From March 15 to 17, the BHS Marching Band, Color Guard, and Jazz Ensemble traveled to New York City. This was the band's first NYC trip since 2022 and first performance in the city since 2019. Forty-seven students traveled between all three ensembles.

The trip started out at dawn on Saturday, filling a charter bus to the brim with instruments, uniforms, personal items, excited students, and adult chaperones and staff. The trip was packed full of sightseeing excursions, guided tours, threatening weather, and lots of fun!

Upon arrival, the tour guide joined us and took the last available seat on the bus. The bus full of travelers were given some time to stretch their legs and discover Central Park.

Next up, the Jazz Ensemble received a 2-hour clinic from the Jazz at Lincoln Center, from acclaimed pianist Willerm Delisfort. Students performed three prepared pieces and received detailed feedback to improve their skills in the jazz idiom. The rest of the students and chaperones were able to have their own adventure and utilized the NYC subway system with a destination of Grand Central Station. The full tour met up for dinner at V&T for classic NYC pizza. The students were given some time out in the night lights in the theater district before checking into the hotel for the night.

The following day, the students had the opportunity to see The Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre, as well as many other activities, including Top of The Rock, NYC Harbor Cruise, and a guided tour around most of the city. There was a detailed and respectful tour of the 9/11 Memorial as well as some of the surrounding areas. Dinner was at the Hard Rock Cafe, overlapping with a few other traveling high school bands, looking forward to the parade the following day.

On the final day of the trip, the band marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, representing New Hampshire in this historic event that spans from 44th to 79th Street and 5th Avenue. The performers borrowed some proverbial luck from the Irish that day. The expected rain had moved on before they had to line up, and the band was the absolute last of the day to be shown in the NBC broadcast coverage for the parade.

The trip was a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn, experience the city, and make some fabulous memories!

To support similar trips in the future as well as improve the local program,

Bedford High School Music Boosters is partnering with the New Hampshire Jazz Orchestra for our first ever fundraising gala! This will be a live performance, celebrating the legendary Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, performed by the acclaimed New Hampshire Jazz Orchestra featuring special guest artist and Internationally renowned trumpet virtuoso, Bryan Davis, Lead Trumpet with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. This remarkable concert will bring Ellington’s timeless masterpieces to life, blending the rich tradition of big band jazz with the artistry of Davis’s extraordinary talent.

100% of this concert’s net proceeds will go directly to support the Bedford High School Music Department, while offering a unique and entertaining audience experience. Your patronage is greatly appreciated in an effort to support both live music and music education here in New Hampshire.

Please join us on Saturday, June 14, at 7 pm. Tickets are available for advance purchase online.