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. 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. 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. 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. This proves to them that if we work together and work very hard, success will come.. The eight former students sued unnamed defendants who were responsible for overseeing Elgas. Stay updated with what's happening at Westfield High School with News You Choose Sign Up Now . Band Director Westfield High School Westfield, NJ. 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. Your Email. Elgas was a well-known band director in Orange County. All DMA Staff. Our team of veteran educators and designers brings 100+ years of combined experience in the activity. I think weve been fortunate to maintain as many kids in our program as we have. 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. "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] takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. Email remy.samuels@patch.com. "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. Westfield High School Bands Band Director: Andrew Muth 18250 N. Union Street Westfield, IN 46074 Phone: (317) 867-6800Fax: (317) 867-2909 Get Connected! The administration and maintenance are doing a nice job, and trying to keep the rooms really clean. Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band (California State University, Fresno) Fresno. 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. 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. David W. Lee. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. Granada Hills Charter High School Highlander Band. Each year, I am amazed and inspired by how accepting our students are of each other no matter what the circumstances.. 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. "Through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork," Vitale said. These eight women deserve to be vindicated. "A big part of what we provide in high school band is a social network for the kids.". 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. 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. 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.. West Springfield High School is a public high school located in unincorporated Fairfax County, Virginia, at 6100 Rolling Road, and is part of the Fairfax County Public Schools system. The baby had a birth defect and died a week later. Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States who met the programs criteria of "action, courage, creativity and growth.". More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. I think theyll come back once things change. 18250 N. Union Street. WESTFIELD, NJ Westfield High School band director Christopher Vitale was recognized among 40 "outstanding music directors" all under the age of 40 for his . Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Hes gone through generations of young women, and the district did nothing to protect these students. A spokesperson for the school district declined to comment, citing the litigation. They are: Nolan Daly, 11th grade, Trumpet, All-State Symphonic Band . To send an email to this staff member, fill out and submit this form. He died in 2017, according to the Orange County Coroner Division. New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association. 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. Copyright 2023 Westfield Public Schools. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. 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. "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. Back to Departments. 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. 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.. In 1998, he took the Sycamore Junior High band to Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to perform as the opening act for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. 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. In class, Elgas sometimes dimmed the lights and pushed boys and girls together to force them to kiss, she said. 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. 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. Anti-Bullying Coordinator. Fremont Junior High, which closed in 1989, and Sycamore Junior High were part of the Anaheim Union High school district. Junior Jimmy Krupienski plays with a new PPE bell cover on his trumpet. Kennedy said the numbers of students taking band are lower at WHS than they ever have been. 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 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. 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 did not see this coming at all.". "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.. For some kids, the online thing isnt for them. Thank you for continuing to support the WHS Bands and Guard programs during these unusual times. "A big part of what we provide in high school band is a social network for the kids.". 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Mr. Lee sang with the NEC Chamber Singers and Concert Choir and regularly performed in the Undergraduate Opera Scenes program and Graduate Opera productions. At WHS, he meets with anywhere from 10 to 30 students at a time. Though the award recognized me as an individual, I saw it more as a recognition of our band programs in Westfield, he says. Ive been impressed here. . The estimates received from two different companies for 120 uniforms averaged approximately $65,000. For so long, he was treated like this venerated figure.. Venice High School's Band Director, Mr. Lee hails from a small suburban town in South Jersey. Westfield High School Bands. Phone: (317) 867-6800. 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." She dropped out of high school and ran away to a home for unwed teenage mothers. The nonprofit NJMBDA had over 70 high school bands join in its first year. 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. 1000 character (s) remaining. 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. Stephanie Lai was a 2020 intern for the Los Angeles Times. 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 . WHS Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was one of the many people who sent in letters for Vitale's nomination. The Westfield High School band has a hashtag #BandFamily that resonates with students, staff and families. 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. Vitale said the organization provides competitive marching band shows throughout every region of New Jersey. According to Director of Bands Chris Vitale, "The key ingredients of #BandFamily at Westfield are kindness, acceptance, respect and support. Music Teacher, HS. But he also had a reputation for getting too close to some girls in his class, according to the lawsuit. Great Oak High School Marching Band. 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. Through this program he was able to make his European conducting debut at the historic La Schola Cantorum de Paris. . Prerequisite: Co-enrollment in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band and/or Director's approval through audition. WHS Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was one of the many people who sent in letters for Vitale's nomination. The final time, in 1983, she had the baby, but he died seven days later, the lawsuit said. 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. "I lost probably 25 kids. Copyright 2017 The Westfield News Group. The Westfield HS Marching Bulldogs of Chantilly, VA - a 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade band Chris takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. Granite Bay High School Emerald Brigade. Through music we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork, among other things, he says. Two of the districts high school band directors, Alex Delao and Jeffrey William Plum, were convicted of molesting students in the 1980s. Kids love to play, and everybody loves to see them do it. The Westfield Band Boosters cordially invite you to apply to our 13th Annual Holiday Craft Show to be held on Saturday, November 20th, 2021. E-mail: hoff@lausd.net or patrickmhoff@gmail.com Subject: BAND. For the Veterans Day ceremony in Westfield, it was just Kennedy and two of his trumpeters playing taps, the first time in his career that they havent brought the band to the ceremony. One of the largest all-handmade craft shows in central Indiana, each year we host over 160 booths and 2,500 shoppers! 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. 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. The Westfield Bands have given performance tours of Austria, the Czech Republic, and Italy. Contact Form. 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. The marching band is open to any student in grades 9-12. 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. Socially distanced band practice at Westfield High School. 36 character (s) remaining. WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy is learning new tricks. Get a free morning newsletter with news in Westfield or another town: https://patch.com/subscribe. 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. Click on any of the icons below to follow our social media accounts! Seniors Trent Stucenski and Matt McMahon and junior Nate Valeri (seated) showing the new PPE bell covers on their instruments. 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. Granada Hills. 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. 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 Phone: (317) 867 . 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. 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. . In his letter, he noted that Vitale voluntarily hosts a well-attended book club before school for any student interested in strengthening their leadership skills. Westfield Band Boosters are grateful for the crafters and shoppers who participated in the Outdoor Event on October 10, 2020. 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. Mr. Lee received a Master of Music degree in Conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. Prior to coming to Westfield High School Mr. Vitale served as a high school band director in Fairfax County, Virginia. The WTA band is fully remote this year, because the school is only open for the students during their shop weeks. All four of the Westfield High School student musicians who qualified for Region Band in January also were awarded spots in All-State Band. Have a news tip? 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. Orchestra. When they do well, I tell them and when they dont, I dont shy away from making that known. 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. There are hand sanitizers in the classrooms and extra masks. He had explained to me thats what happened when people are in love and that he loved me, she said. The kids have been great in wearing the masks, and staying socially distanced. And I have always tried to be bluntly honest with my students, he says. All rights reserved.Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility, New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association. I keep things very casual and try to let the students drive the discussions, Vitale says. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. 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. A second pregnancy ended the same way. He described Vitale as an extremely dedicated teacher who is invested in the success of his students. Trained as a professional opera singer, Mr. Lee has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory of Music. Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States who met the programs criteria of "action, courage, creativity and growth.". 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. Elgas family members could not be reached for comment. Itinerant Music, Band, Teacher. 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Our workshops are taught by university professors and high school band directors. Telephone: (323) 900-2748. 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. Westfield, New Jersey. Granite Bay. 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 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. William Schnepper . 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). Carney urged any additional victims to contact him. FAX: (323) 936-8455. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). He said the younger music instructors in the district have been helping him with all of the transitions. 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. 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. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". 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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. The band gave concerts at Knotts Berry Farm and played under college conductors at Cal State Fullerton. A bit aways from his hometown, his musical . 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. Band Director, HS. 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. Salad, Sandwich Shop To Open Very Soon In Westfield, Union County Celebrates Arbor Day 2023 with Free Trees for Schools. Enrollment in the WHS Bands has doubled since his arrival in 2011. WHS Band Director Receives Prestigious Honor. To motivate and inspire his students, Vitale maintains a good balance between high standards and positive support for his students. 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. Mrs. Sarnoff is the Department Chair of the Music Program at Venice High School, where she has been teaching at Venice High School for over 25 years. 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. The Marching.com links directory lists websites related to high school marching bands, college bands, In ninth grade, Elgas began taking her to his house to have sex, she said. 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. Band Director: Andrew Muth. "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said.
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