Six day schools joined together for an evening of music in the sixth annual Inter-School Choral Festival, held May 11 at Frisch High School in Paramus, NJ. Marsha Greenberg Motzen, Music Director at Yavneh Academy, and founder of the event, introduced the concert, telling the students, parents and faculty attending that it was not a competition but collaboration “for the joy of singing.” Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, Yavneh Head of School, said the evening was about “celebrating the power of Jewish music and the impact it has on our souls.”

Participating in the program were the Yavneh Junior Chorus and Concert Choir, directed by Motzen; Moriah choir, directed by Sharon Kinstlinger; SAR choir, directed by Shim Cramer; Ramaz choir, directed by Daniel Henkin and Chaya Glaser; Park East Day School choir, directed by Esther Radzyner, and the Kushner choir directed by Sara Hoizner. Each choir performed two songs, enhanced by piano accompaniment. The selections were a mix of Judaic and secular tunes including Eretz Zvi, HaChofesh Hagadol, Popular, and Seize the Day. A highlight of the concert was Park East Choir’s flutist, fourth grade student Noa Ganz, performing solo and with the singers. The finale brought all the students on stage for an energetic, ruach-filled rendition of Et Rikod.

The Festival began in 2009 when Motzen and her friend Naomi Cohen, then music director at SAR, wanted to have an event that brought students together with music instead of sports. Each year brought the addition of more schools, until it outgrew the space at Park East Day School, where it was held for the last two years. With the growing number of participants, Frisch was approached and graciously agreed to host. Yasher koach to the directors and performers, who worked hard to create a fast-paced, enjoyable evening.

By Bracha Schwartz