Back in the 1900s, the group was known as The Wyckoff Male Chorus. They formed in 1948 and kept the original name until their popularity required they rename themselves The North Jersey Male Chorus to reflect their widening demographics. It was not until 1994 that women were invited to join, and now in the 21st century they’ve added the North Jersey Chorus Kids. ( see a video clip at bottom of this article)
The kids who performed two songs during the recent North Jersey Chorus concert are truer to the geographic roots of the chorus as they come predominately from Oakland, Wyckoff and Franklin Lakes. This is the third year that the chorus has incorporated children into their concerts which are held twice a year.
Christine Vella Lovette, the chorus director, looks to find songs that fit the theme, the performers and the audience, and is always right on target. This year the kids sang Away in the Manager which is often one of the first hymns taught to young children. The song was first published for a Sunday school book in 1885 with two verses and has evolved to include more verses, and has variations that are popular in both America and Europe.
The kids also performed I’m Gettin’ Nuttin’ for Christmas which was a one hit wonder for Ricky Zahnd and the Blue Jeaners back in 1955. The song has since been recorded by a host of serious singers as well as comedians, and was hit at the packed concert. -(The front rows seen in this video are kept empty so they can get a clean recording which the chorus sells on their website http://northjerseychorus.org/)
The annual spring concert of the North Jersey Chorus will be held in May 2010 at Van Riper Ellis Broadway Church. In the Spring of 2010, The North Jersey Chorus will perform special music at a service in honor of the 300th Anniversary of Ponds Reformed Church, Oakland, NJ of which Howard Lamberson, a long-standing chorus bass, and his family are active members.