On October 31, Edison High’s Choir program was invited to the 2025 Invitational High School Choral Fest at Montclair State University. The Choral Fest, a state-level honor, brings together outstanding high school ensembles from across the state to perform in a collegiate setting and receive expert feedback.

While EHS’s Chamber Choir had the opportunity to perform for their third year, this year marked a meaningful shift as the Acapella Choir and Concert Choir joined the trip for the first time, giving new singers a chance to experience the event’s high-level musical environment. At the event, students watched the Montclair University Singers and other special performances, which were the highlights of the day for Choir Director Mr. Joshua Lisner.

“Having [Montclair’s faculty] be able to have different approaches to what I am attempting to get the students to do in classes is always refreshing and offers the students a wonderful and new high-quality perspective,” said Lisner.

This year’s performance was presented as a greater challenge than in previous years, as a more advanced repertoire of choral music was selected. Class time and rehearsals shifted dramatically as the performance neared, focus moving to general sound building and note learning to refining expression. However, such preparation paid off.

“I would not have dreamed of approaching this repertoire when I began here at EHS just five years ago,” Lisner said. “This validates that we are on the right path and brings me joy that we are doing what we are striving to do.”

The students echoed Mr. Lisner’s sentiments.

“It was my first time at Montclair, and I learned a lot, such as new techniques to improve the music,” said Mathew Tam ‘28. “It was a very enjoyable experience to have with the guest conductors and special guests.”

Members of the Choir Parent Organization, many of whom served as chaperones, noted there were many difficulties to navigate, but the singers’ enthusiasm made the experience worth it.

“The biggest challenges were making sure everyone arrived at the early (6:15 to 6:30 a.m.) meeting time, getting enough time to warm up, and fighting the rush hour traffic to arrive at Montclair State University on time,” said Ms. Anne Pellizzon, Parent Organization Secretary.

Chamber Choir’s performance featured two contrasting pieces: the serene and resonant “Bring Us, O Lord,” composed by William H. Harris, and the lively and rhythmically charged “Gaudete,” composed by Steven Sametz. Together, the pieces showcased the ensemble’s versatility. Their delivery reflected the weeks of preparation poured into mastering the repertoire, demonstrating musical maturity and a growing confidence in tackling collegiate-level works.

Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities Heather Buchanan provided onstage feedback to every high school after their performances, helping refine sound in front of all the other schools. Her guidance was constructive, giving the Chamber singers a chance to improve while modeling professional musicianship.

Beyond their performance, students had the opportunity to observe other high school choirs from across New Jersey. This aspect of the festival proved especially valuable, offering a window into different musical approaches and tone qualities. The experience of listening broadened their understanding of choral excellence and allowed members to reflect on their artistry.

The Choir also worked directly with Dr. Lori McCann of the Vocal Faculty at MSU in a Vocal Technique Workshop. She emphasized the importance of expressive intention behind every vocal choice, guiding students toward a more unified and open sound. McCann taught breathing exercises and vocal refinement techniques that students can carry into future rehearsals and performances.

“A lot of singers are doing such good work and doing it in their programs, and they come here [to Montclair] and we see what we can do to help,” Dr. McCann said. “ We are a community of choral singers, and today’s events reflected the hard work of all the programs.”

As a final note, Lisner said, “I am both immensely proud of the students and also have a laundry list of about forty things to address to make us even better.”

Building on the insights gained, EHS Choir looks ahead to their next major performance: the winter concert on Tuesday, December 2, at 6:30 p.m. at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church and Broadway Night next February.