Choir students from Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School, Eisenhower Intermediate School, and Hillside Intermediate School have been honored with All-State recognition.
A total of 24 students from the three schools in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District were selected for the New Jersey All-State Choirs this year, which, according to Tony Sgro, the Hillside Choral Director, is regarded as one of the highest honors available to young singers in New Jersey.
“All-State Choir members are chosen through a highly competitive audition process that evaluates musical accuracy, tone quality, range, and musicianship,” Mr. Sgro said. “Students prepare and perform audition material independently, demonstrating not only exceptional talent but also dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the musical craft.”
According to Mr. Sgro, this spring, these students will represent Bridgewater-Raritan at the Junior High and Elementary All-State Choir Festival on Saturday, May 2, at J.P. Case Middle School in Flemington.
“These selected singers from across the state will come together for intensive rehearsals led by outstanding conductors, culminating in festival performances celebrating excellence in choral music,” he stated.
Mr. Sgro continued to explain the importance of this prestigious honor and the efforts students must make to receive All-State recognition.
“All-State participation reflects musical talent and meaningful personal growth. Students balance school work, rehearsals, and independent practice while rising to the challenge of a demanding audition process,” Mr. Sgro said. “They also gain the rare experience of collaborating with top young musicians from across New Jersey, an opportunity that often becomes a defining moment in their musical journey.”
Mr. Sgro concluded.
“We congratulate each of these outstanding singers and thank their families for supporting their hard work. Our community is proud to see Bridgewater-Raritan students represented so strongly at the state level.”
Here are the Bridgewater-Raritan students who received All-State honors.
All of the Junior High All-Staters attend the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School.
Junior High All-State SSA (Grades 7–9)
Kriya Venkatesan (Soprano 1)
Ava Bossotti (Soprano 2)
Ira Singh (Alto)
Lucas Wong (Alto)
Junior High All-State SATB (Grades 7–9)
Riya Singh (Soprano 2)
Ishan Nandi (Tenor)
Sahishn Bangaru (Tenor)
Onew Park (Bass)
The intermediate school of each Elementary All-Stater is listed after their name.
Elementary All-State SSA (Grades 4–6)
Treble 1
Mika Alvarez, Hillside Intermediate School
Amanda Gao, Eisenhower Intermediate School
Paul Mellejor, Hillside Intermediate School
Treble 2
Jesse Byun, Hillside Intermediate School
Matthew Castillo, Hillside Intermediate School
Lilah Chapman Heisler, Hillside Intermediate School
Ethan Cherrez, Hillside Intermediate School
Kavya Shahane, Hillside Intermediate School
Aayushi Sharma, Hillside Intermediate School
Halina Zugaj, Hillside Intermediate School
Treble 3
Janie Bui, Eisenhower Intermediate School
Pahi Chakot, Eisenhower Intermediate School
Emmanuella Moench, Hillside Intermediate School
Rishav Mukherjee, Hillside Intermediate School
Rhea Rawat, Hillside Intermediate School
Evan Snyder, Hillside Intermediate School