18250 N. Union Street. Remy Samuels 2/10/2022. Though the award recognized me as an individual, I saw it more as a recognition of our band programs in Westfield, he says. These groups study and perform a variety of literature, including swing, jazz, funk, and latin. Band Boosters Charms Office Suite Questions? The kids have been great in wearing the masks, and staying socially distanced. He continues to perform with ensembles, such as the Charles Dickens Carolers at venues throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. WESTFIELD - Band has been a little bit of a challenge to get underway, says Westfield High School and Technical Academy Band director Patrick Kennedy, but "we're slowly edging back towards some sense of normalcy," he said. Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States under the age of 40 who meet the programs criteria of action, courage, creativity, and growth. Vitale said the organization provides competitive marching band shows throughout every region of New Jersey. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). I was so unbelievably proud that Westfield was recognized on a national stage for music educators all around the country to see.". Orchestra. By helping others, you create a better experience for yourself a win-win. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf writes. Hoboken's Official St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl, Saint Joseph High School Annual Basket Raffle, Johns Crazy Socks Enters the Wholesale Channel so Retail Stores Can Sell Our Socks, Tax Relief, Debt Service, Transit Fare Freeze: 3 NJ Budget Takeaways, More Snow, Ice, Winter Weather On The Way To NJ, Forecasters Say, Westfield School Board Cuts Arts Teachers Amid Student, Parent Uproar. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. Email remy.samuels@patch.com. In the last period of the day, they have 30 or so students, and have to break into groups; half in the band room, and half in the auditorium, where student leaders lead the practice. Contact Band Director, Andrew Muth at mutha@wws.k12.in.us Follow Us: Westfield High School 18250 N Union Street Westfield IN 46074 Phone: (317) 867-6800 Fax: (317) 867-2909 Venice High School's Band Director, Mr. Lee hails from a small suburban town in South Jersey. Telephone: (323) 900-2748. WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy said [] "I did not see this coming at all.". WHS Bands Staff Director of Bands- Andrew Muth Assistant Director- Alex Sparks Director of Operations- Peter Lintzenich Performing Arts Instruction Assistant- Dave Shinault Pride of Westfield Staff 2022 Director - Andrew Muth Assistant Director- Alex Sparks Hornline Director- Aaron Cowgill Director of Operations- Peter Lintzenich Director of Bands Andrew MuthAssistant Director- Alex Sparks Director of Operations- Peter Lintzenich Performing Arts Instruction Assistant- Dave Shinault, Director Andrew MuthAssistant Director- Alex SparksHornline Director- Aaron CowgillDirector of Operations- Peter LintzenichGuard Director - Megan MillerPercussion Director - Michael RennakerProgram Coordinator Jack PursifullMusic Arranger - Don BarrettChoreographer - Brayton MendenhallHornline Staff Dave Shinault, Max Degnan, Mitchell Urban, and Shawn CollierPercussion Staff- Jack Doerges,Colton King, Sammy Bonnet, and Orion Avery Guard Staff- Kevin Panzarella, Glenn Panzarella, and Olivia Carlstedt, Director Andrew MuthAssistant Director- Alex SparksHornline Director- Aaron CowgillDirector of Operations- Peter LintzenichProgram Designer Jack PursifullMusic Arranger - Don BarrettStaff Max Degnan and Dave Shinault, Director - Megan MillerProgram Coordinator - Andrew MuthDirector of Operations- Peter Lintzenich Performing Arts Instruction Assistant- Dave ShinaultProgram Designer- Jack PursifullChoreographer - Brayton MendenhallStaff- Olivia Carlstedt, Kevin Panzarella, and Glenn Panzarella, Westfield Indoor Percussion Staff 2022/23, Director - Michael RennakerProgram Coordinator - Andrew MuthDirector of Operations- Peter Lintzenich Performing Arts Instruction Assistant- Dave ShinaultProgram Designer- Jack PursifullMusic Arranger - Don BarrettPercussion Supervisor- Orion AveryStaff- Jack Doerges, Colton King, and Sammy Bonnet, Andrew Muth email: mutha@wws.k12.in.us, cell: 547-971-1248, Alex Sparks - email:sparksa@wws.k12.in.us, PeterLintzenich - email:lintzenichp@wws.k12.in.us, Please do not contact staff through their. "If anything, COVID has taught us that the arts in general, not just music, provides such an important part of a well-rounded education," Vitale said. Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States under the age of 40 who meet the programs criteria of action, courage, creativity, and growth. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. He said he often hears from WHS alumni that being a part of music program served them well later in life. Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band (California State University, Fresno) Fresno. The Westfield High School band has a hashtag #BandFamily that resonates with students, staff and families. Click on any of the icons below to follow our social media accounts! Mr. Winson began his career in Fort Bend ISD as the assistant director of bands at . "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. There, he served asAssociate Conductor of the University Chorus, Assistant Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra, Teaching Assistant of the Advanced Conducting Techniques class, and Tour Manager for UCLA Choral Activities. Granite Bay. Our workshops are taught by university professors and high school band directors. 18250 N. Union Street . WESTFIELD After an earnest appeal from High School Band Director Patrick Kennedy, the School Committee unanimously approved soliciting bids to replace the high school band uniforms, which are 25 years old and wearing thin. Gahr High School Marching Gladiators. The Westfield High School band has a hashtag #BandFamily that resonates with students, staff and families. He allegedly impregnated one girl three times, ordering her to abort the fetuses. Always professional and well respected by his colleagues, I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition., Vitale says that through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork. After the 2019 marching season, directors throughout New Jersey began conversations regarding a need for an organization solely focused on providing an educationally sound marching experience for the bands of our state, he explains. 871 likes. The eight former students sued unnamed defendants who were responsible for overseeing Elgas. Who can participate? At the Oct. 15 football game against Minnechaug at Bullens Field, which the Bombers won 13 to 0, the band couldn't wait to get to halftime. Mr. Lee has attended the European American Musical Alliance Conducting Program in Paris, France arenowned composition-drivenprogram drawing from the pedagogical tradition of Nadia Boulanger. He said the younger music instructors in the district have been helping him with all of the transitions. All rights reserved. Stay updated with what's happening at Westfield High School with News You Choose Sign Up Now . Vitale, who is in his 10th year with Westfield Public Schools and 15th year as a high school band director, says he was extremely surprised and honored to receive the recognition. Mr. Lee received a Master of Music degree in Conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles. During COVID, Vitale said he dealt with a number of challenges as band director and that he had to get creative when it came to teaching music online. I bounce from place to place, he said.The band just received bell covers for the wind and brass instruments, which were ordered by the district as personal protective equipment to keep spray from spreading. . A counselor at Fremont Junior High witnessed Elgas reaching under her blouse and took no action, the former student said in an interview with The Times. Vitale considers himself lucky not only because of his students and their families, but because he works in a supportive district filled with talented and dedicated music educators, including his co-director, Trevor Sindorf. "If I can teach that and foster a love and appreciation for music along the way, then I think Im doing everything I set out to do as an educator.. The Westfield HS Marching Bulldogs of Chantilly, VA - a 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade band The band director, who is in his tenth year at Westfield High School, was named to the "40 Under 40" Music Advocacy Program after several of his colleagues and students sent in letters of support of his nomination. All rights reserved (About Us). The band gave concerts at Knotts Berry Farm and played under college conductors at Cal State Fullerton. Westfield High School Bands. It is . Hailing from Temecula, she previously covered Riverside County and the Inland Empire and is now focused on Orange County. Westfield High School Bands Band Director: Andrew Muth 18250 N. Union Street Westfield, IN 46074 Phone: (317) 867-6800Fax: (317) 867-2909 Get Connected! Thank you for continuing to support the WHS Bands and Guard programs during these unusual times. If I can teach that and foster a love and appreciation for music along the way, then I think Im doing everything I set out to do as an educator.. As the Director of Bands at Westfield High School, Mr. Vitale co-directs the Wind Ensemble, directs the Symphonic Band, oversees two winter color guards, and co-directs the Marching Blue Devils. This proves to them that if we work together and work very hard, success will come.. Enrollment in the WHS Bands has doubled since his arrival in 2011. Elgas does not appear to have been criminally charged. Ive been impressed here. 1000 character (s) remaining. During COVID, Vitale said he dealt with a number of challenges as band director and that he had to get creative when it came to teaching music online. Yamaha reported in a written statement that hundreds of nominations were received by students, parents, teachers, and local instrument dealers and mentors, highlighting the music educators impacting their community and students in a positive direction.. February 7, 2022 - Westfield High School Band Director Christopher Vitale has been named to the 2022 "40 Under 40", a music education advocacy program launched by Yamaha last year to "recognize outstanding music educators who are making a difference by growing and strengthening their music programs." Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Westfield, IN 46074. In 1998, he took the Sycamore Junior High band to Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to perform as the opening act for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The funds would come from School Choice, [] Westfield High School Band director Christopher Vitale has been named to the 2022 40 Under 40, a music education advocacy program launched by Yamaha.Westfield Public Schools, Westfield High School Band director Christopher Vitale has been named to the 2022 40 Under 40, a music education advocacy program launched by Yamaha last year to recognize outstanding music educators who are making a difference by growing and strengthening their music programs.. Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States who met the programs criteria of "action, courage, creativity and growth.". The club reads Stephen Coveys The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People over the course of several months and meets before school every few weeks to discuss various topics covered in the book. Vitale said there were over 35 letters written on his behalf. The band director, Richard Elgas, retired in 2003 after a nearly 40-year career. "I think our main focus was just on trying to keep the kids connected," Vitale said. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). "I think our main focus was just on trying to keep the kids connected," Vitale said. Our team of veteran educators and designers brings 100+ years of combined experience in the activity. Its a great way to keep organized old dog, new tricks, Kennedy, who is sporting a white ponytail, said.Due to COVID regulations, wind and brass band members have to be ten feet apart; drums and piano six feet apart, which means finding a spot indoors where they all fit. West Springfield (often referred to as WSHS) enrolls students from grades 9-12, offers the Advanced Placement program and currently enrolls over 2,400 students.. For so long, he was treated like this venerated figure.. I think theyll come back once things change. Westfield High School Band Director Christopher Vitale has been named to the 2022 "40 Under 40", a music education advocacy program launched by Yamaha last year to "recognize outstanding music educators who are making a difference by growing and strengthening their music programs." Vitale is also a leader throughout the state and helped start the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association (NJMBDA). He had explained to me thats what happened when people are in love and that he loved me, she said. At WHS, he meets with anywhere from 10 to 30 students at a time. Kennedy said the numbers of students taking band are lower at WHS than they ever have been. jazz I , jazz II, & STage Band. Besides directing the many ensembles at WHS which include three concert bands, two jazz bands, two percussion ensembles, two winter color guards and the marching band Vitale also co-founded the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association in 2020. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. We are fortunate to have an amazing team of band directors, from elementary school through high school, that work together on a daily basis to make the bands in Westfield some of the best in New Jersey. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The WTA band is fully remote this year, because the school is only open for the students during their shop weeks. But he also had a reputation for getting too close to some girls in his class, according to the lawsuit. Fremont Junior High, which closed in 1989, and Sycamore Junior High were part of the Anaheim Union High school district. "We found that coming out of this, students are dealing with all kinds of things and stress levels are higher than we've ever seen them. Vitale went to school for music education where he learned to play a variety of instruments, as well as upper level musical concepts that he now teaches to his students. His ensembles have given performances at the NJ State Band Gala, the New Jersey Music Educators State Conference, the Music For All National Festival, at The Lincoln Center, and at The Kimmel Center. He said students learn skills in classes, like band or orchestra, that can carry over into their professional lives, such as working with people at a company toward a common goal. To be able to navigate this together is certainly a lot of moving parts, he said.Hes also trying to get the jazz band and drum roll together after school to practice, so theyre ready when they do get a chance to perform. Mr. Vitale has an extensive background in the drum corps activity spanning over 20 years and currently serves as a visual designer for high school and collegiate marching bands in Delaware, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Michigan. In class, Elgas sometimes dimmed the lights and pushed boys and girls together to force them to kiss, she said. Band Director: Andrew Muth. In 1999, a jury awarded $2.5 million to a former student who was 13 when science teacher and track coach Clifford Scofield began a sexual relationship with her. I was so unbelievably proud that Westfield was recognized on a national stage for music educators all around the country to see.. She is an educator of many musical talents, where there have been times where she was a one wo-man band. Seniors Trent Stucenski and Matt McMahon and junior Nate Valeri (seated) showing the new PPE bell covers on their instruments. The backbone of . NEW! All DMA Staff. FAX: (323) 936-8455. WESTFIELD, NJ Westfield High School band director Christopher Vitale was recognized among 40 "outstanding music directors" all under the age of 40 for his achievements in enhancing the. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". Kids love to play, and everybody loves to see them do it. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Sarnoff is also one of six female American Sailing Association instructors/evaluators, where she is the lead instructor of the largest sailing school in Southern California. Im going to keep a Google Classroom until I retire. "We discovered that these 4 students are the 86th, 87th . Enrollment in the WHS Bands has doubled since his arrival in 2011. Each time we run the club I learn from my students, which I find very fulfilling!, Vitale views high school band as a vehicle to build good humans. We are fortunate to have an amazing team of band directors, from elementary school through high school, that work together on a daily basis to make the bands in Westfield some of the best in New Jersey. 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WESTFIELD The Westfield High School Marching Band is in the middle of a busy season, and they're loving every minute of it. In addition, his ensembles continue to earn top performance accolades year after year. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. They have the covers for trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, and ones for the tubas are enroute. We are proud that we have students from every walk of life within . Vitale said the organization provides competitive marching band shows throughout every region of New Jersey. Band Director Westfield High School Westfield, NJ. When she was 18 and pregnant by Elgas again, she changed her mind at the abortion clinic. Luckily, Vitale said this year has been "pretty normal" and that the students have been extremely resilient through all of it. Copyright 2023 Westfield Public Schools. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. Luckily, Vitale said this year has been "pretty normal" and that the students have been extremely resilient through all of it. WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy is learning new tricks. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. We are proud that we have students from every walk of life within our school community in the band. Westfield, IN 46074. Band Director, HS. The alleged abuse occurred while Elgas taught at Fremont and Sycamore junior high schools and ranged from sexually harassing students to having years-long sexual relationships with girls, who were 12 or 13 years old when the abuse started, according to the suit. The lawsuit was filed in June by four plaintiffs and amended on Monday to include four additional victims, said Michael Carney, an attorney representing the eight women. "A big part of what we provide in high school band is a social network for the kids.". Besides directing the many ensembles at WHS which include three concert bands, two jazz bands, two percussion ensembles, two winter color guards and the marching band Vitale also co-founded the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association in 2020. These eight women deserve to be vindicated. [Vitale] takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. The Westfield Band Boosters cordially invite you to apply to our 13th Annual Holiday Craft Show to be held on Saturday, November 20th, 2021. Cerritos. Carney urged any additional victims to contact him. Have a news tip? Shortly after her 15th birthday, she got pregnant. Due to the Town's legal and financial flexibility with capital projects and bonding capacity, the financing of the entire project will be administered by the Town. Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. Music Teacher, HS. Contact Form. We still have 70-something kids thats not a terrible number, he said.The WHS students are never all in one place at a time. Vitale said there were over 35 letters written on his behalf. She had not told her parents about the pregnancies, though they eventually tracked her down. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. A strong proponent for musical enrichment in the community, he was deeply involved with the UCLAMusic Performance and Education Outreach Program. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. This is just the tip of the iceberg, Carney said. He said he often hears from WHS alumni that being a part of music program served them well later in life. In addition, his ensembles continue to earn top performance accolades year after year. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. In October 1983, she gave birth to a boy, naming him Richard after his father. . The nonprofit NJMBDA had over 70 high school bands join in its first year. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Elgas was a well-known band director in Orange County. The Westfield High School band director was recognized by Yamaha for his achievements as an educator and growing the WHS music program. Westfield Winds is the 2021 IPA Open Class State Champion, 2021 WGI Class A Finalist, and 2021 WGI Fan Favorite. Central Jersey Music Educators Association. Performance credits include studio and motion picture work with LA Master Chorale and Pacific Chorale. And I have always tried to be bluntly honest with my students, he says. "City Champions For A Quarter Century". Through music we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork, among other things, he says. Pulseline: to submit your thoughts click here, Gateway grows up, downs Westfield Technical 41-8, St. Marys schools go remote amid uptick in city COVID cases, Threadbare high school band uniforms to be replaced, Southwick Food Pantry receives donation from Westfield River Brewery, Think local when planning your holiday shopping list. Stephanie Lai was a 2020 intern for the Los Angeles Times. "I lost probably 25 kids. . New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association. "We found that coming out of this, students are dealing with all kinds of things and stress levels are higher than we've ever seen them. Mr. David W. Lee. I wonder where Id be today if it wasnt for this person who turned my entire world upside down, said the former student, now in her 50s, who later married and had children. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". Socially distanced band practice at Westfield High School. Though the award recognized me as an individual, I saw it more as a recognition of our band programs in Westfield, he said. The estimated cost of the revised plan is $9MM, approximately half that of the initial proposal. Westfield Band Boosters are grateful for the crafters and shoppers who participated in the Outdoor Event on October 10, 2020. According to Director of Bands Chris Vitale, "The key ingredients of #BandFamily at Westfield are kindness, acceptance, respect and support. Westfield High School Bands. Granada Hills Charter High School Highlander Band. Mr. Lee sang with the NEC Chamber Singers and Concert Choir and regularly performed in the Undergraduate Opera Scenes program and Graduate Opera productions. "If I can teach that and foster a love and appreciation for music along the way, then I think Im doing everything I set out to do as an educator.. He said he sees music students there online every day. Have a news tip? He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. He said students learn skills in classes, like band or orchestra, that can carry over into their professional lives, such as working with people at a company toward a common goal. The band . He described Vitale as an extremely dedicated teacher who is invested in the success of his students. As the Director of Bands at Westfield High School, Mr. Vitale co-directs the Wind Ensemble, directs the Symphonic Band, oversees two winter color guards, and co-directs the Marching Blue Devils. The kids certainly do try. He said it wasnt a sin.. If I can teach that and foster a love and appreciation for music along the way, then I think Im doing everything I set out to do as an educator., Westfield Public Schools302 Elm StreetWestfield, NJ 07090Phone: (908) 789-4400, Falynn Balassone The baby had a birth defect and died a week later. Back to Departments. Westfield High School Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was among a number of people who wrote letters of recommendation in support of Vitales nomination. Itinerant Music, Strings, Teacher . Were trying to find some ways to offer something for the holidays, and beyond that well see what happens, Kennedy said.This gave us all a chance to pause and reflect on things that are important to us, things we enjoy doing, and how fragile things are, Kennedy said. Trained as a professional opera singer, Mr. Lee has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory of Music. drum and bugle corps, color guards and drum lines. I tell students that you dont have to be best friends with everyone in our band, but you do have to learn how to work together and help each other be successful. Im pretty proud of them so far, Kennedy said.Kennedy said the music program In some districts has really been decimated by the coronavirus. 36 character (s) remaining. Vitale went to school for music education where he learned to play a variety of instruments, as well as upper level musical concepts that he now teaches to his students.

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