The Revival of Choir

Gray Bee Choir is amplifying its voice.  Last spring, a small vocal ensemble of Girls and Boys Prep Division students wowed the St. Benedict’s Prep community at the annual Scholarship Gala. Since then, the growing Choir program has delivered acapella performances at Convocation, a soul stirring rendition of “Seasons of Love” from RENT recorded in St. Mary’s Church, and area performances including a collaboration with Rutgers Newark Chorus.

The revival of vocal programs has long been a goal of Music Teacher Joshua Mauldin, who joined the faculty in 2019. “At some point in Benedict’s history, there was a strong choral program,” he noted. “I want to resurrect that.” Mr. Mauldin currently teaches the Beginning Choir class, directs the extracurricular Advanced Choir, and recently established an activity Chorus in the Middle Division.

Like Drama Guild, Advanced Choir is open to Prep and Middle Division students who demonstrate interest, talent and a commitment to the burgeoning program. The ensemble, which now numbers approximately 20, has attracted new members, including seventh and eighth graders who recently transferred to St. Benedict’s following the temporary closure of Newark Boys Chorus School.

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The longer they sing together, the more cohesive and better the group gets.

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For many students, “Voice is a natural instrument, so they can do Choir with little training and see themselves progress,” Mr. Mauldin explained. Still, Gray Bees blessed with beautiful singing voices have a lot to master in the vocal program. Like how to match pitch, the ability to hear a note and sing it in tune. Read a choral score. And attain a unified sound in four-part arrangements that include soprano, alto, tenor and bass. “We work on these things to achieve a balance and blend to that kids understand the subtleties of singing in a group rather than by themselves,” Mr. Mauldin continued. “The longer they sing together, the more cohesive and better the group gets.”

Surprising Themselves

That much was evident in the recorded rendition of “Seasons of Love,” which featured 17 Prep and Middle Division singers in perfect unison. Prior to the recording, Mr. Mauldin encouraged the ensemble to forgo their music binders. “They were tentative about that, but they performed the song very well, and were even surprised by that.”

As much as Gray Bee singers love to perform, they also describe Choir as a second home and sanctuary. “I was looking for that outlet,” said Felicia Abbass ’26, who discovered a passion for musical theater in second grade when she was cast as Eponine in Les Miserables. “I know I can come here and let go of everything that stresses me out, have fun and try something new.”

A gifted vocalist, Felicia was accepted the highly competitive Pre-Juilliard College program last year. Mr. Mauldin helped prepare her for the audition and Felicia, who is thriving in the Saturday program, continues to work with the Benedict’s music teacher. As student and teacher explained, many Juilliard vocalists also attend the famed Fiorella H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art; time is built into their school day to develop their craft. Felicia brings new arrangements and music theories to review with Mr. Mauldin several times a week.

“I feel more prepared for Saturdays and grounded with his help,” she stated. In turn, Felicia has remained committed to Choir and is delighted by its growth. “People who may have been scared to sing or perform in public are starting to embrace that part of themselves,” she added. “It’s been really great to see.”