Category Archives: Music

The Newark Academy choral groups “Academy Voices” and “The Women’s Choir” were invited to perform at the Maplewood Men’s Glee Club concert Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018. Choral Director Viraj Lal described it as “a wonderful collaboration with this Community Choir.” … Continue reading →

Mr. Miller, musical wizard of the Maintenance Department, says of David Bowie’s song Heroes, “I love its conflicting messages – uplifting and depressing. Just like real life. Bowie was a master at that.” Mr. Miller describes his original fiddle song, … Continue reading →

Directed by Newark Academy Choral Director Viraj Lal, LumeNAtion competed in the International Championship of HS A cappella (ICHSA) for their 3rd time last year. They placed 1st place at their Quarterfinal and took 4th place at the Mid-Atlantic Semifinal … Continue reading →

Steve Miller (a.k.a. Fiddleboy) of the Maintenance Department pays tribute to 1980s style visuals in this video of his original song, “Without You.”

Violinist Rebecca Slater ’18  earned a 2018 Governor’s Award in Arts Education to be presented at an award ceremony and performance at the Patriots Theatre at the War Memorial in Trenton on May 22, 2018. Rebecca is being recognized for … Continue reading →

Wayfarers & Company recording Crossing the Bar, a poem written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson in 1889. At his request, this poem always appears last in any edition of his poetry. The poem is put to a recent (2012) melody written … Continue reading →

I Don’t Need a Roof “We educators like to encourage our students to step out of their comfort zone. This, like most things in life, is something that is easier said than done. I believe that one can only inspire … Continue reading →

This banjo tune, “Old Forgotten Sweater,” was written by longtime Maintenance Department member Steve Miller. He refurbished this 1890 Stewart banjo, turned it left handed, and used for this delightful recording. Enjoy!  

Jazz trombonist and Chameleon member Reid Christmann ’18 performed as part of the 2017 GRAMMY Big Band, an 18-piece big band comprised of some of the most talented high school jazz musicians in the country. The GRAMMY Foundation paid all expenses for Reid’s trip to Los … Continue reading →

“My favorite version of “Billie Jean” —and, yes, that includes MJ’s original— is performed by Brazilian legend Caetano Veloso, who blends the pop song with his own musical tradition, and then crosses the Atlantic and throws in a pinch of … Continue reading →

Violinist Rebecca Slater ’18  won an audition to Concertmaster in the All Eastern Orchestra. With the highest score among musicians from 11 states, she was First Chair when performing with this elite Orchestra in April in Atlantic City. Previously she … Continue reading →

Alumnus Coleman Hughes ’14, all around musician, jazz trombonist, and former member of the Newark Academy Jazz Band Chameleon, has earned many accolades. He was a three-time participant in the GRAMMY Jazz Ensemble and the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, … Continue reading →

A Few Notes (pun-intended) by Alexis Romay (aka Profe) “Over the years, I’ve listened to many versions of Luiz Bonfá’s “A Day in the Life of a Fool” —also known as “Manhã de Carnaval” and/or the theme/song from the Brazilian … Continue reading →

This original score by Reid Christmann ’18, inspired by his relationship with his brother,  was composed during Ms. Emelianoff’s 2015 June Term course, “Musical Composition as Self Expression,” and performed by the jazz band Chameleon (directed by Mr. Tolentino) at Morning … Continue reading →