Twenty Livingston High School vocalists earned spots in the New Jersey Music Educators Association All-State Chorus this year, a school record, according to the NJ Hills/West Essex Tribune.

The record-setting cohort was part of a broader banner year for LHS musicians, who also earned places in the NJMEA All-State Band, Orchestra, and Jazz ensembles, the Tribune reported. Student instrumentalists placed in top chairs across those groups.

Getting into All-State is a multi-step process. Students must first earn a place in their regional honors ensemble during the school year. From there, they submit recorded auditions during a competitive window. Each candidate also needs endorsement from their school music director, a parent or guardian, and their school principal. The NJMEA reserves the program for what it calls the best qualified vocal students in New Jersey high schools, pairing them with nationally recognized conductors for rehearsals and performances.

The achievement comes in a year when the Livingston Board of Education preserved all music and extracurricular programs in its 2026-2027 budget despite cutting 40 staff positions. The board unanimously approved the spending plan on Tuesday, April 28. Interim Superintendent Daniel Fishbein said the cuts involved "day-to-day business practices," not student programming. The district starts instrumental music instruction in fourth grade and maintains ensemble programs through high school.

All 20 chorus members are scheduled to perform at the NJMEA All-State Mixed Chorus and Orchestra Concert on Sunday, November 15, at 3 p.m. at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. LHS students accepted into the All-State Orchestra will also perform at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Friday, November 6, at 8 p.m.