Bridgewater-Raritan Students Earn All-State Choir Honors

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District announced that 24 students from three of its schools have received All-State recognition for their choral talents.

Students from Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School, Eisenhower Intermediate School, and Hillside Intermediate School were selected for the New Jersey All-State Choirs.

Tony Sgro, the Hillside Choral Director, stated that this recognition is considered one of the highest honors available to young singers in New Jersey.

He explained that All-State Choir members are chosen through a competitive audition process. This process evaluates musical accuracy, tone quality, range, and musicianship.

"Students prepare and perform audition material independently, demonstrating not only exceptional talent but also dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the musical craft," stated Sgro.

He added that the students will represent Bridgewater-Raritan at the Junior High and Elementary All-State Choir Festival on Saturday, May 2, at J.P. Case Middle School in Flemington.

He confirmed that selected singers from across the state will gather for intensive rehearsals led by conductors. These rehearsals will lead to festival performances celebrating excellence in choral music.

Sgro also noted that All-State participation reflects musical talent and personal growth.

Students balance school work, rehearsals, and independent practice while facing a demanding audition process, Sgro said.

He added they gain the experience of collaborating with top young musicians from across New Jersey. This opportunity often becomes a defining moment in their musical journey.

"We congratulate each of these outstanding singers and thank their families for supporting their hard work. Our community is proud to see Bridgewater-Raritan students represented so strongly at the state level," stated Sgro.

The Bridgewater-Raritan students who received All-State honors:

Junior High All-State SSA (Grades 7–9) (All attend the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School)

• Kriya Venkatesan (Soprano 1)
• Ava Bossotti (Soprano 2)
• Ira Singh (Alto)
• Lucas Wong (Alto)
• Junior High All-State SATB (Grades 7–9)
• Riya Singh (Soprano 2)
• Ishan Nandi (Tenor)
• Sahishn Bangaru (Tenor)
• Onew Park (Bass)

Elementary All-State SSA (Grades 4–6)

Treble 1

• Mika Alvarez, Hillside Intermediate School
• Amanda Gao, Eisenhower Intermediate School
• Paul Mellejor, Hillside Intermediate School

Treble 2

• Jesse Byun, Hillside Intermediate School
• Matthew Castillo, Hillside Intermediate School
• Lilah Chapman Heisler, Hillside Intermediate School
• Ethan Cherrez, Hillside Intermediate School
• Kavya Shahane, Hillside Intermediate School
• Aayushi Sharma, Hillside Intermediate School
• Halina Zugaj, Hillside Intermediate School

Treble 3

• Janie Bui, Eisenhower Intermediate School
• Pahi Chakot, Eisenhower Intermediate School
• Emmanuella Moench, Hillside Intermediate School
• Rishav Mukherjee, Hillside Intermediate School
• Rhea Rawat, Hillside Intermediate School
• Evan Snyder, Hillside Intermediate School