Thanksgiving Processional
A Celebration of Music, Community, and Giving
We often describe Far Brook as a progressive school with deep roots. Few traditions embody this spirit more than our Thanksgiving Processional, a timeless musical celebration that has united our community since our founding in 1948. This beloved musical performance celebrates generosity and our collective commitment to helping others, while uniting the entire Far Brook community in learning and service.
Preparation for the Processional is woven throughout the curriculum at every grade level. Students engage with choral works that challenge and expand their musical skills, performing pieces both traditional to the Processional and new works introduced in multiple languages. In the classroom, they explore harvest myths, literature, and poetry from diverse cultures, and engage in art projects and discussions that deepen their understanding of the season’s themes.
Our focus on service learning enriches these experiences, prompting students to explore the realities of hunger and food insecurity locally and globally. Central to the Processional is our “Days of Giving: A Community Food Drive,” which supports Isaiah House in East Orange and its mission to reduce homelessness, hunger, and unemployment. This 20-year partnership has deepened the Processional's purpose and inspired meaningful service learning initiatives across grades. Through this initiative, students connect the beauty of music and storytelling with real-world action, becoming compassionate changemakers in their community.
For those who have yet to experience the Processional, the beauty of the children’s voices, the gorgeous music, and the simplicity and importance of the moment is truly uplifting — a perfect way to enter the holiday season with family and friends. Alumni and their families return year after year to witness this enduring tradition.