The auditorium of the Theodore Roosevelt School will be filled with the sweet sound of music next month when the school’s choir and bell chorus takes to the stage to perform a concert full of holiday cheer.
The “Roosevelt School Winter Assembly” will feature 35 of the school’s best and brightest musicians. According to the school’s director of music, Suzanne Chadwick, the choir has a pretty rigorous audition policy and only the most talented fifth- and sixth-graders are selected.
“I want them to know that what they are doing really matters.” – Suzanne Chadwick
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Chadwick said that the group has been practicing for the upcoming concert since September, rehearsing twice a week for about 45 minutes.
“I believe that performing builds self esteem,” Chadwick said. “I expect my students to not only perform, but to be educated musicians. Performing music correctly is not easy, and I try and let the students know that what they are doing is an amazing thing.”
The upcoming concert, scheduled for Dec. 18 at 1 p.m., will showcase winter and holiday music of various styles and time periods.
Some of the classics that the children will perform include “Jingle Bells,” “Over the River and Through the Woods,” and “Hot Chocolate” from the 2004 movie “Polar Express.”
“I want them to know that what they are doing really matters,” Chadwick said, “and that it not only creates joy for them, but for others as well.”
The power of music
Chadwick has been directing the music program at Theodore Roosevelt for the last five years, but the annual Winter Assembly has been going on for much longer. An annual Spring Concert is also held after the holidays, which according to Principal Anthony D’Angelo, has been held for the past 20 years.
Although Chadwick has only been in charge for the last five years, both performances have become a permanent tradition for the school. The music teacher said that she truly enjoys being able to teach children music.
“Besides the immense joy that comes from creating music,” Chadwick said, “I hope that after [the children] go through a rehearsal process and performance with me, they will feel as if they can accomplish anything.”
Last Spring’s concert, entitled, “Songs of Peace, Hope, Inspiration, and Joy,” was a themed performance featuring songs of peace. Chadwick, who was recently engaged at the time, picked the theme because she was open to “the power of hope and joy.” With the success of last season’s concert, Chadwick and company hope to spread more peace and joy this holiday season.
Upcoming performances
In addition to the Dec. 18 concert, the choir and chorus will be performing at the annual Roosevelt School tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 2. The 7 p.m. lighting will feature a lot of great music from the middle school students.
“If someone is not able to make the concert,” Chadwick said, “this is another great way to hear the children perform.” Both performances are free and open to the public.
For more information about the performances, call (201) 422-6140.
Sean Allocca can be reached at editorial@hudsonreporter.com