For the last 14 years, Weehawken music teacher Piero Romano has taken the most musically inclined fifth and sixth grade Roosevelt School students and created a choir to perform for hundreds of township residents during the holidays.
This year is no exception. Romano has devised a schedule of events that will keep the youngsters busy for the rest of the month, including Sunday evening’s annual Christmas Tree lighting outside Town Hall on Park Avenue. The ceremony is slated to begin at 7 p.m. and all residents are encouraged to attend.
However, there is a slight difference in this year’s talented choir of angels.
Because of size and space constraints at some venues, Romano couldn’t take all of the interested students. He had to narrow the group down to a select 35 – creating the need for choir tryouts this year.
“I had 85 students try out,” Romano said. “It was the first time we ever had tryouts. The group was getting too big. I felt bad that I couldn’t take them all. I had to select the top group.”
Romano devised a method for trying to find the students with the best voices and pitch.
“I had them sing, ‘God Bless America’ a cappella as an audition,” Romano said.
“I thought it was a good way to determine who could sing,” Romano said. “The tryouts took two weeks to complete. But it got very emotional and very tough for me to cut it down to just 35 students.”
After selecting the top 35 singers, the chore of rehearsing was next. Romano had to gather the students together before the school day began, so the students met Thursday and Friday mornings at 7:30 a.m.
That is also not an easy task – getting kids to get out of bed much earlier to sing Christmas carols.
“It definitely wasn’t easy, especially with my sister Katie,” said fifth grader Richie Turner, who is the son of Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner. “But I really wanted to be a part of the choir, so I got up.”
“I was in the choir last year, so I knew what to expect,” said 11-year-old sixth grader Joseph Annese. “It’s not easy, but honestly, it’s good for you.”
“You get kids who really want to be there,” Romano said.
But Annese said that he gets a huge thrill in performing, especially at the tree lighting and then appearing before two groups of senior citizens later this month.
“At the tree lighting, my family gets to hear me sing, so that means a lot to me,” Annese said. “When we sing for the senior citizens, it’s a great opportunity to do something for the community. It makes you feel good, knowing that you’re making people feel happy.”
The choir will perform for the seniors on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the senior complex at 525 Gregory Ave. at 10 a.m., then go to the Senior Nutritional Center on Highwood Avenue at 11 a.m.
“It’s a good way for the students to socialize with the seniors,” Romano said. “We encourage the seniors to sing along and we bring them booklets and cards. It’s really a lot of fun.”
A day later, the students will then sing for their fellow classmates in two shows. On Thursday, Dec. 19, in the school auditorium, the choir sings for third and fourth graders at 1 p.m. and then for the fifth and sixth graders at 1:45 p.m. Parents are invited to attend these concerts.
“It is a good feeling and a lot of fun,” Annese said. “I got to learn how to project my voice better. I take a lot of pride in singing. I’m happy I get a chance to do this.”
The younger Turner said that he loves to sing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” more than any other holiday song.
“I know it makes me feel good, seeing the seniors smile, and I think it makes everyone else in the choir feel good,” Turner said. “That’s our reward, making them feel good. It’s a good way to get ready for the holidays.”
Turner was asked if there was any pressure in performing, knowing that he’s the mayor’s son.
“I’m just Richie Turner,” he said. “I’m just like anyone else.”
Romano is also working on a Holiday Concert with the second graders at the Webster School. The concert, featuring all second graders at the school, will be held Friday, Dec. 20.
“It’s the first taste of music for those students,” Romano said. “It’s their chance to perform in public. It helps their self-esteem and confidence.”