James Kennerley, our Artistic Director, grew up singing in a choir in England, and performs as a professional singer, educator, and choir director in New York City. He is Music Director for our sister organization, Ars Musica Chorale, an 80-member chorus based in Ridgewood.
“Singing in a children’s choir is a transformational experience,” James says. “Bergen County has some magnificent musical opportunities for kids but no community children’s chorus. NJSCC is here to change that!” The choir was formed in 2016 and is embarking on its second season.
The choir consists of two ensembles. The Apprentice Choir is open to boys and girls in grades Kindergarten through two, and the Intermediate Choir is open to boys and girls in grades three through six. Both ensembles will feature approximately 40 singers. A third ensemble designed for middle school students is planned for the future. While auditions for the chorus are required, any child with an interest in choral singing is welcome to participate in the enrollment process.
Through extensive training, team building, and mentoring from proven choral and teaching professionals specializing in music education, performance, and vocal coaching, members of the NJSCC will learn to express themselves musically and artistically in a comfortable, nurturing, non-competitive environment. NJSCC strives not only to instill and reinforce the gift of music to its chorus members, but also to enrich their lives through age-appropriate instruction and activities emphasizing choral excellence, community building, leadership, and diversity.
James appreciates the value that school and religious choirs bring to the community and hopes NJSCC members would continue their involvement in these programs. “There are some truly wonderful existing music programs in Bergen County, and we’re working very hard to position ourselves not as a competing choir but a complementary choir,” James explains. “Singers in NJSCC will learn valuable skills that can be transferred to their church and school music programs and to the rest of their lives.”
As the NJSCC begins its second season, what is James Kennerley most looking forward to? “I’m so excited to meet our second class of singers and to help them discover just what they’re capable of. And, in turn, to show the community just what their children can do if given the opportunity, guidance, and encouragement.”
