On January 11, 2024, sixty-three Bernardsville Middle School choir students boarded two buses headed to yet another stop on their musical journey. Once the 8th graders arrived at Bernards High School, their purpose was twofold; they were there to learn about the BHS music program and to engage with high school choir members in preparation for an exciting future event.
Upon arrival, they were greeted by Principal Scott Neigel, along with the BHS Madrigals. Dr. Neigel gave a warm welcome and spoke enthusiastically about the importance of the Arts and all of the opportunities that BHS has to offer: chorus, theater, band, orchestra, as well as some of the other music electives. BMS students were able to get a glimpse of what is on the horizon for their freshman year of high school.
Following Dr. Neigel’s address, the BMS choir got to work with their high school counterparts. BHS Vocal Music Teacher Matthew LaPine led the warm-up with vocal exercises, singing games, and activities. Students were then divided into sectionals; LaPine worked with sopranos and altos, while the 8th Grade Chorus’s own Vocal Music Teacher Stephen Sands worked with tenors and basses. Their focus was on two songs that will be performed at the upcoming PopsNight on April 18th. After instruction on tone, tempo, and balancing harmonies, the groups merged back together to run through the songs, gaining a solid understanding of what the musical selections would sound like and feel like. PopsNight was an idea brought to fruition by LaPine over a decade ago. After teaching for a few years in the Somerset Hills School District, he realized that there was too large a gap between the traditional winter and spring concerts. Believing students needed more performance opportunities, as well as the need for solo and small group performance opportunities, PopsNight was born.
Before the workshop concluded, the Madrigals led a Q&A session. “It was incredibly meaningful to hear our BHS students convey their high school experiences and express why choir is so important in their lives,” said LaPine. “Hearing them share the depth of the relationships they formed and the excitement of performing at such a high level - as being two unexpected consequences of joining choir - was amazing to hear.” The shared sentiment amongst the group was how fulfilling and satisfying Bernards High School choir has remained for them, year after year.
PopsNight is an evening of terrific music and celebration, and all community members are welcome to attend! The event will include a full set of songs performed by the entire Ensemble, as well as songs comprised of small groups, duets, and solos. This year’s theme, voted on by BHS students, is Disney. BMS 7th and 8th graders will join the high school ensemble for the opening and closing numbers. PopsNight will take place on April 18, 2024 at 7pm, in the Performing Arts Center of Bernards High School. There is a suggested donation of $8/adult, $5/student, or $20/family. All community members are encouraged to attend PopsNight, as well as all of the other performances by the incredible students of the Somerset Hills School District! Please save the date…and share the news with friends and neighbors who enjoy music, who like supporting students’ hard work, who need a night out, or all of the above!