Long Valley Opera Singer Joins Prestigious U.S. Army Chorus

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Chelsea Friedlander has spent her young life making her mark.

The Long Valley resident and product of the West Morris Regional School District recently added another item to her resume, completing Army Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, in South Carolina.

Praised for her “confidence and beautiful vocal color,” professional opera singer Friedlander, was granted a prestigious position with the United States Army Chorus. She will be promoted from Specialist to Staff Sergeant on Dec. 7.

The United States Army Chorus was founded in 1956 as the vocal complement to the United States Army Band. The US Army Chorus has consistently maintained a reputation for musical excellence in support of high government and military leadership, as well as inspirational engagement with the American people, throughout its history.

Joining the United States Army Chorus marks the next step in Friedlander's journey, which started at a very young age.

"My grandfather likes to say, before I was walking, I was dancing, and before I was speaking, I was singing," Friedlander previously told Patch. "I remember vividly the production of Oliver! and I was hooked. I saw all the children my age up on stage and I knew I wanted to perform. It was as simple as that. It was my calling."

Friedlander sang in the select and honors choirs at West Morris Central under choral director Vincent Rufino, and was selected for and sang with the NJ Regional Choirs, NJ All-State Choirs, and All-National ACDA Choirs.

Friedlander holds a Bachelor of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music.

"Ever since I was young, I always wanted to be an alum of Manhattan School of Music because I have always looked up to my mother in so many ways. New York City is a fabulous place to study opera and Manhattan School of Music has an extremely prestigious Opera program. You never know what the future holds and in music, it is always important to keep honing your craft," Friedlander said.

Since graduating, she has appeared in numerous operas, operettas, and musical theater shows across the country.

More information on her career can be found at her website, www.chelseafriedlander.com.