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Palmyra School District

Palmyra Proud

Kudos to our Award-Winning Palmyra High School Concert Band!

Posted Date: 05/01/26 (02:49 PM)


Congratulations Palmyra High School Concert Band, under the direction of Mr. Jeffrey Moore, performed at the 2026 New Jersey State Band Gala, hosted by William Paterson University on Sunday, April 26th, 2026! 
Palmyra High School band members in formal attire pose on stage with their instruments.As their award letter states, "Participation in the State Band Gala represents the highest level of achievement in the New Jersey State Band Festival process. Each year, high school concert bands from across the state participate in regional festivals, where ensembles are evaluated on musical performance, preparation, and overall artistry. Only four ensembles from each region (North, Central and South) earn a performance slot at the Gala, making this invitation a distinct honor for your school and community."

We are truly #PalmyraProud of our small but mighty group that continues to amaze us with their musical talents!  Fans are invited to join us for our Spring Concert Series this month: 
May 14th @7pm is our Concert Band Concert.  Bands from 7th & 8th Grade along with our High School Band will perform in the new auditorium for the first time as a group!
May 19th @7pm is our Spring Choir Concert.  Our voices will be heard from the new stage featuring our Choir, Choir Club & Soloists.
Artwork from our visual arts programs will be on display for the week in between continuing our tradition of the Festival of the Living Arts.
Poster for the Palmyra High School Spring Concert & Living Arts Festival on May 14, 2026, featuring various musical instruments.
  ​Below is the full letter of congratulations from William Paterson University.  Click on the letter for the contents of the letter.
Letter from William Paterson University congratulating Palmyra High School Concert Band on their selection for the 2026 New Jersey State Band Gala:
Dear Dr. Norton, Mr. Licata, and Mr. Dickinson, April 15, 2026
On behalf of the New Jersey Band Association and the New Jersey Marching Band 
Directors Association, I am pleased to extend our sincere congratulations to the 
students, faculty and administration of Palmyra High School on the selection of the 
Palmyra High School Concert Band, under the direction of Mr. Jeffrey Moore, to 
perform at the 2026 New Jersey State Band Gala, hosted by William Paterson 
University on Sunday, April 26th, 2026.
Participation in the State Band Gala represents the highest level of achievement in 
the New Jersey State Band Festival process. Each year, high school concert bands 
from across the state participate in regional festivals, where ensembles are 
evaluated on musical performance, preparation, and overall artistry. Only four 
ensembles from each region (North, Central and South) earn a performance slot at 
the Gala, making this invitation a distinct honor for your school and community.
The State Band Gala serves as the culminating event of this statewide educational 
program and showcases outstanding student musicianship and the exceptional 
quality of instrumental music education in New Jersey’s public schools. The 
selection of the Palmyra High School Concert Band reflects not only the dedication 
and talent of the students, but also the commitment of your faculty, administration, 
and district to supporting excellence in the arts.
We commend your school community for fostering an environment in which 
students can achieve at such a high level, and we are honored to recognize Palmyra 
High School as one of the outstanding band programs in the state of New Jersey.
Thank you for your continued support of music education. We look forward to 
welcoming your ensemble to the New Jersey State Band Gala.
Sincerely,
Teresa Purcell-Giles
Director of Bands, William Paterson University
New Jersey Band Association/New Jersey Marching Band Director Association
Poster for the Palmyra Live Choir Concert on May 19, 2026, at 7pm.