The Beginning of a New Tradition? Building Toward an NPS All-City Choir

Students’ melodic voices from across the city filled the Norwalk High School auditorium in early February, coming together as one to create beautiful music like never before.

For one of the first times, choir students from across the district gathered for what organizers hope will become an annual All-City Choir event, joining the ranks of the district’s beloved All-City Strings Festival and band festivals.

Steven Oliveri, choir director at Norwalk High School, invited his colleagues from Brien McMahon High School and the district’s middle schools to take part in the inaugural experience.

“It’s been really fun so far,” Oliveri said. “We want everyone in the district to see it, a full choir.”

Years in the Making

An event like this had been discussed for at least five years. This winter, logistics and timing finally aligned to make it a reality.

The school-day event brought together Chamber Singers from Brien McMahon High School;
Chamber Singers, Treble Choir, and Advanced Choir from Norwalk High School; and 8th grade choir members from Concord Magnet School, Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, Roton Middle School, and West Rocks Middle School.

Their shared goal: to learn and perform one piece together by the end of the day, “Songs for the People.”

The selected piece was intentionally chosen to be accessible to every student, regardless of skill level, ensuring that all participants could perform with a high level of confidence and pride.

A Day of Music and Connection

Before the culminating performance, students participated in vocal warm-ups, sectionals, and full-ensemble rehearsals. In between practices, they shared pizza for lunch and enjoyed time to connect through games and conversation.

Beyond refining their vocal skills, the event provided meaningful opportunities for collaboration and mentorship. Eighth graders worked closely with high school choir directors Steven Oliveri and Lisa Murray of Brien McMahon High School. They also sang alongside high school students and met peers from other middle schools, many of whom they may join in choir next year.

Recognizing that freshman year can feel overwhelming, Oliveri hopes experiences like this help ease that transition.

“We only have one section of freshman choir, so you’re guaranteed to have at least one class with your friends,” Oliveri said.

Choir directors 

Collaboration Beyond the Stage

While the day centered on student voices, it also strengthened professional collaboration among music educators. Oliveri noted how valuable it was to work alongside colleagues especially those from across town with whom he doesn’t always have opportunities to collaborate.

Oliveri and Murray were joined by their middle school counterparts: Rachael Carson (Concord Magnet School), Margaret Ferrari (Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy), Pavlina Schriel (Roton Middle School) and Kaitlyn Genovese (West Rocks Middle School).

This first All-City Choir gathering was more than a performance. It was a celebration of unity, mentorship, and the power of music to bring a community together.

As the final notes of “Songs for the People” echoed through the auditorium, it was clear this was just the beginning.

We look forward to seeing this event grow in the years ahead and to once again hearing our students’ beautiful voices from across the district come together to perform for our community.