Local Boys Perform at Harlem Globetrotters Game

Eight Basking Ridge and Bernardsville boys from the New Jersey Youth Chorus proudly sang the Star Spangled Banner for the Harlem Globetrotters game on Sunday, February 16, at the Prudential Center in Newark.  The singers included Humphrey Chen, Jack Fiocco, Peter Gibbons, Zachary Marcus, Jonathan Nemetz and Ali Rabie of Basking Ridge, and Daniel Celentano and Terrence Glynn of Bernardsville, representing NJYC’s Young Men’s Ensemble, as well as the boys of the Apprentice, Intermediate and Advanced Choruses.  

Matthew LaPine, Director of the Young Men’s Ensemble, stated, "We are so excited to create this special event just for the boys and young men of the New Jersey Youth Chorus.  Singing plays such an important role in their lives, and it is wonderful when they have the opportunity to be recognized for their accomplishments beyond our regular performances and collaborations.”

While the girls of the Advanced Choir were preparing for their Super Bowl appearance with Queen Latifah, the Young Men’s Ensemble spent Saturday, February 1st, at Temple University’s first-ever ManChoir event.  Working with other male choristers from Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, the boys rehearsed new material specifically designed for male voices, and participated in a voice master class with Temple professors.  The day culminated in a performance by all participants.  Observing the day of camaraderie, Mr. LaPine commented, “The New Jersey Youth Chorus provides incredible and unique opportunities for male singers, and I encourage any family of a boy or young man who enjoys singing to consider contacting the New Jersey Youth Chorus so that their son, grandson, or nephew can become a member of our organization.  The boys' love of music and singing is fostered in a way that no one else can provide."

The New Jersey Youth Chorus, founded in 1992, is an auditioned choral program for children in grades one through twelve, divided into five ensembles:  First Steps to Music (grades 1 – 2), Apprentice Chorus (grades 3 – 4), Intermediate Chorus (grades 5-7), Advanced Treble Chorus (grades 8-12), and Young Men’s Ensemble (grades 7 – 12 for changing and changed voices). Over two hundred choristers come from almost 40 towns in six counties of New Jersey. The heart of its mission is to provide quality music education that encourages young people’s love and appreciation of choral music and nurtures their individual growth and development.

For further information, please visit the website at www.njyouthchorus.org or call (973) 998-5670.