Rumson School District tradition took hold again as the Forrestdale School Winter Band Concert was presented recently.

Led by Forrestdale School Band Director John Lebitsch, the Jan. 14 instrumental performance featured the school’s Advanced and Intermediate bands and the Jazz Ensemble played to a packed house.

“It is hard to believe that these are only middle school students; they hold themselves with the professionalism of a seasoned performance group,” Forrestdale School Principal Jennifer Gibbons said. “This is a testament to their self-discipline, dedication to our music program, and our talented director, Mr. Lebitsch, who does not allow them to settle for less.”

The evening’s lineup featured Advanced Band performances of: “Autumn Fanfare” (composed by Mekel Rogers) and “Train Heading West – Prairie Ritual, Rain on the Mountains, and Train Heading West” (Timothy Broege).

The Intermediate Band performed “Midnight Suite — Midnight Mission, Midnight Sky, and Midnight Madness” (Brian Balmages). And the combined Advanced and Intermediate bands did a rendition of “March from the Nutcracker” (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky).

The Jazz Ensemble performed “Basin Street Blues” (Spencer Williams, Arr. Michael Sweeney), “Azure” (Duke Ellington and Irving Mills, Arr. Mike Lewis), and “Shake It Off” (Taylor Swift, Max Martin, and Shellback, Arr. John Berry.)

An encore/finale of “Hooked on Holidays,” based on the classic “O Tannenbaum,” closed the show.

Next up for the Intermediate and Advanced Band members is a performance at the annual Forrestdale vs. Holy Cross Basketball Game set for 6 p.m. on Feb. 4 at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School.

In addition, the Forrestdale School musicians will perform at the annual Tri-District Music Festival slated for 7 p.m. on Feb. 17 at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School.

Admission is free to the popular annual event featuring combined ensembles from Forrestdale School, Knollwood School in Fair Haven, and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School.

— Edited press release from Rumson School District