The Peck School's Lower School Music Director Lisa Wichman organized and led the 2025 North Jersey School Music Association (NJSMA) Elementary Choral Celebration in May. She is the organization's Elementary Division Chair.

This festival brought together elementary school choruses from across northern New Jersey to perform, learn from one another, and grow as musicians.

Guided by esteemed clinicians Professor Tom Shelton (Westminster Choir College) and Dr. John Wilson (School of Fine & Performing Arts at SUNY New Paltz), students participated in both individual and massed ensemble performances, gaining valuable feedback and musical inspiration.

The event celebrated the joy of singing and the transformative power of collaborative music-making.

“Watching young singers from different schools come together in harmony was a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do. It’s about joy, connection, and the shared power of music,” reflects Wichman.

Wichman, an executive board member of the NJSMA, also successfully spearheaded the Annual NJSMA Professional Development Day in June 2025. The event welcomed 130 music educators from across Northern New Jersey for a day of professional learning and collaboration.

Designed to support K-12 music teachers, the program featured targeted workshops for elementary general music, choir, band, and orchestra. Attendees gained valuable insights from distinguished guest clinicians, including university professors from across New Jersey, who shared expertise and innovative strategies to elevate music education throughout the region.

“It’s always inspiring to see so many passionate educators come together to grow, share, and support one another,” says Wichman.

In addition to her roles as Peck’s Lower School Music Director and executive board member of NJSMA, Wichman is an active performing musician. She is a collaborative pianist for local school choirs, serves as a freelance church organist, and co-directs a not-for-profit traveling music ministry.