Searching for lost choir items sold in a Moriarty-edgewood schools auction

A former choir teacher from Moriarty High school, Denise Baccadutre, is asking for help to recover some missing award plaques and uniforms that were accidentally auctioned off at the Moriarty-edgewood Surplus Sale.

While the district was renovating the music building several years ago, the awards and uniforms were put into storage—but never retrieved. The choir program's many award plaques weren't hung up, and the large trophy case from the choir room was given to another school program, according to Baccadutre.

“I've always valued the history of the community as well as the music program started by Ann Salvo,” Baccadutre said. “I was always in the process of creating an ongoing costume department … but the costumes were given to the Drama department and the Messenger and Magnifique! costumes were stored in those big cabinets, as well as about 60 white tuxedo shirts, etc.,” she said.

She said the large cabinets were bought at the auction. “We would like the uniforms, costume elements, and any trophies and plaques returned,” she said.

She said they are not interested in the cabinets just the choir property. She said the last time she looked in the uniform cabinets there were the men's pants and tux shirts, as well as Zoot Suits and 20sstyle dresses. She said there may also be the sequin tops from Magnifique! as well as the plaques and a few more large plaques and trophies from competitions.

“Every child benefits from music in their life from infancy through their teen years. We know that music touches the very soul of each person's emotions … and also supplements and opens new highways to the acquisition of mathematical concepts,” she said.

She said the choir department at Moriarty High School—where she was known as “Mrs. B” became a family within the school, with a common love of music.