<p><strong><span>Overview</span></strong></p><p><span>Join us for a fun, all-ages, community singing experience where families, neighbors, and music-lovers come together to sing pop songs!</span></p><p><span>A welcoming, non-intimidating singing experience for families to come together and experience the magic of singing in a choir. </span><strong><span>Please be sure to get a ticket for each attendee in your group!</span></strong></p><p><span>This program, </span><em><span>“Just the Way You Are,”</span></em><span> is inspired by Mister Rogers and his song </span><em><span>“I Like You As You Are.”</span></em><span> It features three short pop songs celebrating acceptance of ourselves and the people in our community — all learned in one hour.</span></p><ul><li><p><span>“True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper</span></p></li><li><p><span>“Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel</span></p></li><li><p><span>“Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars</span></p></li></ul><p><span>No prior singing experience is needed — just come ready to listen, learn, and have fun!</span></p><p><strong><span>How It Works</span></strong><span><br>Rather than being divided by age or voice type, singers choose Part 1, 2, or 3 — each part can be sung in any octave, so everyone can find what feels most comfortable.</span></p><p><span>Learn a part in seconds at the event, or choose a part to rehearse ahead of time with the practice tracks — a fun activity for the family!</span></p><p><span>We love to feature parents and their children in short solo moments throughout the program. Be sure to RSVP in advance to be notified when these opportunities become available.</span></p><p><strong><span>A Screen-Free Singing Experience</span></strong><span><br>Instead of staring at iPads or projectors, everyone receives a simple lyric sheet (with optional sheet music) and learns the music together by ear — creating a more connected, present, and joyful experience.</span></p><p><span>--</span></p><p><strong><span>Hosted at Westrick Music Academy</span></strong><span><br>Westrick Music Academy (Home of the Princeton Girlchoir & Princeton Boychoir) empowers young singers through exceptional choral training, meaningful performance opportunities, and a vibrant, supportive community. With ensembles for grades 1–12, singers develop their voices, confidence, and love of music. </span><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://westrickmusic.org/auditions/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaePG8QAbh_1gne1VALdyC-VGC10EPzCVI0PAyONYH3T6PKV7fz49McmoNHKrA_aem_zzmR9IyZKXU3E4g3cufiWw"><strong><span><u>Sing with us today</u></span></strong></a><span> and become part of a program where your voice truly matters.</span></p><p><strong><span>Directed by Natalie Cardillo</span></strong><span><br>Natalie Cardillo is a music educator, vocal arranger, and choral director with a Bachelor of Music Education in Voice from the University of Delaware. She has led award-winning choir and a cappella programs at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels, and is passionate about creating musical experiences that are joyful, accessible, and rooted in human connection.</span></p><p><span>She performs with the Delaware Choral Scholars, currently ranked #1 in the world on Interkultur. The ensemble recently won the Tolosa International Choral Contest (Spain, 2025) and is preparing for the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing (Slovenia, 2026). She is also a former director of the professional all-female a cappella group Cape Harmony.</span></p>
