Testimonials

"My two daughters have been joining the Rise Up Chorus for 4 years. Singing in the Rise Up Chorus is a simple but effective path to give our children an opportunity to also learn to help and care for others through this musical environment that is peaceful and filled with joy and love. Music is a discipline that children require consistent practice and dedication to give them courage to perform when they stand up on the stage and sing in front of strangers. Rise Up Chorus emphasizes everyone is part of the community and my daughters enjoy Christmas caroling very much. They love to sing beautiful carols and they also love to send their blessings to the others while the people in the neighborhood receive their blessings with joy. I believe my daughters will not forget the laughter, the people, the concerts and the summer camp for the rest of their lives. Rise Up chorus not only influences the children's tones but also influences their hearts. Thank you."

"The coaching my child receives at Rise Up is top-notch. The music educators are outstanding. Their passion for music and dedication to their students is clear in all they do. We are truly grateful for their guidance. Thank you for believing in music and for using your gifts to bring music to our children."

"I love that Rise Up is a non-judgemental platform for singers. My daughter has been able to be part of the choir because of her love for singing and not because she beat countless others at an audition. This goes a long way in making Rise Up a place where children are there purely for the joy of singing and to bond over music. I love to see her confidence grow."

"Teen Chorus has helped my child grow in confidence, discipline, and joy. It’s more than just singing—it’s a place where they feel connected and inspired, and that means everything to us as a family. Thank you for everything you do ❤️"

"The Teen Chorus has been instrumental in providing an avenue for teens to continue their musical journey with Rise Up Chorus. The program has been phenomenal, from the choice of music and teaching techniques to the performances and the active involvement of the teens in every step. We also truly value the opportunity for them to groom the younger singers. We look forward to the Teen Chorus continuing for years to come and hope to see these teens perform on grand stages like Carnegie Hall."

"As a parent, I appreciate that Teen Chorus creates a positive community for my daughter and fosters meaningful connections at a time when a strong sense of belonging truly matters."

"The chorus is a huge part of our family life. With my younger daughter in the Youth Chorus and my oldest now in the Teen Chorus and singing there myself, it’s been amazing to share this journey. It’s more than just a class; it’s a community we’ve all grown up in together. It’s more than just a music program to us, it’s a place where I’ve seen my child’s confidence just take off."

"I am beyond impressed not just by the musical education and performance experiences that the Teen Chorus provides, but by the sense of artistic community it manages to create together with the youth and adult choruses. We are proud to be members of this exemplary community-run volunteer organization."

"Matt LaPine and the Rise Up Chorus are doing terrifically important work: bringing music's healing power into an increasingly fractured public square. They are the living embodiment of putting 'unity' back into 'community.' Working with them remains one of the greatest joys of my professional career."

"The Rise Up Chorus, under the direction of Matthew LaPine, presented a passionate and deeply moving performance of my large choral work, The Unarmed Child. I am so grateful for the hard work and intention of every moment and every phrase. Adding the dance troupe, Dance Reflections from Metuchen Dance Centre, brought another layer of emotion I had never experienced before. Thank you, Matthew, and thank you, Rise Up singers. It is beautiful how you embrace your surrounding community while bringing a strong message of standing for common sense gun laws while remembering the children who have been lost to gun violence."

"I loved to see both adults and children singing. I liked it when they danced and smiled. I liked that they did different arrangements of songs we knew. I liked it that the audience was invited to participate."

"It's really a great thing that this community chorus does. And that's the key word. Community."

"My favorite part of Rise Up Chorus...it's definitely the people. All the people involved are so friendly and nice. And now I have this whole family of people who sing together, that I feel ultra connected to."

"The thing that really keeps me coming back and what I like the most about RUC...when I come here, it's really emotionally authentic. It's really sincere. You can really just be yourself."

"Once I'm here, my heart is just bursting with the love of song and my fellow members of Rise Up Chorus. It's a great Friday night and our performances are even greater."

"What makes the group so special is the fact that everyone feels important. Everyone feels like they have a purpose within the ensemble, and it's such a community effort."

"It's such a wonderful community. It doesn't matter whether you're a trained musician, a professional musician, somebody who barely reads music, or doesn't read at all. Everybody is valued equally and encouraged. It's so much fun on a Friday night!"

"They say one of the distinguishing characteristics of a community is a common language. And it's often said that music is a universal language. That is certainly the case with Rise Up Chorus...It is a unique experience and one that really brings to me a sense of community and oneness with everyone around me. It's truly a privilege to be part of Rise Up Chorus."