We are proud that we have students from every walk of life within our school community in the band. Shortly after her 15th birthday, she got pregnant. In addition, his ensembles continue to earn top performance accolades year after year. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). 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. 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. Back to Departments. "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.. Having leadthe Mighty Gondolier Marching Band fortwo years at an after school capacity,Mr. Lee has continued his career at Venice High Schoolas full-time Instrumental Music Teacher. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. 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." Band Director: Andrew Muth. Great Oak High School Marching Band. Katherine Pierce. Prerequisite: Co-enrollment in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band and/or Director's approval through audition. Band Director Westfield High School Westfield, NJ. They appreciate the honest approach and the sense of accomplishment that they feel when they reach their goals is far greater as a result., Every other year, Vitale runs a leadership book club that is open to any student. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. 18250 N. Union Street. He is very excited to work with the studentsandlooking forward to building a strong and comprehensive music program at Venice High School. When she was 18 and pregnant by Elgas again, she changed her mind at the abortion clinic. The funds would come from School Choice, [] Patrick Hoff, Director. "We discovered that these 4 students are the 86th, 87th . I think weve been fortunate to maintain as many kids in our program as we have. 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. William Schnepper . New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. For so long, he was treated like this venerated figure.. Mr. Lee sang with the NEC Chamber Singers and Concert Choir and regularly performed in the Undergraduate Opera Scenes program and Graduate Opera productions. Phone: (317) 867-6800. 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. Mr. Winson began his career in Fort Bend ISD as the assistant director of bands at . Our staff bring their years and decades of experience to every one of our workshops. We look forward to growing in 2022 as an organization run by directors focused on providing world-class adjudication at a low price, Vitale says. But he also had a reputation for getting too close to some girls in his class, according to the lawsuit. 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. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. For the last decade, Chris has established a band culture and community at Westfield High School that encourages students to strive for excellence while emphasizing both camaraderie and teamwork, said Thomas Weber, Supervisor of K-12 Visual and Performing Arts. And I have always tried to be bluntly honest with my students, he says. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". According to Director of Bands Chris Vitale, The key ingredients of #BandFamily at Westfield are kindness, acceptance, respect and support. Westfield, IN 46074. 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. Mr. Vitale holds a Bachelor of Music Education and Masters of Music in Conducting Performance from the University of Delaware. Granada Hills. "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. "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 Bands have given performance tours of Austria, the Czech Republic, and Italy. "I think our main focus was just on trying to keep the kids connected," Vitale said. WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy is learning new tricks. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. Hailing from Temecula, she previously covered Riverside County and the Inland Empire and is now focused on Orange County. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf writes. Our students get 1-on-1, hands-on training with music educators at the top of their field. He said the jazz band, which is anywhere from 10 to 20 students, can fit in the practice room together.In some ways this has allowed us to evaluate what we do and who we are, he said.Kennedy acknowledged that all of the moving parts have slowed down how much material they can cover, and they havent been allowed to schedule any performances. 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 school's music program by Yamaha. 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. I think theyll come back once things change. WESTFIELD The Westfield High School Marching Band is in the middle of a busy season, and they're loving every minute of it. This is just the tip of the iceberg, Carney said. Kennedy does all of the remote classes from the high school, which he has made as home base. The administration and maintenance are doing a nice job, and trying to keep the rooms really clean. 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. Remy Samuels 2/10/2022. Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. The band director, Richard Elgas, retired in 2003 after a nearly 40-year career. Lai is an undergraduate student at Columbia University studying political science and serves as the news editor for her student paper, the Columbia Daily Spectator. Vitale also co-founded the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association (NJMBDA) in 2020, with more than 70 high school bands joining the nonprofit organization in its first year. She is an educator of many musical talents, where there have been times where she was a one wo-man band. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. A former student, identified in the lawsuit as Jane Roe 2, said Elgas began keeping her after class to touch her breasts when she was in eighth grade in the late 1970s. He continues to perform with ensembles, such as the Charles Dickens Carolers at venues throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. They are: Nolan Daly, 11th grade, Trumpet, All-State Symphonic Band . 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.. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. WHS Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was one of the many people who sent in letters for Vitale's nomination. Have a news tip? More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. Click on any of the icons below to follow our social media accounts! She had not told her parents about the pregnancies, though they eventually tracked her down. For the last decade, Chris has established a band culture and community at Westfield High School that encourages students to strive for excellence while emphasizing both camaraderie and teamwork, says Thomas Weber, Supervisor of K-12 Visual and Performing Arts. "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. Copyright 2017 The Westfield News Group. Anti-Bullying Coordinator. To motivate and inspire his students, Vitale maintains a good balance between high standards and positive support for his students. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Your Name. [Vitale] takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. 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. 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. Granite Bay. How Many Inches Of Snow Did Westfield Get? with Co-Band Director Trevor Sindorf, did some tallying out of curiosity. 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.. We meet every day, and are experimenting with using the computer to broadcast the music in the room, and have the kids play along at home, Kennedy said. 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 "City Champions For A Quarter Century". We hope to have that partnership in place, to share some music with the community, and have the kids perform in a different type of venue, he said. Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. All four of the Westfield High School student musicians who qualified for Region Band in January also were awarded spots in All-State Band. Vitale explained that there is a communal aspect of making music with other people that is not something students get in other academic subjects. 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. Message. The Westfield High School band has a hashtag #BandFamily that resonates with students, staff and families. Links to high school marching bands, college bands, middle school bands and sites of interest to California. Westfield High School Bands. 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. [Vitale] takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. Junior Jimmy Krupienski plays with a new PPE bell cover on his trumpet. Sept. 29, 2020 3:23 PM PT. WHS Band Director Receives Prestigious Honor. 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 . Always professional and well respected by his colleagues, I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition., Vitale said that through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork. Elgas told The Times that his students dont know how good they can be. 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 We are proud that we have students from every walk of life within . The Westfield High School concert bands have been consistently recognized across the state of Texas and beyond, being named the Texas 5A Honor Band three times most recently in 1998, and have performed at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. All rights reserved.Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility, New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association. Kennedy sees a third of his members on Cohort A, a third on Cohort B, and he has another third that are fully remote and participate online. "Through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork," Vitale said. Growing up, he played trombone, flute, and piano, and was actively playing in top-notch ensembles throughout his high school career, including an award-winning 165 member marching band. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. The estimated cost of the revised plan is $9MM, approximately half that of the initial proposal. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. Fax: (317) 867-2909. A junior high school band director from Anaheim molested eight students from the 1970s to the 1990s, forcing one girl to have two abortions, a lawsuit alleges. In class, Elgas sometimes dimmed the lights and pushed boys and girls together to force them to kiss, she said. 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. E-mail: hoff@lausd.net or patrickmhoff@gmail.com Subject: BAND. 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. The plaintiffs are not named in the lawsuit, and The Times does not name victims of sexual assaults. Through music we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork, among other things, he says. 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. The Marching.com links directory lists websites related to high school marching bands, college bands, Elgas took her to get an abortion. A second pregnancy ended the same way. He had explained to me thats what happened when people are in love and that he loved me, she said. 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. Prior to coming to Westfield High School Mr. Vitale served as a high school band director in Fairfax County, Virginia. Salad, Sandwich Shop To Open Very Soon In Westfield, Union County Celebrates Arbor Day 2023 with Free Trees for Schools. The agenda of the book club is for everyone involved to learn more about themselves, myself included. "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. Our workshops are taught by university professors and high school band directors. The eight former students sued unnamed defendants who were responsible for overseeing Elgas. "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. Choir. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". 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. Elgas family members could not be reached for comment. 18250 N. Union Street . Each year, these groups perform at concerts, adjudicated festivals, and various civic occasions. Westfield Band Boosters are grateful for the crafters and shoppers who participated in the Outdoor Event on October 10, 2020. When they do well, I tell them and when they dont, I dont shy away from making that known. 36 character (s) remaining. Vitale explained that there is a communal aspect of making music with other people that is not something students get in other academic subjects. 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. The Westfield High School Bands, under the direction of Vitale and Sindorf, are 3-time Band of America regional finalists, repeated New Jersey State Gala participants, and an invitee to the Music for All National Concert Band Festival. Itinerant Music, Band, Teacher. Vitale also co-founded the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association (NJMBDA) in 2020, with more than 70 high school bands joining the non-profit organization in its first year. The band . Contact Form. 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." 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. 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. WESTFIELD, NJ Westfield High School band director Christopher Vitale was recognized among 40 "outstanding music directors" all under the age of 40 for his . Email remy.samuels@patch.com. Despite the pandemic, the enrollment in our Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band and Winter Guard continue to be very strong due to all of his efforts. 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.. We might put together some small ensembles and record them for the holidays. Westfield High School Band - Westfield Band Announcements Pre-Assessment Concert #1 @ Westfield Highschool Auditorium - 02/28 - 7PM Pre-Assessment Concert #2 @ Westfield Highschool Auditorium - 03/01 - 7PM Marching Bulldog Calendar If the calendar below does not appear on your device. The Westfield HS Marching Bulldogs of Chantilly, VA - a 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade band Itinerant Music, Strings, Teacher . He described Vitale as an extremely dedicated teacher who is invested in the success of his students. A bit aways from his hometown, his musical . They have the covers for trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, and ones for the tubas are enroute. 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. Central Jersey Music Educators Association. Chris takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. Luckily, Vitale said this year has been "pretty normal" and that the students have been extremely resilient through all of it. Telephone: (323) 900-2748. Vitale said the organization provides competitive marching band shows throughout every region of New Jersey. A strong proponent for musical enrichment in the community, he was deeply involved with the UCLAMusic Performance and Education Outreach Program. 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. The Westfield High School band has a hashtag #BandFamily that resonates with students, staff and families. Chris takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. 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. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Despite the pandemic, the enrollment in our Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band and Winter Guard continue to be very strong due to all of his efforts. jazz I , jazz II, & STage Band. He described Vitale as an extremely dedicated teacher who is invested in the success of his students. 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. I was so unbelievably proud that Westfield was recognized on a national stage for music educators all around the country to see.. Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band (California State University, Fresno) Fresno. Band Boosters Charms Office Suite Questions? A bit aways from his hometown, his musical endeavors have taken him across the globe, but now have landed him in Los Angeles. Through this program he was able to make his European conducting debut at the historic La Schola Cantorum de Paris. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. Band Director, HS. 871 likes. "I did not see this coming at all.". Thank you for continuing to support the WHS Bands and Guard programs during these unusual times. The band gave concerts at Knotts Berry Farm and played under college conductors at Cal State Fullerton. Our team of veteran educators and designers brings 100+ years of combined experience in the activity. Email remy.samuels@patch.com. The baby had a birth defect and died a week later. Venice High School's Band Director, Mr. Lee hails from a small suburban town in South Jersey. Kids love to play, and everybody loves to see them do it. Each year, I am amazed and inspired by how accepting our students are of each other no matter what the circumstances.. Westfield High School Bands. Fine and Performing Arts Course Catalog. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). 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 Westfield High School band director was recognized by Yamaha for his achievements as an educator and growing the WHS music program. Westfield High School Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was among a number of people who wrote letters of recommendation in support of Vitales nomination. Chris Vitale - Westfield High School Band Director; Anticipated Cost. Elgas does not appear to have been criminally charged. We have a fantastic team of dedicated educators working together to drive the organization forward, including my co-president Erik Lynch [from Verona High School]., Copyright 2023 Yamaha Corporation of America and Yamaha Corporation. The Westfield Band Boosters cordially invite you to apply to our 13th Annual Holiday Craft Show to be held on Saturday, November 20th, 2021. The Westfield Public School District, in partnership with families and the community, educates all students to reach their highest potential as productive, well-balanced and responsible citizens who respect individual differences and diversity in an ever changing world. Ive been impressed here. He said he often hears from WHS alumni that being a part of music program served them well later in life. This proves to them that if we work together and work very hard, success will come.. Im pretty proud of them so far, Kennedy said.Kennedy said the music program In some districts has really been decimated by the coronavirus. . Donations can be made by check made out to WHSBPA (Westfield High School Band Parents Association) and sent to the attention of Chris Vitale, Director of Bands, at 550 Dorian Road, Westfield, NJ 07090 or by donating online. Gregory Rupert. In his letter, he notes that Vitalevoluntarily hosts a well-attended book club before school for any student interested in strengthening their leadership skills. Vitale, who is in his 10th year with Westfield Public Schools and 15th year as a high school band director, said he was extremely surprised and honored to receive the recognition. He said he sees music students there online every day. . The Los Angeles High School Band and Color Guard is the premier band in the city of Los . Remy Samuels , Patch Staff Posted Thu, Feb 10, 2022 at 4:48 . 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. I was so unbelievably proud that Westfield was recognized on a national stage for music educators all around the country to see.". 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 school's music program by Yamaha. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. Luckily, Vitale said this year has been "pretty normal" and that the students have been extremely resilient through all of it. Have a news tip? . (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). 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. Carney urged any additional victims to contact him. Get a free morning newsletter with news in Westfield or another town: https://patch.com/subscribe. Kennedy said the numbers of students taking band are lower at WHS than they ever have been. Growing up, he played trombone, flute, and piano, and was actively playing in top-notch ensembles throughout his high school career, including an award-winning 165 member marching band. In October 1983, she gave birth to a boy, naming him Richard after his father. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. At WHS, he meets with anywhere from 10 to 30 students at a time. 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..

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