A Note from Mr. Hine

Dear Chorus Families and Friends,

All the cliches apply: 

'I don't know where the time went,'

'Don't blink or you'll miss it,'

'Time flies when you're having fun.' 

I'm sure I must have said and thought them a hundred times over this year. Yet, here we are on June 7th with one final chance to see and hear the WAMS choir program as it looks and sounds right now before our 8th grade students move on to high school, the 6th and 7th graders become 7th and 8th graders, and a brand new 6th grade joins us from the elementary schools. There is so much to look forward to, in fact, that the memory of a night like tonight could easily get lost in the memory of so many other special occasions, as well as in the hope and excitement for what's to come.

So tonight, I am hoping you can join the students and I in creating that memory, and creating one that will not dissipate so quickly or cluster with others into an aggregate of 'Summer 2023.' Because tonight, there is so much to celebrate! With students singing in eight languages across numerous styles, rehearsing the minutia of tone, phrasing, intonation, diction, articulation, and dynamics, and having worked incredibly hard all year, you are going to see the product of their diligence and your investment of time and energy into their musical pursuits. 

I am thankful for a truly memorable year.  I am thankful, too, for all of the WAMS staff that constantly show their flexibility with pull-outs from classes and encourage students in all areas of their education. A particular thanks to all of my music colleagues--Mr. McGowan, Mrs. Plagge, and Mr. Wong--for all of their support and wisdom. Mrs. Rus, our accompanist, is an invaluable asset to the students of Bernards Township, and I cannot thank her enough for all the time she has spent working with us to make sure the choirs are comfortable and confident. I am also in the debt of Mr. Colin Berry, whose impeccable work you will see and hear tonight as the lighting and sound designer, and has set the stage beautifully. Finally, the administrators at WAMS--Mrs. Hudock, Mr. Sharples, Mr. Lederer, and the many district assistant principals to have spent time here this year--as well as Mr. Fackelman, the Supervisor for Fine and Performing Arts, all play a pivotal role in ensuring concerts of a high quality, and I cannot thank them enough.

Time flies when you're having fun. And September feels like yesterday to me!

Best wishes,

Mr. Hine