Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band (California State University, Fresno) Fresno. 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. Venice High Schools Band Director,Mr. Leehails from a small suburban town in South Jersey. "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. 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. Katherine Pierce. Granite Bay High School Emerald Brigade. Many of her students have been accepted into prestigious programs, such as California Summer School of the Arts, SCVA Honors Choir, California All-State Choir, and ACDA National Honor Choir, for the past consecutive years. Prior to coming to Westfield High School Mr. Vitale served as a high school band director in Fairfax County, Virginia. Two of the districts high school band directors, Alex Delao and Jeffrey William Plum, were convicted of molesting students in the 1980s. The funds would come from School Choice, [] Elgas took her to get an abortion. These groups study and perform a variety of literature, including swing, jazz, funk, and latin. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. He said he often hears from WHS alumni that being a part of music program served them well later in life. Our workshops are taught by university professors and high school band directors. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). Elgas told The Times that his students dont know how good they can be. He continues to perform with ensembles, such as the Charles Dickens Carolers at venues throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The estimated cost of the revised plan is $9MM, approximately half that of the initial proposal. A second pregnancy ended the same way. Fine and Performing Arts Course Catalog. 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. I think weve been fortunate to maintain as many kids in our program as we have. Socially distanced band practice at Westfield High School. 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. Mr. Lee sang with the NEC Chamber Singers and Concert Choir and regularly performed in the Undergraduate Opera Scenes program and Graduate Opera productions. Granada Hills Charter High School Highlander Band. Telephone: (323) 900-2748. 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. Luckily, Vitale said this year has been "pretty normal" and that the students have been extremely resilient through all of it. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. Phone: (317) 867-6800. They have the covers for trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, and ones for the tubas are enroute. The final time, in 1983, she had the baby, but he died seven days later, the lawsuit said. Anti-Bullying Coordinator. "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. Kennedy said the numbers of students taking band are lower at WHS than they ever have been. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. 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. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. All rights reserved.Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility, New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Our students get 1-on-1, hands-on training with music educators at the top of their field. Right now, Bob Plasse of Westfield on Weekends contacted me to see if we could do something on Channel 15. 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. 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. "Through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork," Vitale said. We are proud that we have students from every walk of life within . Luckily, Vitale said this year has been "pretty normal" and that the students have been extremely resilient through all of it. 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. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. He said he still has 30 students in the band at WTA.Kennedy said he is using Google Classroom this year, and the district was fortunate to buy a program for all the kids called SmartMusic, which allows music teachers to buy music to let students work on it at home. Chris takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. Granada Hills. 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. "I think our main focus was just on trying to keep the kids connected," Vitale said. Trained as a professional opera singer, Mr. Lee has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory of Music. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & ELEMENTARY DIRECTOR, music/visual instructor & middle school director, MUSIC/VISUAL INSTRUCTOR & MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR, Copyright 2022 Westfield High School Bands. Salad, Sandwich Shop To Open Very Soon In Westfield, Union County Celebrates Arbor Day 2023 with Free Trees for Schools. 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. Chris Vitale - Westfield High School Band Director; Anticipated Cost. 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. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". 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 were slowly edging back towards some sense of normalcy, he said.Kennedy said the numbers of students taking band are lower at WHS than they ever have been. Westfield Winds is the 2021 IPA Open Class State Champion, 2021 WGI Class A Finalist, and 2021 WGI Fan Favorite. Vitale explained that there is a communal aspect of making music with other people that is not something students get in other academic subjects. Only the flutes dont use them. Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. The kids have been great in wearing the masks, and staying socially distanced. "We discovered that these 4 students are the 86th, 87th . 871 likes. Band Director: Andrew Muth. 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." 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. Orchestra. The backbone of . To support the claim that school officials should have protected the girls from Elgas, the lawsuit cites other Anaheim Union teachers who were convicted of molesting their students. "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. This is just the tip of the iceberg, Carney said. 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 . The Westfield High School band has a hashtag #BandFamily that resonates with students, staff and families. All rights reserved (About Us). Westfield Band Boosters are grateful for the crafters and shoppers who participated in the Outdoor Event on October 10, 2020. FAX: (323) 936-8455. Stephanie Lai was a 2020 intern for the Los Angeles Times. Your Name. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. Choir. The band director, Richard Elgas, retired in 2003 after a nearly 40-year career. WHS Band Director Receives Prestigious Honor. Mr. David W. Lee. Though the award recognized me as an individual, I saw it more as a recognition of our band programs in Westfield, he says. 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. Band Boosters Charms Office Suite Questions? Westfield High School Bands Band Director: Andrew Muth 18250 N. Union Street Westfield, IN 46074 Phone: (317) 867-6800Fax: (317) 867-2909 Get Connected! More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. He described Vitale as an extremely dedicated teacher who is invested in the success of his students. A spokesperson for the school district declined to comment, citing the litigation. How Many Inches Of Snow Did Westfield Get? 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. In ninth grade, Elgas began taking her to his house to have sex, she said. WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy is learning new tricks. Cerritos. 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. Great Oak High School Marching Band. Copyright 2017 The Westfield News Group. The estimates received from two different companies for 120 uniforms averaged approximately $65,000. NEW! 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. Chris takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. These eight women deserve to be vindicated. 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. Remy Samuels 2/10/2022. 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. 36 character (s) remaining. Kids love to play, and everybody loves to see them do it. Enrollment in the WHS Bands has doubled since his arrival in 2011. A bit aways from his hometown, his musical endeavors have taken him across the globe, but now have landed him in Los Angeles. [Vitale] takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". The WTA band is fully remote this year, because the school is only open for the students during their shop weeks. 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.. He died in 2017, according to the Orange County Coroner Division. Through this program he was able to make his European conducting debut at the historic La Schola Cantorum de Paris. 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. "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States who met the programs criteria of "action, courage, creativity and growth.". Westfield, New Jersey. 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. Prior to being at Venice High School, Mr. Lee was interviewed as one of six finalists for the Band Officer position of the United States Air Force Band. . The administration and maintenance are doing a nice job, and trying to keep the rooms really clean. 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.. 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. Vitale said the organization provides competitive marching band shows throughout every region of New Jersey. I think theyll come back once things change. Thank you for continuing to support the WHS Bands and Guard programs during these unusual times. All rights reserved. Get a free morning newsletter with news in Westfield or another town: https://patch.com/subscribe, This article originally appeared on the Westfield Patch. 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. 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. 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." 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