Their last tango in Bridgewater-Raritan highlighted the last orchestra concert of 2025.
Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s Spring Orchestra Concert, as expected, provided the splendid sounds of the gifted and talented student musicians who performed under their passionate and energetic director on the evening of Tuesday, May 20, in the high school auditorium.
But what was not expected was when the enthusiastic crowd was treated to a farewell tango dance by two graduating senior orchestra students, as well as a superb solo violin presentation.
During the final number played by the Senior Orchestra, senior members Tia Sharma and Brandon Wu rose from their chairs on stage halfway through the performance and danced the tango for the remainder of the piece.
This energetic dancing routine, which drew a standing ovation at the conclusion, was a repeat from when these two students first performed the dance at the concert when they were high school freshmen in 2022.
The Bridgewater-Raritan High School Orchestra Director, Hsiao-yu Li (Sherry) Griggs, recalled their first dance and will forever recall their last dance.
“They treated the audience with a very special tango that they performed four years ago. However, this time, they added even more flair and passion for this farewell performance,’ Ms. Griggs said.
She also singled out the single performance of Navin Agarwal, the first chair violinist, who delivered an improv with a solo violin part.
“They are such a talented group of students,” Ms. Girggs said about those three student musicians.
The groups who performed through the evening were the Ninth Orchestra, Piu Vivace, the Concert Orchestra, the Symphony Orchestra, and the Senior Orchestra.
“The Bridgewater-Raritan High School Orchestra Spring Concerts are always such a bittersweet event for me,” Ms. Griggs claimed. “This year is no exception.”
She praised the growth in their musical skills.
“I am extremely proud of the students' improvement in their craft and music literacy. The students demonstrate high maturity, commitment, and dedication to their musical education,” Ms. Griggs said.
Matt McCarthy is one proud Supervisor for Arts Education in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District.
He shared his beliefs after attending the Spring Orchestra Concert.
“It was a sublime performance. Bridgewater-Raritan High School has the premier youth orchestra program in New Jersey,” Mr. McCarthy said. “Not only do our students achieve an impressive level of performance abilities, but they also develop valuable leadership skills and the ability to critically reflect on the history, context, and musical elements of the material they study. “
He knew where to focus on the person responsible for this success on stage—and in the orchestra practice room at the high school.
“Ms. Griggs is a dynamic and responsive instructor who places students at the center of the learning experience. She is also a vital member of our talented district strings team. The collective dedication of the team, combined with these students’ years of hard work, is what makes the BRHS orchestra exceptional,’ Mr. McCarthy stated.
Ms. Griggs said farewell to her “special” seniors.
“The Orchestra Class of 2025 performed their last concert at the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District..Thank you, Class of 2025! You have a very special place in my heart!!”
Here is the link to the Spring Orchestra Concert Program.
View these short video clips of the groups who performed at the Spring Orchestra Concert.
The videlo clips below are in the following order, starting from the top, are Ninth Orchestra, Piu Vivace, Concert Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and Special Performance.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hEASJLwSrxfDNqHDpVuEvm1PBDWllGrk/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YFC_XuJykhpakbKkPmtOvuflGgdpqNVS/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vy3tz2fxCNLlddSwe5lk8pufOWNrfIOo/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SjYgjcyg2-c4wC4LXF5fgyuYHeH7FeQt/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p_adYmQtVwqVFYHv3sWRwwAcAAmbRYV8/view?usp=sharing