It was a role reversal during a trip that produced some fond memories.
Lisa Rotondi returned to the theaters where she once successfully instructed and conducted when she guided her Bridgewater-Raritan High School Symphonic Choir to the Eisenhower Intermediate School and Hillside Intermediate School on the morning of Tuesday, October 22.
The annual recruiting trip around the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District—Tour de Bridgewater–made its first stop at Hillside and then the bus of the high school students and staff drove to Eisenhower.
At each gymnasium, the high school’s Symphonic Choir delivered the following superb performance of songs, including the composers and the high school’s soloists and percussionists.
Tshotsholoza, S. African folk song featuring soloists Josh Zagare, Prisha Gudimella, and percussionist Julian DiMaggio
Sing My Child by Sarah Quartel featuring soloists Leah Rader, Sebastian Krihak, and percussionist Julian DiMaggio.
You Will be Found by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, featuring soloists Maddie Van Dyk, Anna Gakalo, and Julianne Maloney.
Shine on Me by Rollo Dilworth - BRHS and Intermediate sing-along
Still, I Rise by Rosephanye Powell, featuring soloists Shravani Raj, Raziel Zuniga, Mars Springsteel, and Sanya Kalbag
Ms. Rotondi, in her role that she began at the start of the school year as the Director of Choirs for Bridgewater-Raritan High School, enjoyed the trip and seeing old friends.
“This is our annual recruiting performance. This event was started in 2015 in an effort to connect with a large number of singers at the intermediate level. It is our hope that the hundreds of students who choose to sing in the 5-6th grade choruses will continue on through middle and high school, and beyond,” Ms. Rotondi explained.
Ms. Rotondi began at Eisenhower in 2015 and later moved to the high school for the 2020-2021 school year before she returned to Eisenhower as the Choir Director in 2021. In May, She was named the Director of Choirs at Bridgewater-Raritan High School to replace Dr. John Wilson, who moved on to the State University of New York at New Paltz.
“It was wonderful to be back in the gymnasiums where I've spent many happy hours in performance with young singers,” Ms. Rotondi said. “A highlight of coming to BRHS has been reconnecting with former students, and I'm glad I still have several more years of students coming up that I've taught before!
Ms. Rotondi continued to share her pleasant thoughts about the choir assemblies at Eisenhower and Hillside.
“Our high school singers began their performance interspersed with the younger students where they had some time to chat before the singing began. Then we presented a set of music all on themes of unity and perseverance,” she stated. “Having worked at the intermediate level for many years, I know how dedicated the intermediate faculty and administration are to character education. It was nice to plan repertoire to complement the good work that is happening in grades 5-6 to encourage students' good behavior.
The choir directors, Christine Nevill at Eisenhower and Tony Sgro at Hillside, were both thrilled with the performances by the high school students.
“It was truly special to see the high school students singing with and encouraging the next generation of BRHS choristers. It was amazing to see the Eagles of Eisenhower participate and enjoy the concert this morning,” Ms. Nevill said.
"Our Hillside community united for the first time this year in a celebration of music, singing, and togetherness. The high school choir members showcased their incredible talent with a beautiful performance. I'm proud of the musicians in our community and was especially pleased to reconnect with students who once sang in my fifth and sixth-grade choirs." Mr. Sgro reflected.