On April 26, 2022, Alyson Zhang ‘22 went with Keya Raval ‘22 and Aleena Cheriyan ‘22 to a Board of Education budget meeting, representing the EHS Orchestra. Because of construction in the Edison High auditorium, the group was left without attention to  a concert venue, an issue which the three seniors felt required greater attention. Some of the venues ranged from $1,800 to $4,000, which the orchestra did not have the funds for. In the end, the orchestra was fully funded to use the Middlesex College theater for their concert on June 1, 2022.  

However, due to scheduling conflicts with the Middlesex College theater, the orchestra concert was moved to J.P. Stevens High School, which was accommodated for by the Board of Education.

The orchestra will be conducted by substitute orchestra teacher, Mr. Timothy Morrow, while Ms. Brittany Milicia goes on maternity leave. 

“This is something that I never thought I would ever do, conducting a high school orchestra,” said Morrow, “Never thought I was going to become an educator, and it has been an incredible honor.”

Milicia surprised the orchestra by attending the spring concert. “I am so proud of the orchestra’s performance, a lot has been done in a short amount of time,” said Milicia, “It was a rough year and a lot of uncertainties so I couldn’t be prouder.” 

There were many emotions at the end of the concert with speeches from the orchestra student board. Morrow and Milicia both received recognition for their hard work and dedication to teaching music. At the end of the orchestra concert, Casey Kregeloh ‘22 was in tears as she said, “Thank you so much. Thank you, orchestra family, I love you all.”  

For many seniors, this will be the last time they perform as a part of the orchestra. For the first time, the orchestra will also be performing at graduation in June. 

“Definitely sad, bittersweet. We spent the last four years trying to play our instruments,” said Mayukha Ragimanu ‘22, “The pandemic definitely affected the way we were able to learn. Ultimately, this concert was a success.”  

Concert Orchestra

“Egmont Overture” – By Ludwig van Beethoven

“Lion City” – By Soon Hee Newbold

“Adoration” – By Florence Price; arr. Ruth Ochs and Jeff Lazar

“Libertango” – By Astor Piazzola; arr. James Kazik

“Danse Bacchanale” – By Camille Saint-Saens; arr. Sandra Dackow

Chamber Orchestra

“Warrior Legacy” – By Soon Hee Newbold

“Symphony in D Major”, Op. 11 no. 2 – By Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

“Lullaby” – By:George Gershwin

“Symphony #2 in D Major” – By Jean Sibelius