In an era wherein school districts and local governments nationwide recklessly and thoughtlessly continue to cut budgets for arts and music education, Barry Rubinow’s sensational documentary “Banded Together: The Boys From Glen Rock High” should be required viewing for every one of those bureaucrats, and for all the rest of us as well. It is magical. Garnering the award for “Best Documentary Film (Long-Form)” at the Ridgewood (NJ) International Film Festival last night, the carefully-crafted motion picture features so many talented people, including Conan O’Brien (Harvard ’85), master musicians Jerry and Jimmy Vivino of Paterson by way of Glen Rock, and their brother, pop culture legend and entertainer non-pareil Floyd (“Uncle Floyd”) Vivino of Channel 68 fame. While the film is a beautiful tribute to beloved music teacher and bandleader Joe Sielski, it is also a tribute to education, music, the arts, compassion, and main street America. While I admit that I know a few of the people involved in this project, you must see this movie. Most importantly, please share it with everyone you know who may be on the cusp of any decision whether to fund music and arts education in our nation’s schools.
Written by John J. Tormey III, Esq.
