Students hit the right notes at competition
Judd chorus places first at Music in the Parks for third year in a row
BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK - For the third year in a row, the Judd Elementary School Advanced Chorus received a firstplace rating at the Music in the Parks competition at Kutztown University, Pa., on June 6.

The 115 fourth- and fifth-graders performed various Broadway songs, accompanied by tone chimes, drums, actors and actresses, and vocal solos. They sang about five selections from "Annie" and "The Rhythm of Life" from "Sweet Charity" during the course of their 15-minute performance.

"I think the school really supports music," music teacher Elizabeth Perryman said of her students' success. "We are able to have early-morning rehearsals, and the kids are really good about coming to school early. … And during lunch we have sectional rehearsals … so I think there is a lot to help us grow musically."

Perryman introduced the competition to the students two years ago because she had previously participated with her former school's students and thought the Judd choir would benefit from the concert. She helps them prepare for about three months so they are ready to perform in front of a panel of judges. Already having the competition rubric in advance, the students know what they are going to be judged on, such as diction, intonation and coordinated movements.

"The kids are devoted. They love music, and they work hard," Perryman said of their talent, ability to learn, enthusiasm and commitment to rehearsals.

According to the curriculum, students learn music history and music theory during class time. The chorus is an extracurricular program where students learn to sing harmonies, extend their vocal range, blend their voices, learn movements and sing in different dialects. Both the beginner and advanced chorus perform winter concerts at the school.

"It's wonderful to see them rise to such a level," Perryman said.