Coaster Photo by Chanta L. Jackson
The Scarlet Sound a capella choir of Neptune just before they left for New York City.
Coaster Photo by Chanta L. Jackson
Neptune High School Principal Thomas Decker takes selfie with Scarlet Sound in New York City.
By CHANTA L. JACKSON
The yellow school bus hummed with anticipation this week as Neptune High School’s Scarlet Sound a capella choir rolled into New York City, their excitement practically steaming up the windows. Just hours earlier, they’d been celebrated with a rousing “clap out” by their entire school community—marching band blaring, cheerleaders and families cheering—marking the beginning of an extraordinary adventure.
The choir was selected out of 72 competitors to perform during the Dec. 4 NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” broadcast.
Emerging from Times Square’s twinkling holiday pop-up shops, the 25 students clutched backpacks and a cup of steaming hot cocoa here and there with their eyes wide with the magic of the moment.
Backstage at NBC4, the real magic began. Kelly Clarkson herself appeared, offering words of encouragement that would be etched in these teenagers’ memories forever. “She actually talked to us!” whispered one wide-eyed student, the excitement palpable.
When Scarlet Sound took the stage, something extraordinary happened. Their rendition of “Deck the Halls” wasn’t just a performance—it was a declaration. Synchronized movements, perfect harmonies, and unexpected beatboxing transformed the traditional carol into something entirely new. The unsuspecting audience erupted with a host of cellphones recording and cameras flashing—capturing a moment of pure, unfiltered joy.
Under the direction of . Erin Radvanski—affectionately known as Ms. Rad—these young artists weren’t just singing. They were creating a living, breathing postcard of holiday magic, right in the heart of New York City.
For Neptune’s Scarlet Sound, this was more than a performance. It was a dream realized, a moment of collective triumph that would be remembered long after the last note faded into the crisp December air in the city where dreams are made of. Oh, what a night!
Choir participants are: Anna Barbella, Clifton Boyd, Zackary Closius, Hailey Clyburn, Kaitlyn Corpuz, Sierra Corpuz, Scarlett Davis, Lila DiSpigna, Maggie Dy, Luke Estaura, McKenna Faulhaber, Gianna Fernandez, Gianna Fleurjuste, Jaelyn Jones, Naomi Lavarin, Jha’nae LeGrande, Cai (Alezandra) Maneclang, Molly McGovern, Jayden Mora, Saami Odejobi, Jilianfaith Odon, Elizabeth Podlaski, Emani Taylor, Shayne Walker and Elizabeth Wisner.
