Finding Your Voice … Learning to Express Yourself

Mendham Township, NEW JERSEY (December 21, 2022) – The Mendham Township Elementary School (MTES) strives to provide students with access to a well-rounded and very robust curriculum, including many activities beyond academia. The extensive musical program at the Mendham Township School District includes the Tiger Chorus at MTES. This chorus is open to third- and fourth-grade students wishing to sing and learn how to sing as an ensemble. Being a member of the Tiger Chorus requires students to be able to sing in unison and they must also learn to perform harmonies and to sing in parts.

Leading the Tiger Chorus is Ms. Lauren Johnson, MTES Music Teacher. Ms. Johnson’s passion is to inspire success, growth, enjoyment, and empowerment within her students. Starting from the beginning of each school year, Ms. Johnson seeks to instill these values in her students in each of her musical education sessions. This is very evident as she works with the Tiger Chorus to prepare for their annual Winter Concert.

Since September 12 of this year, Ms. Johnson and her students in the Tiger Chorus have been rehearsing diligently and with such enthusiasm for their Winter Concert which concludes the calendar year by welcoming in the holidays with seasonal melodies. The students perform a selection of songs for their families, friends, and the extended Mendham Township community, showcasing their newly acquired capabilities for singing as a chorus and inviting everyone to participate in the winter-themed music. It should be noted that students in the Tiger Chorus participate in rehearsals in addition to their regular school day.

The students learn not only to sing as a group, but they tackle new challenges such as singing in parts and creating a more rounded and richer sound by singing in harmony. As Ms. Johnson explains, “Learning to sing in parts is one of the most important steps towards high level, professional singing. The MTES Tiger Chorus gives this experience to young singers each time they rehearse together.” It is clear that these students see participation in the chorus as a collaborative effort. They enjoy the empowerment they feel as they identify and master different rhythms, lyric comprehension, and expression. Their performances clearly demonstrate their engagement with the music.

This year, the MTES Winter Themed Concert took place on December 20, 2022. Mr. Michal Ferenc, Assistant Principal of MTES, congratulated the Tiger Chorus and Ms. Johnson for their hard work and their impressive portfolio of songs for the Winter Concert. “The progression of their vocal technique and performance etiquette since the beginning of the school year is amazing and a true testament to the hard work that Ms. Johnson and the students have put into this concert,” said Mr. Ferenc. “We look forward to hearing more from the Tiger Chorus as the school year continues.”