hey went back to their old school.
That was not the song but the theme when the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Symphonic Choir on Tuesday, October 21, made its annual visit to Hillside and Eisenhower Intermediate Schools to sing for the young musicians there.
According to Lisa Rotondi, the Director of Choirs at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, “high school students had an opportunity to acknowledge some of the'great 5-6th-Grade educators who have made a lasting impact on them, and we presented a program of repertoire on the topic of working together, building community, and our ability to change the world around us.”
The songs that the high school students sang to the delight of the audience:
Nda Wana (South African play song) arr. Michael Barrett
Apple Tree, arr. Katerina Gimon
Crowded Table, arr. Andrew Ramsay
I Sing Because I'm Happy, arr. Rollo Dilworth
Two high school students, Navya Kolati, a junior, and Chloe Lombardo, a senior, expressed their passion and the pleasures they have experienced as members of the choir.
I have been in the choir for as long as I can remember. Choir has given me a place where I can express myself, make friends, and feel like I’m part of something special, especially in a place as big as high school. Some of my favorite school memories come from choir concerts and trips, when we can finally show off all our hard work to our friends and family,’ Navya stated.
“ The connections and friendships you build in choir from freshman to senior year will be with you for life, and I have met some of my best friends through choir. There is a strong sense of community within the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Choir, and everyone feels like a family,’ Chole revealed.
Ms Rotondi spoke about her feelings returning to Eisenhower, where she had served as the Choral Director before moving on to the high school in 2024.
It was wonderful to be welcomed back to the intermediate schools for this special assembly. When I buzzed into the office at Eisenhower, Mrs. (Kelly) Patullo greeted me with a "Welcome home!" That perfectly encapsulated our message of belonging today. “
Tony Sgro, Hillside’s Choral Director, spoke for his students when he said:
"Our Hillside students weren’t just watching a performance — they were part of it. Conducting, singing, and connecting with the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Symphonic Choir gave them a glimpse of where their musical journey can lead.’