DENNISVILLE –– An eighth-grade student at Dennis Township Middle School, through a lot of hard work and determination, made the prestigious South Jersey Junior High Chorus.
Seth Ostrander, like many typical 13 year olds, loves sports, computers and video games, but unlike many teenagers, he struggles with autism.
Unable to speak until he was five, Seth’s mom, Christie Ostrander, credits his love of music in part with helping him develop into a “functioning and enjoyable young man.”
“As far as music goes, he sings whatever they put in front of him,” Christie told the Herald. “He absolutely loves it.”
Seth also plays horns in the school band.
According to Michael Doheny, president of the South Jersey Choral Directors Association (SJCDA), which runs the chorus, only half of the 340 students from throughout the region that auditioned for the chorus made it.
That makes Seth’s accomplishment even greater, Christie said.
“We had to go to auditions at Woodstown High School and there were hundreds of kids there,” she said. “When we found out he made it, we were so excited. Seth said it was his chance to become famous.”
If he does become famous, Christie hopes he takes her along for the ride.
Being that Dennis Township is a smaller school, Seth’s choir teacher Marcia Dunlap said she likes to involve motivated students in the South Jersey Chorus to give them an opportunity to perform in a larger program.
“And Seth is very motivated,” she said. “He loves to sing.”
She asked Seth how his first rehearsal was. “It was awesome,” he told her.
Dunlap said Seth’s condition sometimes causes difficulties, but it’s worth it.
“Of course his condition presents challenges, but Seth is a sweet, affectionate soul and he responds very well to direction,” she said. “I’ve seen great improvement in him through the years.”
She said the arts in general are a great way for kids like Seth to grow and communicate.
According to its mission statement, SJCDA strives to foster and promote choral singing in order to provide artistic and aesthetic experiences for students, as well as the intelligent understanding of all types of choral music. The organization serves several hundred students each year in the pursuit of musical excellence.
When asked if other students with disabilities have been part of the chorus, Doheny said, “We have had many students facing a wide array of challenges participate in all levels of our SJCDA choral festivals over the past 50 years and we are happy to serve them.”
Seth will be rehearsing with the chorus throughout December and January in preparation for its 50th annual chorus festival at Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees on Feb. 2 – 3.
Because music has helped so much in her son’s development, as a member of the township Board of Education, Christie fights to make sure schools continue to have music programs.
“With autism, music is something that Seth is really able to excel in,” Christie said. “Hopefully schools will never loose programs like that.”
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
