A total of 24 students from the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District—the most participants in the state–performed at the 2026 New Jersey Elementary and Junior High All-State Choir Festival on Sunday, May 2.
The 24 All-State Choir students, who attend the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School, Eisenhower Intermediate School, and Hillside Intermediate School, sang during the concert held at the J.P. Case Middle School in Flemington.
According to Tony Sgro, the Choir Director at Hillside, the 2026 All-State audition process included 600-plus applicants from 50-plus schools across New Jersey (the largest pool to date).
After selections were finalized, 253 students were accepted across the three choirs.
“Our district had 24 Bridgewater-Raritan students participate—the highest total of any New Jersey school district at this year’s festival,” Mr. Sro claimed.
Bridgewater-Raritan's All-State students were joined by numerous other All-State pupils from various schools in New Jersey at the concert in Flemington.
Bridgewater-Raritan's students were guided by Gabriele Hingelberg, the Choir Director at the Middle School, Eisenhower Choir Directors Madison Kaminsky and Christine Neville and Hillside Choir Directors Mr. Sgro and Danielle Kida.
Mr. Sgro revealed the prestige of the All-State Choir designation.
“All-State Choir is one of the highest honors available to young singers in New Jersey. Students earn selection through a rigorous audition process that evaluates musicianship, preparation, and vocal skill. Once selected, singers rehearse alongside talented students from across the state and perform under the direction of distinguished conductors and clinicians,” Mr. Sgro explained.
He reported on the activities during the New Jersey Elementary and Junior High All-State Choir Festival on May 2.
” This year, our students had the opportunity to work with Magdalena Delgado, the conductor of the New Jersey Elementary All-State Choir. I had the privilege of spending time with Ms. Delgado on festival day, including driving her from the hotel to the performance site,” he said.
Mr. Sgro spoke about the highly regarded Ms. Delgado.
“She was born in the Dominican Republic and is the artistic director of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Choir. Ms. Delgado brought a powerful blend of musical excellence and lived experience to her work with students. Her unique perspective and leadership helped make the festival an especially meaningful learning experience for our singers.”
Mr. Sgro continued to share the performances on May 2.
“Throughout the day, it was inspiring to watch our students grow, not only musically, but socially. They connected with peers from other schools, navigated a professional rehearsal environment, and ultimately made beautiful music together. By the time the concert began, they weren’t just representing Bridgewater-Raritan, they were part of a statewide community of young musicians working toward a shared artistic goal. One student summed it up perfectly during the hallway transitions: “I love this day because it’s like being in school but having music classes all day.”
Mr. Sgro added.
“We are incredibly proud of our All-State singers for their dedication, hard work, and positive representation of our schools and community.”
The 2026 Bridgewater-Raritan New Jersey All-State Choir Participants. Teachers are listed below the school.
Junior High All-State SSA (Grades 7–9)
Ms. Gabriele Hingelberg, BRMS
Kriya Venkatesan (Soprano 1)
Ava Bossotti (Soprano 2)
Ira Singh (Alto)
Lucas Wong (Alto)
Junior High All-State SATB (Grades 7–9)
Ms. Gabriele Hingelberg, BRMS
Riya Singh (Soprano 2)
Ishan Nandi (Tenor)
Sahishn Bangaru (Tenor)
Onew Park (Bass)
Elementary All-State SSA (Grades 4–6)
Ms. Danielle Kida, Hillside
Ms. Maddy Kaminsky, Eisenhower
Ms. Christine Neville, Eisenhower
Mr. Anthony Sgro, Hillside
Treble 1
Mika Alvarez
Amanda Gao
Paul Mellejor
Treble 2
Jesse Byun
Matthew Castillo
Lilah Chapman Heisler
Ethan Cherrez
Kavya Shahane
Aayushi Sharma
Halina Zugaj
Treble 3
Janie Bui
Pahi Chakot
Emmanuella Moench
Rishav Mukherjee
Rhea Rawat
Evan Snyder