What's happening: Sixteen Smith Middle School students auditioned for the prestigious Bergen County Middle School Chorus in mid-October with outstanding results. Twelve of the 16 students were accepted and recently participated in the concert held at Ramsey High School on November 24.
Why it matters: The esteemed Bergen County Middle School Chorus is part of a competitive music program that offers exceptional students the opportunity to develop their musical abilities alongside peers who share their passion for vocal performance. The program serves as a stepping stone for young vocalists, often leading to participation in regional and state honors choirs, and laying the groundwork for future musical achievements.
A Portrait of Resilience
One of the students selected from Smith was 8th grader Luca Germershausen. Her story is more than just a tale of musical talent—it's a powerful lesson in perseverance.
After facing disappointment during a 2023 audition, Luca didn't let that setback define her. Instead, she chose to transform that moment of rejection into motivation, and this year, she earned the overall highest score in the soprano category for the entire county!
What they’re saying: "I almost didn't try out again," Luca explained. "But then I realized how much I love singing. I decided I was going to work hard and prove to myself that I could improve." -Luca Germershausen, Smith Middle School 8th Grader
Looking ahead, Luca has her sights set on high school. Her dreams of continuing in chorus and hopes to one day make Ram Jams—a goal that seems well within reach, given her remarkable resilience and passion.
Congratulations to all of our students for completing this remarkable accomplishment. 🎉