Why Music is Important

October 17, 2023

By Peter Bialkowski

Music is something that is universal - it never stops. It brings people together in times of joy, pain, and everything in between. Being so close to the music hub of the country, New York City, New Jersey has plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the music scene. Alexandra Thomas, a soprano member of the Voices Chorale of New Jersey, has used her love for music to create a dream career path.

Alexandra was born and raised in Pennsylvania, where she moved to attend Westminster Choir College of Rider University. She plans to graduate with her Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance this December.

While at Westminster, Alexandra’s coach and accompanist recommended she join the Voices Chorale in 2022.

“It's been quite nice,” she says. “They are a great group filled with passionate musicians.”

Voices Chorale puts on two concerts a year; one in the winter and the other in the spring. They work with programs like Music Together and the Young Composers Project, which gives musicians a chance to create music and learn about different genres.

“It’s really cool to be a part of it. We try to draw from the community,” Alexandra says. “We love to inspire them with music.”

For Alexandra, music is important for so many reasons. It’s poetry and is a vessel for how people see the world.

“It is a part of my life that brings me so much joy and helps me grow as a person to learn about the ‘music condition,’” she says.

Although she hasn’t lived in Lawrenceville for long, Alexandra already feels at home. Her favorite spots include the Gingered Peach and the antique stores, where she’s built relationships with many residents. Her “home away from home,” Alexandra loves the small-town feel of Lawrenceville because of the community.

“It has a small-town feel without being so small,” she says. I find it easy to go into shops and have a conversation with anyone. Everyone around is really kind.”

Alexandra is starting her third season with Voices Chorale as a Chorale Scholar. This is an educational position that challenges her to act as a pseudo-section leader. She focuses on extra help for the other members and can lead warm-ups before rehearsals. Her goal is to share what she’s learned about music with others who are passionate about choir.

After completing her Bachelor’s degree, Alexandra’s goal is to become a professional opera singer. She plans to audition for Master’s programs in Vocal Performance. You can find her voice featured on two Westminster CD recordings and the Voices Chorale of New Jersey website in select concerts. The Westminster Williamson Voices is a Grammy-nominated group, and she was even featured as a soloist on the track "A Scattered Light in Winter.”

The Voices Chorale of New Jersey had auditions in September, but you can always reach out to get involved in the next semester. They had their “Summer Sing,” to celebrate and prepare for the upcoming fall concert, and began rehearsals last month.

“We are always looking for people. I’ve made a lot of friends,” says Alexandra. “If you're passionate about it, you can do it!”

You can get involved with Voices Chorale of New Jersey by visiting their website, or see Alexandra perform with the rest of the group for the Winter Holiday Concert on December 9th at Trinity Church.