Below is a letter submitted to the Bernardsville News on 12-22-14 and published in the print version on 01-08-15.
EDITOR:
My daughters went through the local school system and graduated from Ridge in 1986 and 1989. My wife and I attended almost all of the musical performances at Ridge in those years. I am ashamed to say that in the next 25 years, I attended only two or three.
At one time music played an important role in my life. Over the last decade my hearing declined and so did my ability to appreciate music. I got some new hearing aids this fall. When I saw the notice in this paper for the Ridge choral concert on December 16, I decided to go and test them out.
Before moving on I am happy to report that the aids worked well, and they had excellent conditions and material to work with.
The concert included 23 pieces and broad variety: from traditional carols “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “In dulci jubilo”, and lively versions of “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph”, to songs from Israel and Nigeria, the last led by the stirring beat of a West African djembe drum.
The one who pulled all this together was Choral Director Barbara Retzko, a lady that Ridge has had the good fortune to have on its staff for many years.
The program listed the names of about 170 students. From these were formed six choral groups, ranging in number from eight to a hundred. They performed different parts of the program. I believe all joined together at the end.
In all cases they sang with precision, good tone and balance, and the overall sound was excellent. As one who labored in these vineyards several decades ago, I know that good training by the director and her assistants, plus commitment and hard work by the students, were required for the choral groups to sing this well.
I’m old fashioned. The high point for me was near the end with my favorite “O Holy Night.” Ridge alumni were asked to join the student singers on stage. A young man with a fine baritone voice soloed the middle verse. Over 200 voices combined for the last verse and filled the hall with a glorious sound.
Some members of the audience accepted an invitation to join the chorus on stage for the finale. Then followed a spirited rendition of the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Overall it was an outstanding musical evening.
I have one negative observation. Many of the auditorium seats were empty. In particular, I did not see any of my fellow seniors. So I have a suggestion for them, and for all others in the community.
Watch this paper for notices of future concerts. Then attend them. You will show support for the young men and women who work hard to make good music. And you will enjoy every minute.
Bill Allen