Students from the Brandt Middle School and Hoboken High School choirs were allowed to pick the songs they wanted to sing at their upcoming show, titled “Spring 2001! A musical Odyssey.”
Choir director Peter Ising has been doing the spring show for 16 years at Hoboken’s public school system. Every year, he says, the show is different.
He enjoys working with the kids and admits that not everything is fun and games.
“They want discipline,” Ising says of the over 160 students he teaches. “And I’m a disciplinarian.”
This year’s show, which will be performed on two consecutive mornings for parents and students this week, will include tunes by musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra and the group The Temptations.
“I let them choose the songs they want,” Ising said. “It is very well-received by students.”
Ising waits a little longer than usual to do the spring event because he wants to make sure none of the students are involved in any other activities that might interfere with the concert’s rehearsal.
“My philosophy is the more students involved, the better,” Ising said. “A lot of kids are not the most gifted, but they get the thrill of being on stage.”
David Valentin, a senior at the high school, will be performing the lead vocals to the song “My Girl,” made famous by The Temptations. In his second year with the choir, Valentin, who also plays third base for the school’s baseball team, said he cannot wait for the concert to happen.
“Everybody’s been working hard,” Valentin said. “I love to sing. The choir makes me happy.”
Freshmen Nicole Nadal and Kiara Sharpe each sing solos in addition to joining the choir in song.
Nadal is singing Sinatra’s “Witchcraft” and Sharpe is singing Houston’s “All man that I need.”
“This is my first show and I just wanted to go about and sing and prove I’m not shy anymore,” Sharpe said. “Singing comes from the heart and you can express yourself in any form.”
Nadal has a little more experience than Sharpe, having been part of the choir in this year’s Christmas show. The spring show will be the first time she has a solo performance.
“I’m too excited. I love singing,” Nadal said. “Choir gives me a place where I can get out of that high school life and go somewhere that is calm.”
Ising’s motivation for his work is the smiles on the students’ faces when they perform, he said.
“My idea is if you sound good, look good, behave good, you’ll be fine,” Ising said. “It’s not about me. It’s about the kids.”
High School Principal Edward Stinson and Brandt Middle School Principal Bart Reilly have been very supportive of the choir, Ising said.
The concert will be held at Hoboken High School’s theater May 15 and 16. Both shows start at 9:30 a.m. It is open to parents and students.
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