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“It is a musical oasis here,” said Matthew Tracey, who heads the high school's music department and directs the band. “We’re one of the smallest high schools with 430 students, but 60 percent of them are in band or chorus."
Thirty-six high schools participated in the audition process, with 52 students of those auditioning from Ridgefield. The group will make up 20 percent of the 200-member chorus.
“If there is a male chorus director, that usually means that there is a stronger male presence,” said choral director Tom Voorhis, who is also the president-elect of the Bergen County Chorus. “But we are split fairly evenly with the ratio this year."
The chorus will perform in a concert during the second week in January and also showcase music in a gala concert with the Bergen County Band.
Those who auditioned are scored by a committee of teachers from throughout the county. They are judged on sight reading, scales, and learned material. Two dozen or so students are selected for their appropriate vocal section.
The Bergen County Band starts its audition process in December. So do middle school students, all of whom are interested in participating in their own prestigious county performances and festivals.
“The students have worked harder than they ever had before," Voorhis said.
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