BY CAMILLE JOHNSON
On February 25, Old Bridge Township Public Schools held the District Visual and Vocal Arts Festival at Old Bridge High School. The event featured musical performances from elementary, middle, and high school students in the auditorium and various art displays decorating the hallways.
The night began with a performance from elementary students from around the district, singing “We Know the Way” from the 2016 film, Moana. Students from all twelve elementary schools participated in the performances, along with their music teachers. “The music teachers often discuss which songs they will be performing and begin their rehearsals early, so students have time to practice and perfect prior to the performance,” said Anahita Keiller, Director of Arts and Culture for Old Bridge Township Public Schools.
Following this performance, the cast of Matilda Jr from Jonas Salk Middle School sang a selection from their show, “When I Grow Up,” and the cast of High School Musical Jr from Carl Sandburg Middle School sang “We’re All in This Together.” “We learned this one first to be able to present it at the end of January pep rally and for the Arts festival,” noted Kimberly Moscariello, music teacher and director of Sandburg’s musical.
The Old Bridge High School Choir also performed at the event, singing “Seize the Day” from Broadway musical Newsies, and “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” an acapella song performed at the conclusion of their concerts. “We all practiced the songs in class, and, a few days before, we had a full choir rehearsal to make sure we sounded great all together,” said Leah Barsi, a freshman in the choir.
Performers from all district schools then collaborated to perform “Happily Ever After,” featuring elementary and high school soloists singing together. Students practiced the song with their respective groups, then gathered at the conclusion of the vocal festival to sing together. “I was so happy we got to work with the younger kids and have them in our performance,” shared Emily Barnhardt, a senior in the choir. “It was such a sweet and enjoyable experience.”
The performance served as a reminder of the importance of community. “It was extremely cool to share a stage with the ones who I had seen graduate from middle school and those who are just coming into middle school,” mentioned Philip Varrial, who plays Troy Bolton in Sandburg’s production of High School Musical Jr.
The visual art displays in the hallways, including drawings, paintings, and ceramics, highlighted the works of students throughout the district. “The visual arts component involves time for students to reflect, create and highlight what is most meaningful to them,” added Keiller.
The event had a great turnout, with families filling the hallways and auditorium in support of the arts. The Old Bridge community’s support of the arts yearly allows the event to happen and remind all about the importance of visual and vocal arts in the district. “Their presence indicates not only that they are proud of their children’s hard work and talents, but that they have trust in the educators who work tirelessly every day to teach and instill a love of the arts in students,” said Keiller. “I’m so proud of the strong relationship that our arts program has developed between parents, community, teachers, and students.”
Posted on March 11, 2026 (Originally written for The Observer)
Photos by Camille Johnson
Knight Life 