Teaneck Community Chorus celebrates 25 seasons of inclusivity, diversity with concert
TEANECK — The Teaneck Community Chorus will continue its message of inclusivity by serving up an international menu of food-themed songs at its 25th anniversary "A Place at the Table" concert on May 19.
The show at Teaneck High School will also mark the passing of the baton from Steven Bell, artistic director since 1999, to Teresa-Marie Gotanco, who is currently serving as the group's pianist.
"We have spent the last 25 seasons together forging a strong ensemble, dedicated to representing and celebrating the diversity of Teaneck through our music and community service," Bell said. "I believe we have achieved the goals we set forth in 2000, and I am certain that Teresa will continue to move the choir forward into the future."
Japanese American member Wesley Matsui was among the early participants when the group began organizing in 1998 with the idea that "communal singing could build bridges between the various faith/secular communities in Teaneck." Challenged by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s observation that Sunday is "the most segregated hour in America," the group wanted to find some way to bring its diverse residents together with meaningful songs.
The chorus premiered at First Night 1999. Among their first song choices was "Unchained Melody," in honor of Teaneck resident Al Hibbler, whose 1955 version topped the charts before his involvement in the civil rights movement ended his commercial career.
"At our January concert, our musical attempt at rapprochement was to sing "Hine Ma Tov" in Hebrew and Arabic in response to the tragedy in Gaza," said Matsui, who continues to help choose the group's music. "Our spring concert is more fun and food-oriented. However, the song "Place at the Table" written by Loren Daniels is clearly about inclusion."
Over the years, the group has become a regular participant in a variety of community events: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth celebration, and Baha'i Solidarity Day. The group has performed on behalf of many causes: the YMCA National Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism, Englewood Hospital's Alzheimer's Symposium and the Bergen County Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence.
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The chorus has attracted a number of performers and groups to join its shows. Opera tenor Jon Garrison joined the chorus' 2011 Night at the Opera concert. Sesame Street's Bob McGrath joined the 2015 Forever Young event, and the Pittman Daniels Quartet — including pianist and song-writer Loren Daniels — have repeatedly collaborated with the chorus on jazz-themed projects.
Because Bell was simultaneously serving as director of vocal music at Teaneck High School, the chorus has also sponsored an annual Teaneck Teen Idol competition since 2008. This year's winner will sing Don McClean's 1972 hit "American Pie" to enhance the evening's food theme, which will also include "Food Glorious Food" from "Oliver!", "Abbondanza" from "The Most Happy Fella", and "A Nice Clambake" from "Carousel."
While Gotanco said she is "excited" to be taking charge of the chorus, she also considers the task "daunting."
"Going into the transition, my first thought is, 'What’s next? How do we grow? Who haven’t we reached yet, and how do we do that?'," Gotanco said. "Community is in the name, and so I want to see how we can bridge the gaps within and perhaps even around Teaneck."
Tickets are available at the door for the 3 p.m. concert at Teaneck High School, 100 Elizabeth Ave.: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $5 for students. For more information about the chorus and how to join, visit teaneckcommunitychorus.org.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Teaneck Community Chorus show celebrates 25 years of inclusivity
