Respecting Differences

Nick Scafuto, a sophomore Music Education major from Martinsville, New Jersey, was among the members of Montclair State’s choirs who made a challenging and inspirational work soar.
Nick Scafuto, a sophomore Music Education major from Martinsville, New Jersey, was among the members of Montclair State’s choirs who made a challenging and inspirational work soar.

In performances of Considering Matthew Shepard, the passion of Montclair State’s choirs were on full display inside Alexander Kasser Theater, where the concert’s theme – #EraseHate – became an extraordinary community-wide movement.

Professor Heather Buchanan, director of choral activities, conducted 180 featured performers with sensitivity, tuned to the wide swings of emotions – fear and anger, tolerance and forgiveness – the piece evoked.

In the six months leading up to the December performances, the students channeled the emotions the music elicits – both inside and outside the rehearsal space.

“There’s a convergence of energy here,” says Sarah Peszka, a senior Music Education major from Philadelphia. “It’s turned everything upside down.”

Read the full story at the News Center.