On Thursday, February 27, the J.P. Stevens High School Chamber orchestras participated in the Central Jersey Music Educators Association; CJMEA Orchestra Festival. The music festival lasted for three days and orchestras from all over Central Jersey came to participate. This year, the annual festival was hosted at three different high schools: Bridgewater High School, East Brunswick High School, and Rahway High School. The J.P. Stevens Chamber Orchestras performed at Rahway High School.
When the orchestras arrived at the High School, they quickly dropped their instruments in the school’s orchestra room and made their way into the auditorium just in time to listen to the first Orchestra perform. The first J.P. Stevens orchestra to perform was the Chamber Orchestra, directed by Dr. Verdi. The orchestras performed a warm-up piece that the judges did not score before they played their adjudicated piece(s). For the Chamber Orchestra’s warm-up piece, they played “Variations on Paganini,” by R. McCashin. Directly following the warm-up, they played “Romance” by G. Finzi, a melodic, yet intense piece. The orchestra also performed “Pelimannin (Portraits of Country Fiddlers)” by P. Nordgren, which is a classical piece with Finnish folk influences. The two pieces not only impressed the judges, but also the audience. The Chamber Orchestra created a calm and engaging atmosphere. The Orchestra played their pieces with great dynamics that wowed the judges.
“I had such a great time at the CJMEA competition last Wednesday. Being up on the stage and knowing that as a group, we had worked so hard for this moment and everything was coming together,” said freshman and first-chair violinist Leilani Gopal.
The last J.P. Stevens orchestra to perform was the Camerata Orchestra directed by Mr. Lee. The orchestra started their performance off with their warm-up piece “Alice in Wonderland” by D. Elfman, arranged by James Kazik. This piece is whimsical and mysterious with a sudden change in dynamics, keeping the audience engaged. Afterward, the orchestra performed their adjudicated piece, “Folk Tune Air and Fiddler’s Fury” by A. Safford. This piece contains two parts, the ‘Folk Tune Air’ which is relaxed and melodic, and the ‘Fiddler’s Fury’ is energetic. The difference in dynamics created a lively atmosphere.
After both orchestras performed, the musicians awaited scoring. All the hard work the students put in paid off. The Camerata orchestra received a gold rating, and the Chamber orchestra received a silver rating. Along with their medals, the orchestra received areas of improvement from the judges, allowing them to understand what needs to be improved and what they succeed in.
“The JP Stevens Chamber and Camerata performed at the CJMEA 2025 String festival. Dr. Verdi and I are so proud of our students scoring a Silver (Chamber) and a Gold (Camerata ratings. The amount of work that goes into these events requires after-school practices and students ‘ preparation. The Chamber and Camerata Orchestra once again did an amazing job in representing our school to the highest level,” said the orchestra director, Mr. Lee.
