Jersey Junior High All-State Mixed Choir, one of the state's highest musical honors for middle school vocalists. Chosen from a pool of 293 auditioning students, only 94 singers were selected for the ensemble. Addison Schlachter and Milo Schneider achieved the additional distinction of placing among the top 10 auditionees in their respective voice parts, reflecting the exceptional talent and dedication of West Essex's young musicians.

NJMEA All-State Choir Includes Many WEHS Singers This Year and Next

This school year, the New Jersey All-State Choir included seven West Essex vocalists in the Mixed and Treble Choirs. Lea Romar and Emmy Taverez performed in the Treble Choir  with approximately 120 singers at the NJ Music Teacher’s Convention in February under the direction of Mr. Patrick Hachey.  and Aarav Baheti, Emma-Rylie Casper, Samantha Ducey,  Miles Schmidt, Daniel Viola and Christian Waitt performed with 400 singers at the NJ Teacher’s Convention in November. Both groups also performed at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark to a packed house. The time and dedication these students put into achieving this high musical honor is worthy of celebration, and we are extremely proud of their accomplishments.

In April, Aarav Beheti, Mariella DeStefano, Samantha Ducey, Declan Moynihan, Daniel Viola and Christian Waitt auditioned and were accepted into the prestigious NJMEA All State Choir for the 2026-2027 school year. Two students with exceptional scores were Daniel Viola, who placed 6th and Christian Waitt who placed 13th out of 150 Bass Is who auditioned. This is also the 3rd time Daniel and Christian have been selected for this ensemble. Chosen from over 1,000 students, these West Essex Concert Choir singers rehearse with 400 of the best singers in New Jersey throughout the Fall and perform at either the NJ Teacher’s Convention in November or in February at the NJ Music Teachers Convention. Both groups will also perform at NJPAC Newark the Sunday after each of the other performances. Once again, we applaud their achievement. 

Seven WEHS Singers Participate in NJSMA Region I Choir 

WEHS talent took center stage at Morris Knolls HS on February 14, performing with the Region I Mixed and Treble Choirs. Aarav Baheti, Samantha Ducey, Isabella Guantez, Declan Moynihan, Daniel Viola, Christian Waitt, and Alexa Zak represented the very best singers of North Jersey who auditioned for and were accepted into this prestigious ensemble. Under the direction of Dr. Nick McBride from TCNJ and Mr. James Miller, the students had an amazing musical experience, having been selected to the choirs from over 800 auditioning singers. We are so proud of this achievement. 

Rizzo Receives Prestigious Service Award

Middle School Choir Director Christa Rizzo was honored with the New Jersey School Music Association (NJSMA) Choral Service Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to the organization. The award highlights her commitment to advancing music education and supporting students and fellow educators throughout New Jersey.

A Sweepstakes-Worthy Performance at Dorney Park 

The Middle School Band, Choir, and Orchestra proudly represented West Essex at a regional music festival held at Dorney Park this spring, earning outstanding results across all three ensembles. The Orchestra received Third Place in its division with an Excellent rating and a Bass Section Award, while the Band captured First Place in its division with an Excellent rating and a Soloist Award for Olivia Chen on French Horn. The Choir delivered a remarkable performance, earning First Place in its division with a Superior rating and the Overall Award for Best Choral Group of the Day.

Building on that success, the ensemble was later named the recipient of the 2026 Dorney Park Music Showcase Festivals Sweepstakes Award. With a score of 99 out of 100 from both judges, the choir was recognized as the highest-scoring junior high/middle school choral ensemble among all participating groups throughout the festival season—a truly exceptional achievement for West Essex's young musicians.

Stages, Studios, and Spotlights

Throughout the spring, students showcased their talents through a variety of performances and exhibitions. Audiences enjoyed concerts by the District Choir, District Orchestra, High School Band, and Middle School Band, as well as Jazz Knight featuring middle and high school jazz ensembles. The Masquers' Spring Cabaret Night and the District Art Show, featuring photography, drawing, woodworking, CAD design, fashion, and more, further highlighted the creativity and dedication of West Essex students.

From Chicago to East High

West Essex theater students wowed audiences with two outstanding productions this spring. The High School Masquers brought the excitement and energy of Chicago: Teen Edition to the stage, while Middle School performers showcased their talents in High School Musical Jr. Through months of rehearsals and preparation, students demonstrated impressive acting, singing, and technical theater skills, delivering memorable performances that highlighted the strength of West Essex's theater program.

Hollywood Knights Takes Center Stage

The West Essex Dance Team dazzled audiences with its annual showcase, Hollywood Knights. Featuring a variety of dynamic routines inspired by the magic of film and entertainment, the performance highlighted the talent, creativity, and dedication of the student dancers. The showcase served as a celebration of their hard work throughout the year and was a memorable highlight of the spring arts season.

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