Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. 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. Our students get 1-on-1, hands-on training with music educators at the top of their field. 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. Westfield Winds is the 2021 IPA Open Class State Champion, 2021 WGI Class A Finalist, and 2021 WGI Fan Favorite. According to Director of Bands Chris Vitale, "The key ingredients of #BandFamily at Westfield are kindness, acceptance, respect and support. 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To send an email to this staff member, fill out and submit this form. In class, Elgas sometimes dimmed the lights and pushed boys and girls together to force them to kiss, she said. The administration and maintenance are doing a nice job, and trying to keep the rooms really clean. WESTFIELD The Westfield High School Marching Band is in the middle of a busy season, and they're loving every minute of it. Only the flutes dont use them. 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. 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. 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 Each year, these groups perform at concerts, adjudicated festivals, and various civic occasions. She dropped out of high school and ran away to a home for unwed teenage mothers. "I think our main focus was just on trying to keep the kids connected," Vitale said. The plaintiffs are not named in the lawsuit, and The Times does not name victims of sexual assaults. 1000 character (s) remaining. 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. The final time, in 1983, she had the baby, but he died seven days later, the lawsuit said. 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. 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. All DMA Staff. 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. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. He had explained to me thats what happened when people are in love and that he loved me, she said. I keep things very casual and try to let the students drive the discussions, Vitale says. 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.. 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. "I did not see this coming at all.". Vitale explained that there is a communal aspect of making music with other people that is not something students get in other academic subjects. "I think our main focus was just on trying to keep the kids connected," Vitale said. I think theyll come back once things change. 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. 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. 18250 N. Union Street. Anti-Bullying Coordinator. 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. Venice High Schools Band Director,Mr. Leehails from a small suburban town in South Jersey. 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. 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. Trained as a professional opera singer, Mr. Lee has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory of Music. Junior Jimmy Krupienski plays with a new PPE bell cover on his trumpet. Stay updated with what's happening at Westfield High School with News You Choose Sign Up Now . Sept. 29, 2020 3:23 PM PT. This is just the tip of the iceberg, Carney said. 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. Im going to keep a Google Classroom until I retire. Enrollment in the WHS Bands has doubled since his arrival in 2011. 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. "Through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork," Vitale said. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The funds would come from School Choice, [] The Westfield HS Marching Bulldogs of Chantilly, VA - a 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade band But he also had a reputation for getting too close to some girls in his class, according to the lawsuit. 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. He allegedly impregnated one girl three times, ordering her to abort the fetuses. Choir. Fremont Junior High, which closed in 1989, and Sycamore Junior High were part of the Anaheim Union High school district. She had not told her parents about the pregnancies, though they eventually tracked her down. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". 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. The band gave concerts at Knotts Berry Farm and played under college conductors at Cal State Fullerton. Luckily, Vitale said this year has been "pretty normal" and that the students have been extremely resilient through all of it. In his letter, he notes that Vitalevoluntarily hosts a well-attended book club before school for any student interested in strengthening their leadership skills. 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. 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. Salad, Sandwich Shop To Open Very Soon In Westfield, Union County Celebrates Arbor Day 2023 with Free Trees for Schools. Hes gone through generations of young women, and the district did nothing to protect these students. Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band (California State University, Fresno) Fresno. The baby had a birth defect and died a week later. 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. Band Director: Andrew Muth. 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. Mr. Lee sang with the NEC Chamber Singers and Concert Choir and regularly performed in the Undergraduate Opera Scenes program and Graduate Opera productions. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. I was so unbelievably proud that Westfield was recognized on a national stage for music educators all around the country to see.". According to Director of Bands Chris Vitale, The key ingredients of #BandFamily at Westfield are kindness, acceptance, respect and support. The Westfield High School band has a hashtag #BandFamily that resonates with students, staff and families. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Gahr High School Marching Gladiators. 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. Band Director Westfield High School Westfield, NJ. 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. When they do well, I tell them and when they dont, I dont shy away from making that known. The agenda of the book club is for everyone involved to learn more about themselves, myself included. Ive been impressed here. . To motivate and inspire his students, Vitale maintains a good balance between high standards and positive support for his students. At WHS, he meets with anywhere from 10 to 30 students at a time. Chris takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. Phone: (317) 867 . Westfield, IN 46074. "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. Have a news tip? 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. This proves to them that if we work together and work very hard, success will come.. Our workshops are taught by university professors and high school band directors. He said it wasnt a sin.. Click on any of the icons below to follow our social media accounts! Vitale said the organization provides competitive marching band shows throughout every region of New Jersey. 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 said there were over 35 letters written on his behalf. Shortly after her 15th birthday, she got pregnant. Vitale is also a leader throughout the state and helped start the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association (NJMBDA). Central Jersey Music Educators Association. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. Granite Bay High School Emerald Brigade. 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. FAX: (323) 936-8455. WHS Band Director Receives Prestigious Honor. 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. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). Email remy.samuels@patch.com. Elgas took her to get an abortion. E-mail: hoff@lausd.net or patrickmhoff@gmail.com Subject: BAND. Enrollment in the WHS Bands has doubled since his arrival in 2011. Telephone: (323) 900-2748. The backbone of . 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. There are hand sanitizers in the classrooms and extra masks. They have the covers for trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, and ones for the tubas are enroute. 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. Westfield High School Bands Band Director: Andrew Muth 18250 N. Union Street Westfield, IN 46074 Phone: (317) 867-6800Fax: (317) 867-2909 Get Connected! We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. Vitale said the organization provides competitive marching band shows throughout every region of New Jersey. Elgas family members could not be reached for comment. He is very excited to work with the studentsandlooking forward to building a strong and comprehensive music program at Venice High School. NEW! Seniors Trent Stucenski and Matt McMahon and junior Nate Valeri (seated) showing the new PPE bell covers on their instruments. A second pregnancy ended the same way. Here in Southern California, Mr. Lee has been on the musical staff of the Santa Monica Youth Orchestra a tuition-free orchestra program for young musicians, where he served as a musical instructor and also ran a weekly after school musical enrichment program as the Musical Artist in Residence at Virginia Avenue Park. Katherine Pierce. 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. Fine and Performing Arts Course Catalog. Stephanie Lai was a 2020 intern for the Los Angeles Times. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States who met the programs criteria of "action, courage, creativity and growth.". These eight women deserve to be vindicated. Granada Hills. 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. All rights reserved. Music Teacher, HS. Band Director: Andrew Muth. 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. According to Yamaha, they received hundreds of nominations from students, parents, teachers and local instrument dealers and mentors, highlighting the music educators impacting their community and students in a positive direction. The Westfield Band Boosters cordially invite you to apply to our 13th Annual Holiday Craft Show to be held on Saturday, November 20th, 2021. For some kids, the online thing isnt for them. I lost probably 25 kids. By helping others, you create a better experience for yourself a win-win. Mr. David W. Lee. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). The WTA band is fully remote this year, because the school is only open for the students during their shop weeks. "A big part of what we provide in high school band is a social network for the kids.". 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. 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. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. 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. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". Gregory Rupert. The kids certainly do try. The Westfield High School band director was recognized by Yamaha for his achievements as an educator and growing the WHS music program. "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. A spokesperson for the school district declined to comment, citing the litigation. The kids have been great in wearing the masks, and staying socially distanced. Scofield served 13 months in prison. 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. 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. Fax: (317) 867-2909. And I have always tried to be bluntly honest with my students, he says. He said he often hears from WHS alumni that being a part of music program served them well later in life. The Westfield Marching Band was named a 2015 USBands Northeast Regional and National Class Champions and was named a Bands of America Regional Finalist three times since 2018. The estimates received from two different companies for 120 uniforms averaged approximately $65,000. Westfield, New Jersey. "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. WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy is learning new tricks. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. In addition, his ensembles continue to earn top performance accolades year after year. Through this program he was able to make his European conducting debut at the historic La Schola Cantorum de Paris. 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. A bit aways from his hometown, his musical endeavors have taken him across the globe, but now have landed him in Los Angeles. Granada Hills Charter High School Highlander Band. Remy Samuels 2/10/2022. Remy Samuels , Patch Staff Posted Thu, Feb 10, 2022 at 4:48 . (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). 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. 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.. 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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. 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. Who can participate? "Through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork," Vitale said. Back to Departments. WHS Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was one of the many people who sent in letters for Vitale's nomination. The estimated cost of the revised plan is $9MM, approximately half that of the initial proposal. 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. The band director, Richard Elgas, retired in 2003 after a nearly 40-year career. WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy said [] Email remy.samuels@patch.com. Two of the districts high school band directors, Alex Delao and Jeffrey William Plum, were convicted of molesting students in the 1980s. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. WESTFIELD, NJ Westfield High School band director Christopher Vitale was recognized among 40 "outstanding music directors" all under the age of 40 for his . 871 likes. All rights reserved (About Us). "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.. Copyright 2023 Westfield Public Schools. New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association. Get a free morning newsletter with news in Westfield or another town: https://patch.com/subscribe, This article originally appeared on the Westfield Patch. Thank you for continuing to support the WHS Bands and Guard programs during these unusual times. 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. They are: Nolan Daly, 11th grade, Trumpet, All-State Symphonic Band . 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). William Schnepper . How Many Inches Of Snow Did Westfield Get? Mr. Vitale holds a Bachelor of Music Education and Masters of Music in Conducting Performance from the University of Delaware. 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. Kids love to play, and everybody loves to see them do it. Band Director: Andrew Muth. 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. The Westfield High School band has a hashtag #BandFamily that resonates with students, staff and families. 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. One of the largest all-handmade craft shows in central Indiana, each year we host over 160 booths and 2,500 shoppers! Westfield plans to award a band scholarship in her name, and donations payable to Westfield High School Music Boosters Club may be sent to the school at 4700 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly, VA 20151. "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. Links to high school marching bands, college bands, middle school bands and sites of interest to California. 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.. It is . A strong proponent for musical enrichment in the community, he was deeply involved with the UCLAMusic Performance and Education Outreach Program. Westfield High School Bands. Mr. Winson began his career in Fort Bend ISD as the assistant director of bands at . . 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. 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