1st Annual Select Ensemble Assembly

On April 25, 2023, students were gathered in the auditorium to watch a music performance by the middle school’s top music students. The Wind Ensemble, a combination of 7th and 8th grade auditioned band members conducted by Mr. Mulford, performed “Where Eagles Soar” by Steven Reineke. The powerful beginning of the brass section immediately captivated the audience’s attention, luring them into the gentle and soft notes of the woodwinds throughout the entire song. 

Then, the Chamber Strings, 7th and 8th grade auditioned orchestra members conducted by Ms. Ho, were on stage, playing the pieces “Wired” by Lauren Bernofsky and “The Abduction of the Seraglio” by Mozart. The fast yet light sixteenth notes introducing “Wired” offered a glimpse into the string players’ talent produced by their bows, followed by a heavier and vigorous melody of the song. The classical piece of Mozart beautifully displayed the ensemble’s ability to play with different melodies and parts at the same time. 

Next, Select Chorus, 7th and 8th grade auditioned chorus members conducted by Ms. Smith, sang “Inveniam Viam” by Ryan Main and “I Will Sing You the Stars” by Mark Burrows. The first song stunned the audience with its intense vocal chords sung in Latin paired well with great dynamic changes between notes. The chorale was soon followed by a peaceful lyrical piece that delicately contrasted the different parts of the vocal ranges. 

Finally, the Jazz Band, 7th and 8th grade auditioned members conducted by Mr. Fleming, finished the show with their pieces, “Green Onions” arranged by Roger Holmes and “Uptown Funk” arranged by Michael Sweeney. As extraordinary as its name, the first song featured many skilled soloists through its laid-back beats and rhythms. The last song was a jazzy recreation of the famous “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, remixed into an upbeat and exciting version that definitely got the listeners moving in their seats and bobbing their heads along with the rhythm. 

Millburn Middle School’s first annual Select Ensemble Assembly was a great success, and thank you to everyone who made this possible!