"We discovered that these 4 students are the 86th, 87th . 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. This is just the tip of the iceberg, Carney said. Vitale explained that there is a communal aspect of making music with other people that is not something students get in other academic subjects. 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. 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. Stephanie Lai was a 2020 intern for the Los Angeles Times. The eight former students sued unnamed defendants who were responsible for overseeing Elgas. 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 big part of what we provide in high school band is a social network for the kids.". Please enter an email address where you can be reached if the staffer needs to respond to you. 18250 N. Union Street. "A big part of what we provide in high school band is a social network for the kids.". Mr. David W. Lee. Elgas family members could not be reached for comment. For some kids, the online thing isnt for them. 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. 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. 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. Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. Mr. Lee received a Master of Music degree in Conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles. 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. 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. Message. Remy Samuels , Patch Staff Posted Thu, Feb 10, 2022 at 4:48 . drum and bugle corps, color guards and drum lines. He had explained to me thats what happened when people are in love and that he loved me, she said. One of the largest all-handmade craft shows in central Indiana, each year we host over 160 booths and 2,500 shoppers! Remy Samuels 2/10/2022. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". To send an email to this staff member, fill out and submit this form. They have the covers for trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, and ones for the tubas are enroute. It is . Elgas was a well-known band director in Orange County. 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. The administration and maintenance are doing a nice job, and trying to keep the rooms really clean. 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. Click on any of the icons below to follow our social media accounts! "I lost probably 25 kids. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. In October 1983, she gave birth to a boy, naming him Richard after his father. In addition, his ensembles continue to earn top performance accolades year after year. 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.. Westfield, IN 46074. All rights reserved.Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility, New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association. 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.. According to Director of Bands Chris Vitale, "The key ingredients of #BandFamily at Westfield are kindness, acceptance, respect and support. How Many Inches Of Snow Did Westfield Get? Our students get 1-on-1, hands-on training with music educators at the top of their field. 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.. A bit aways from his hometown, his musical endeavors have taken him across the globe, but now have landed him in Los Angeles. Phone: (317) 867 . 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. Telephone: (323) 900-2748. 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. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf writes. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). Though the award recognized me as an individual, I saw it more as a recognition of our band programs in Westfield, he said. According to Director of Bands Chris Vitale, The key ingredients of #BandFamily at Westfield are kindness, acceptance, respect and support. 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. Email remy.samuels@patch.com. These eight women deserve to be vindicated. WHS Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was one of the many people who sent in letters for Vitale's nomination. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Carney urged any additional victims to contact him. Vitale explained that there is a communal aspect of making music with other people that is not something students get in other academic subjects. Band Boosters Charms Office Suite Questions? I think weve been fortunate to maintain as many kids in our program as we have. Band Director: Andrew Muth. "I did not see this coming at all.". Scofield served 13 months in prison. Our workshops are taught by university professors and high school band directors. WESTFIELD The Westfield High School Marching Band is in the middle of a busy season, and they're loving every minute of it. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. 36 character (s) remaining. Email remy.samuels@patch.com. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Enrollment in the WHS Bands has doubled since his arrival in 2011. 871 likes. Though the award recognized me as an individual, I saw it more as a recognition of our band programs in Westfield, he says. The Marching.com links directory lists websites related to high school marching bands, college bands, Chris Vitale - Westfield High School Band Director; Anticipated Cost. Performance credits include studio and motion picture work with LA Master Chorale and Pacific Chorale. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Anti-Bullying Coordinator. Itinerant Music, Band, Teacher. Katherine Pierce. 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. 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. Venice High Schools Band Director,Mr. Leehails from a small suburban town in South Jersey. Salad, Sandwich Shop To Open Very Soon In Westfield, Union County Celebrates Arbor Day 2023 with Free Trees for Schools. These groups study and perform a variety of literature, including swing, jazz, funk, and latin. Each year, I am amazed and inspired by how accepting our students are of each other no matter what the circumstances.. The estimated cost of the revised plan is $9MM, approximately half that of the initial proposal. 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. Vitale said there were over 35 letters written on his behalf. Prior to coming to Westfield High School Mr. Vitale served as a high school band director in Fairfax County, Virginia. Ive been impressed here. 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. Westfield High School Bands. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. The band . 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. 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. Elgas told The Times that his students dont know how good they can be. All rights reserved. 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. The backbone of . THE LOS ANGELES HIGH SCHOOL BAND AND COLOR GUARD BIOGRAPHY. The band director, Richard Elgas, retired in 2003 after a nearly 40-year career. Prerequisite: Co-enrollment in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band and/or Director's approval through audition. "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. 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. Yamaha says in a press release 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.. They are: Nolan Daly, 11th grade, Trumpet, All-State Symphonic Band . When she was 18 and pregnant by Elgas again, she changed her mind at the abortion clinic. 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. Vitale said there were over 35 letters written on his behalf. Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States who met the programs criteria of "action, courage, creativity and growth.". Through this program he was able to make his European conducting debut at the historic La Schola Cantorum de Paris. 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. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Our team of veteran educators and designers brings 100+ years of combined experience in the activity. 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. The Westfield High School band director was recognized by Yamaha for his achievements as an educator and growing the WHS music program. 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.. Westfield High School Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was among a number of people who wrote letters of recommendation in support of Vitales nomination. Fax: (317) 867-2909. A spokesperson for the school district declined to comment, citing the litigation. He died in 2017, according to the Orange County Coroner Division. 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. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. with Co-Band Director Trevor Sindorf, did some tallying out of curiosity. But he also had a reputation for getting too close to some girls in his class, according to the lawsuit. I lost probably 25 kids. 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. 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. 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. Each year, these groups perform at concerts, adjudicated festivals, and various civic occasions. Back to Departments. The Westfield High School band has a hashtag #BandFamily that resonates with students, staff and families. Westfield High School Bands. William Schnepper . She had not told her parents about the pregnancies, though they eventually tracked her down. WHS Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was one of the many people who sent in letters for Vitale's nomination. We might put together some small ensembles and record them for the holidays. Mr. Winson began his career in Fort Bend ISD as the assistant director of bands at . Westfield, IN 46074. Westfield, New Jersey. "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.. 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 WHS Band Director Receives Prestigious Honor. WHS Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was among a number of people who wrote letters of recommendation in support of Vitales nomination. 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 Fine and Performing Arts Course Catalog. Band Director, HS. Only the flutes dont use them. Band Director: Andrew Muth. 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. 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