The New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) will showcase performances by students during the 2019 Workshop Conference on Oct. 22 and Oct. 23 at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
In the spring, the NJSBA put out a call for student performances and received many impressive entries from public schools throughout the state. Please review the Workshop student performance schedule below.
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m., at the entrance area of the Exhibit Hall during the Workshop kickoff ceremony
Penns Grove High School Select Choir
The Penns Grove High School Select Choir is an auditioned ensemble comprised of the school’s finest singers. The group performs a variety of music as part of its repertoire including barbershop, pop, a cappella, and classical styles. The small ensemble focuses on developing and practicing independent musicianship while working and growing with peers. Former members of the PGHS Select Choir have gone on to pursue music degrees at Rowan University, University of Delaware, Rutgers University, Elizabethtown College, and more.
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 1 p.m., at the County Café
Matawan Regional High School Jazz Band
The jazz program at Matawan Regional High School is made up of select performing students. This “by audition” organization focuses on solo and ensemble opportunities for vocalists and instrumentalists who wish to prepare popular music at a high level. The jazz ensemble performs at numerous school district events, private functions, and community happenings throughout the year. The jazz band has received many district and regional awards. The group is honored to represent the Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District and its communities in its appearances throughout New Jersey.
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2 p.m., Exhibit Floor Theater (before a scheduled speech by the Commissioner of Education)
Bayonne High School Drama Society
Bayonne High School Drama Society’s musical theater division is directed by Broadway veteran Lori Alexander. The award-winning program has repeatedly taken top honors and represented Hudson County at the N.J. State Teen Arts Festival. Students are encouraged to appreciate theater not only as entertainment, but also for its social, historical and cultural effect on society. The program offers students the opportunity to engage in the theater arts, a nationally and state recognized core content area, while inviting any and all interested young performers into a supportive and nurturing environment. The BHS Drama Society is home to the International Thespian Society Troupe 5093. Alumni have gone on to notable theater programs such as Fordham University, George Mason University, Montclair State University, Rutgers University, James Madison University, Monmouth University, and Drew University.
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m., at the entrance area of the Exhibit Floor
Columbia High School Virtuosi Ensemble
The Columbia High School Virtuosi Ensemble is a group of eleven musicians with a passion for chamber music. Each member was chosen by a combination of an audition and the quality work they have done in other orchestral ensembles. The students choose their own repertoire and run their own rehearsals. They have been coached by the American String Quartet, The Lark String Quartet, Rosalind Erwin from the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, and Michael Adelson of the NY Philharmonic. They have performed in numerous chamber concerts, including the Mostly Music Chamber Concerts.
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m., Exhibit Floor Theater (before Ian Hockley’s Keynote Address)
Camden City School District Creative Arts Concert Choir
The concert choir, from the Creative Arts Morgan Village Academy in the Camden City school district, has won awards both nationally and internationally. The group was formed when the Creative Arts Morgan Village Academy first started in 2001, and has been singing and traveling ever since. Under the direction of Benita Farmer and Freddy Pratt, Creative Arts alums, the legacy of musical excellence continues. They sing with grace, poise and hope that brighter days are ahead.
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 12 p.m., at the County Café
Jefferson Township High School A Cappella Ensemble
The Jefferson Township High School a cappella ensemble, Elevate, is a mixed voice contemporary a cappella ensemble in its second year. Elevate aims to bring all genres of music to life while lifting the spirits of their audiences. Recent performances include the 2019 ICHSA Quarterfinal in Toms River, and the Highlands A Cappella Festival this past May.
About Workshop 2019
Workshop 2019 is the largest professional development event for school leaders in New Jersey. This year’s conference will take place on Monday, Oct. 21 through Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
The conference will feature more than 250 training programs and has something for every member of the school district team. Review the full Workshop 2019 schedule.
Group Registration Team members can stay for one day or all four days. District staff members not included on your census may be registered for Workshop. The group rate includes up to 20 team members for only $1,700. The individual member rate is $375 per person. Workshop registration must be handled by the business administrator.
Hotel and Travel The New Jersey School Boards Association, in collaboration with AC Central, contracts with a number of Atlantic City hotels to offer discounted pricing on hotel rooms for Workshop. All housing reservations are being handled by AC Central. Lodging reservations can be made online, but only by the school business administrator. The last day to pay for/make hotel reservations is Sept. 20, 2019.
To learn more about Workshop 2019, visit workshop.njsba.org.