Written by: Tyler Selvig
NJYC parent, Amanda Hughes, has been a vitalizing force for her family and the entire choral program here at Wharton Arts. With two incredibly talented children, Norah and Benjamin, she is constantly helping the kids with rehearsals, classes and daily life. Amidst her own busy schedule, she was able to talk with us a bit about her Wharton experience and what has made the program so special to her family. She is an inspiring, considerate, and kind person who always goes above and beyond the call to action.
Q: So, you’ve been a part of the Wharton Arts family for how long now?
A: “Norah (currently in Sola Voce) joined the group 4 years ago when she was in the 4th grade. She auditioned with a Zoom video during Covid and had her first season of rehearsals on Zoom. Ben (currently in Coro Vivo) joined two years ago when he was in third grade.”
Q: That’s wonderful! I realize both Benjamin and Norah are students of NJYC, have they had any chance to perform together at all?
A: “I love when all the choirs come together for one large strong sound. They get to perform together a few times a year. One of my favorite performances was the children’s music concert last year. The kids loved learning the songs and the adults loved the sing along.”
Q: How has Wharton Arts impacted your family?
A: “NJYC and Wharton Arts have given my kids a place to belong. It’s as if they have their own special club where they can come and enjoy music together.”
Q: Talking with Director Trish Joyce, it sounds like you are also one to share time and efforts. Do you feel like you’re able to give back in anyway?
A: “I enjoy being able to chaperone and help at events. I love being with the kids, talking with them and helping them.”
Q: Do you feel like there are many opportunities for parents to connect and share their time?
A: “I enjoy meeting parents at concerts and during special events. I really appreciate connecting with parents during times I have traveled with the group. We are working on many new ways for parents to get more involved.”
Q: Do you have any favorite memories from your time here?
A: “I really love when the students have opportunities for travel. Especially when they can share their talent with others, while learning about the world around them. One of my favorite memories is listening to the girls sing outside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, it was not a formal concert, Mrs. Scarangello just had them gather and sing on the steps. It was dark and rainy but so many people stopped to listen to them sing and I know the girls made people smile. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to travel with the group to Disney World last year. I was able to have fun with the kids and learned more about the performance industry.”
In addition to our interview questions Amanda also added about her personal connections to NJYC:
“As a child I sang at Cedar Hill School and Basking Ridge Presbyterian church with Nancy Knobloch who also helped direct this choir at one point in time. Many of my friends were part of the Somerset Hills Children’s Choir (original name) and I was always familiar with the group. Now my daughter receives the Nancy Childs Knobloch scholarship, which was started to further music education for children.”
Although just vignettes of our conversation, it was delightful to hear about the wonderful memories and times Amanda’s family has had over the past few years. It’s beautiful to see how experiences circle about, and what ways one can give and appreciate throughout art. Looking forward to the future, we hope they envision a long time at Wharton Arts and are so grateful to have them here. Recognized by Founder and Director, Trish Joyce, Amanda is a core example of the importance of giving back through appreciation and presence.
