Evan Wasek, Glen Rock Middle School Band Director, is determined to grow Glen Rock Middle and High School’s bands. The marching band is comprised of students in grades 7 – 12. With twenty-five dedicated students and growth on the horizon, Mr. Wasek already has the students taking part in a Beatles show, Homecoming parade, pep rallies, and football games. In the winter and spring, the marching band will get back together to prepare for the Memorial Day parade. Students who have an interest in drums, tuba, flute, saxophone, trumpet, mellophone, color guard, clarinet, trombone or baritone may consider marching band.
Evan Wasek also leads the jazz band mid-November through the spring concert in mid-May. This audition-based band is comprised of students in grades 6 – 12. The jazz band is also optimistic about growth. This year jazz band will be joining Glen Rock High School’s choir and going to the Heritage Music Festival in the Greater Washington, DC area. Additionally, the band participates in the Bergen County Teen Arts Festival. As a bonus, the festival judges and crowds provide feedback that is useful to the band. Students who have an interest in piano, drums, bass guitar, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, flute, and clarinet may consider jazz band.
Music is an essential part of a school’s arts program and Wasek hopes to grow the marching band and jazz band by offering outstanding instruction and enriching opportunities for students to perform music. “More exposure is a huge part of our growth. One way is through, competition festivals where we can be the main attraction. These festivals will also grow our competitive spirit because everyone loves a little competition,” said Wasek.
Currently, recruitment comes from band classes and word of mouth. Both the marching band and jazz bands are extracurricular and require approximately two practices per week.
