There was a lot of night music played recently at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) as the 15-year tradition of the annual Tri-District Music Festival set the stage to showcase Knollwood, Forrestdale and RFH musicians.

The three schools’ music directors and student musicians came together to perform for a large audience of community members on Feb. 20.

“It has been a pleasure to watch this tradition grow, and watch the community and connections strengthen along with it. Student musicians from the neighboring towns of Rumson and Fair Haven, and their music directors alike, are extremely proud to have been part of such a wonderful night that and, without a doubt, demonstrated the ‘harmony’ coming out of the peninsula.”

RFH Supervisor of World Language and Fine and Performing Arts Seth Herman

About the festival …

Students rehearsed the repertoire at their own schools for the month leading up to the concert with their respective directors and teachers: John Lebitsch and Barbara Leutz from Forrestdale; Sara Marino, Mel Chayette, Leanne DeCamp and Amanda Eider from Knollwood; and Zach Lorelli and Kathryne Singleton from RFH.

On the day of the concert, members of the bands, orchestras, and choruses from each school, ranging from 4th through 12th grade, came together in the RFH auditorium to rehearse in the morning for a few hours and to mesh their diverse musical talents.

Later that night, students returned to RFH to perform the collaborative concert for the community.

The Tri-District Music Festival’s purpose is multi-faceted. For one, the rehearsal process provides younger students with a sense of comradery that ultimately makes transitioning into the high school music program less intimidating.  

In addition, the final performance allows students to experience what it is like to perform their music with more than 100 other people with diverse musical backgrounds, akin to a professional experience.

— Based on a press release from RFH

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