NORTH BRUNSWICK — The fourthand fifth-grade chorus from Judd Elementary School received a first-place award with a superior rating at the Kutztown University “Music in the Parks” festival earlier this month.
The 108-student chorus was chosen as the best chorus overall in its division, and one of the school’s soloists, Gabie Hocson, earned a medal as an outstanding soloist.
“Students are very dedicated to chorus and work hard,” music teacher Elizabeth Perryman said.
For the festival, students presented the “Judd Music World Tour 2010.” They sang pieces that included “Oye La Musica,” “Shalom Chaverim/Hevenu Shalom Alechem” and “Galop” from the Solfege Suite.
The Judd fourth- and fifth-grade band and orchestra, the fifth-grade tone chimes, the fourth- and fifth-grade advanced recorders and the fourth- and fifth-grade chorus presented this spring concert at North Brunswick High School on June 1.
In Pennsylvania, Perryman played the piano and some students played instruments, recorders and tone chimes. There were also vocal soloists and actors who presented the musical selections.
“Music inspires people and is a important expression to have throughout life. Music helps with discipline and encourages thoughts and feelings. Specialists have found that music can help the brain learn faster and more efficiently. Music helps reasoning and problem solving; students use their memorizing skills. Music incorporates subjects like math, reading, history as well as social interaction, small and large motor skills,” Perryman said.
— Jennifer Amato