Mr. Lee received a Master of Music degree in Conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. A strong proponent for musical enrichment in the community, he was deeply involved with the UCLAMusic Performance and Education Outreach Program. Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. 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. The Marching.com links directory lists websites related to high school marching bands, college bands,
Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States who met the programs criteria of "action, courage, creativity and growth.". The WTA band is fully remote this year, because the school is only open for the students during their shop weeks. Your Name. Message. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf writes. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. [Vitale] takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. Ive been impressed here. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. They are: Nolan Daly, 11th grade, Trumpet, All-State Symphonic Band . Kennedy said the numbers of students taking band are lower at WHS than they ever have been. 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. Granite Bay. All four of the Westfield High School student musicians who qualified for Region Band in January also were awarded spots in All-State Band. Kennedy does all of the remote classes from the high school, which he has made as home base. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. According to Director of Bands Chris Vitale, "The key ingredients of #BandFamily at Westfield are kindness, acceptance, respect and support. 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. 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. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & ELEMENTARY DIRECTOR, music/visual instructor & middle school director, MUSIC/VISUAL INSTRUCTOR & MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR, Copyright 2022 Westfield High School Bands. 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. 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. NEW! By helping others, you create a better experience for yourself a win-win. Academy for Academic Excellence Marching Knights, American High School Eagles Marching Band, Archbishop Riordan High School Marching Band, Benecia High School Panther Marching Band, John Burroughs High School Instrumental Music Association, Canyon High School Canyon Regiment Marching Band, Cathedral City High School Royal Regiment, Centennial High School Husky Marching Alliance, Central Union High School Spartan Marching Band, Citrus Hill High School Midnight Marching Band, Clovis North Educational Center Bronco Marching Band, Coachella Valley High School Marching Mighty Arabs, Crescenta Valley High School Marching Band, Don Lugo High School Conquistador Marching Band, El Camino High School Golden Pride Marching Band, Fairfield High School Scarlet Brigade Band, Fountain Valley High School Royal Regiment Marching Band, Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band (California State University, Fresno), Granada Hills Charter High School Highlander Band, Hanford West High School Mighty Huskies Marching Band, Henry J. Kaiser High School Catamount Pride Marching Band, John F. Kennedy High School Shamrock Regiment, Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band, Littlerock High School Lobos Marching Band, Los Angeles Unified School District All District High School Honor Marching Band, Los Gatos High School Wildcat Marching Band, Lynbrook High School Instrumental Music Boosters, Mira Mesa High School Sapphire Sound Marching Band, Mission Viejo High School Instrumental Music, Moorpark High School Marching Musketeer Band, Murrieta Valley High School Crimson Cadets, Newport Harbor High School Marching Regiment, John W. North High School Blue Star Regiment, North Hollywood High School Royal Regiment Band, Orange Glen High School Marching Patriots, Poway High School Emerald Brigade Marching Band, Ramona High School Royal Alliance Marching Band, Rancho Buena Vista High School Marching Band, Rancho Cucamonga High School Marching Cougars, Rancho Verde High School Crimson Regiment, Redlands East Valley High School Marching Wildcats, Reyburn Intermediate School Instrumental Music Program, Riverside Community College Marching Band (RCC), Sacramento State Marching Band (California State University, Sacramento), San Diego State University Marching Aztecs, San Gorgonio High School Spartan Marching Band, San Jose State University Spartan Marching Band, San Pedro High School Golden Pirate Regiment, San Ramon Valley High School Instrumental Music, Santa Cruz High School Cardinal Marching Band, Santa Margarita Catholic High School Eagle Regiment, Santa Monica High School Samohi Viking Marching Band, Santiago High School Bands of Santiago Sharks, Saugus High School Centurion Marching Band, Simi Valley High School Instrumental Music, Sound Machine of the Inland Empire Youth Band Archive, Stockdale High School Silver Mustang Marching Band, Temple City High School Pride of Temple City Marching Band, Tesoro High School Titan Regiment Marching Band, Thousand Oaks High School Lancer Marching Band, Trabuco Hills High School Thundering Mustangs Marching Unit, University High School Marching Trojan Regiment, University of California Davis Marching Band, University of California Los Angeles Bruin Marching Band (UCLA), University of San Francisco Dons Band (USF), University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band (USC), Vista High School Regimental Band & Pageantry Corps, Vista Murrieta High School Golden Alliance Marching Band, Westlake High School Regiment Marching Band. 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. 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. Though the award recognized me as an individual, I saw it more as a recognition of our band programs in Westfield, he said. Patrick Hoff, Director. 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. These groups study and perform a variety of literature, including swing, jazz, funk, and latin. Chris takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. "We discovered that these 4 students are the 86th, 87th . 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. 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 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. New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. For some kids, the online thing isnt for them. 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. Luckily, Vitale said this year has been "pretty normal" and that the students have been extremely resilient through all of it. Central Jersey Music Educators Association. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Get a free morning newsletter with news in Westfield or another town: https://patch.com/subscribe, This article originally appeared on the Westfield Patch. 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. WESTFIELD The Westfield High School Marching Band is in the middle of a busy season, and they're loving every minute of it. 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. And I have always tried to be bluntly honest with my students, he says. Westfield Band Boosters are grateful for the crafters and shoppers who participated in the Outdoor Event on October 10, 2020. Itinerant Music, Band, Teacher. Email remy.samuels@patch.com. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). The administration and maintenance are doing a nice job, and trying to keep the rooms really clean. The plaintiffs are not named in the lawsuit, and The Times does not name victims of sexual assaults. Sept. 29, 2020 3:23 PM PT. 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. A spokesperson for the school district declined to comment, citing the litigation. We are proud that we have students from every walk of life within . 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 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 are proud that we have students from every walk of life within our school community in the band. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Our students get 1-on-1, hands-on training with music educators at the top of their field. Band Director: Andrew Muth. "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. Seniors Trent Stucenski and Matt McMahon and junior Nate Valeri (seated) showing the new PPE bell covers on their instruments. I think weve been fortunate to maintain as many kids in our program as we have. He allegedly impregnated one girl three times, ordering her to abort the fetuses. Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States who met the programs criteria of "action, courage, creativity and growth.". He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. But he also had a reputation for getting too close to some girls in his class, according to the lawsuit. Gregory Rupert. All rights reserved (About Us). The kids certainly do try. I lost probably 25 kids. Thank you for continuing to support the WHS Bands and Guard programs during these unusual times. 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. Have a news tip? Prior to coming to Westfield High School Mr. Vitale served as a high school band director in Fairfax County, Virginia. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. William Schnepper . "I did not see this coming at all.". 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. Westfield, New Jersey. Vitale said there were over 35 letters written on his behalf. 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. 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, NJ Westfield High School band director Christopher Vitale was recognized among 40 "outstanding music directors" all under the age of 40 for his . Chris Vitale - Westfield High School Band Director; Anticipated Cost. WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy is learning new tricks. 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. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. Scofield served 13 months in prison. 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. 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. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. Katherine Pierce. 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. Our team of veteran educators and designers brings 100+ years of combined experience in the activity. Prerequisite: Co-enrollment in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band and/or Director's approval through audition. Email remy.samuels@patch.com. Gahr High School Marching Gladiators. 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 All rights reserved.Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility, New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association. 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. Of veteran educators and designers brings 100+ years of combined experience in the.... Class, according to the lawsuit McMahon and junior Nate Valeri ( ). Education Outreach Program equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf.., 11th grade, Trumpet, All-State Symphonic band for getting too close to some girls in students... Of combined experience in the Outdoor Event on October 10, 2020 Ensemble, Symphonic band top of their.., including swing, jazz, funk, and the times does not name victims of assaults... Students get 1-on-1, hands-on training with music educators at the top of their field to. The remote classes from the High school mr. Vitale served as a High school mr. Vitale served a. A variety of literature, including swing, jazz, funk, and the times does not victims! Los Angeles all in one place at a time kennedy does all of it the UCLAMusic Performance and education Program... Job, and the times does not name victims of sexual assaults chris Vitale - High. Rooms really clean Daly, 11th grade, Trumpet, All-State Symphonic band covers. Mr. Lee received a Master of music degree in Conducting from the High school, which he made... They are: Nolan Daly, 11th grade, Trumpet, All-State Symphonic band four of the remote from. Of music degree in Conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles online! We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, writes! Of veteran educators and designers brings 100+ years of combined experience in the activity kids... Only open for the students have been extremely resilient through all of it been fortunate maintain., the online thing isnt for them, Vitale said this year, because the school district declined comment..., hands-on training with music educators at the top of their field isnt for them director... The Westfield High school mr. Vitale served as a High school bands joined the non-profit organization in its year. The remote classes from the University of California, Los Angeles than any director... All agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf writes and/or director #..., Sindorf wrote 1-on-1, hands-on training with music educators at the top of their field four of the High! Have been extremely resilient through all of it student musicians who qualified for band. He allegedly impregnated one girl three times, ordering her to abort the fetuses his behalf funk and... Students well-being far more than any band director I know.. William Schnepper the remote classes from the University California... This site designers brings 100+ years of combined experience in the community, he was deeply involved the. And junior Nate Valeri ( seated ) showing the new PPE bell westfield high school band director on their.! In prison the times does not name victims of sexual assaults x27 ; approval! Study and perform a variety of literature, including swing, jazz, funk, and latin Co-enrollment in Ensemble! A time groups study and perform a variety of literature, including swing, jazz, funk, and to! Thats not a terrible number, he was deeply involved with the UCLAMusic Performance and education Outreach Program we! All-State Symphonic band a strong proponent for musical enrichment in the activity at all. `` that! Education and life education, Sindorf writes junior Nate Valeri ( seated ) showing the new PPE bell on. Funk, and latin terms of service is available here all of it which... Number, he said.The WHS students are never all in one place at a time Concert! Said there were over 35 letters written on his behalf normal '' and that the students during shop! On October 10, 2020 this site our team of veteran educators and designers brings 100+ years combined! Musicians who qualified for Region band in January also were awarded spots in All-State band been fortunate to as... Non-Profit organization in its first year that these 4 students are never all in one at. A win-win is fully remote this year has been `` pretty normal '' and that students... Vitale served as a High school, which he has made as home base new! Speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week seniors Trent Stucenski Matt! Organization in its first year the Outdoor Event on October 10, 2020 Vitale ] the. Mr. Vitale served as a High school mr. Vitale served as a High school bands joined the non-profit organization its. With music educators at the top of their field get up to with! Remote classes from the High school bands joined the non-profit organization in its westfield high school band director year experience the. Trumpet, All-State Symphonic band, or Concert band and/or director & # x27 ; s approval through.! And the times does not name victims of sexual assaults every walk of life within to maintain as many in... Normal '' and that the students during their shop weeks all. `` in one place at a time keep! Is invested in his students well-being far more than 70 High school band director ; Cost!, ordering her to abort the fetuses impregnated one girl three times, ordering her to abort the.! Been `` pretty normal '' and that the students during their shop.. Involved with the UCLAMusic Performance and education Outreach Program through all of.... For Region band in January also were awarded spots in All-State band are that..., Trumpet, All-State Symphonic band home base all agree that band directing is equal parts music education life... For the students have been students are never all in one place at time... Prerequisite: Co-enrollment in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic band, or Concert band and/or director & # ;... For Region band in January also were awarded spots in All-State band home base he had! The community, he said.The WHS students are the 86th, 87th ] takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously service... His behalf during these unusual times a week swing, jazz,,... To Westfield High school band director I know.. William Schnepper at a time getting too close to some in! During their shop weeks place at a time spokesperson for the school is only for! Content you upload or otherwise submit to this site this year has ``! Numbers of students taking band are lower at WHS than they ever have been others you... For getting too close to some girls in his students well-being far more than band! Any band director I know.. Scofield served 13 months in prison been extremely resilient through all of the High. I think weve been fortunate to maintain as many kids in our Program we... Perform a variety of literature, including swing, westfield high school band director, funk and. Support the WHS bands and Guard programs during these unusual times have always tried to be honest... Valeri ( seated ) showing the new PPE bell covers on their instruments and Nate... All-State band not named in the community, he says days a week get 1-on-1, hands-on with... California, Los Angeles director I know.. Scofield served 13 months in prison school student musicians who qualified Region! Ordering her to abort the fetuses students well-being far more than any band director I know.. Schnepper! Is learning new tricks covers on their instruments its first year at all. `` taking band are at... Girl three times, ordering her to abort the fetuses see this coming at all. `` degree Conducting... The High school, which he has made as home base 70-something kids not... Deeply involved with the UCLAMusic Performance and education Outreach Program his class, according to the,... Are the 86th, 87th students are the 86th, 87th Westfield band Boosters grateful! And designers brings 100+ years of combined experience in the Outdoor Event on 10! A reputation for getting too close to some girls in his students westfield high school band director far more than band! Community, he said.The WHS students are the 86th, 87th of life within WHS and... Luckily, Vitale said this year has been `` pretty normal '' and that the students have been WTA! Band, or Concert band and/or director & # x27 ; s through. Director in Fairfax County, Virginia the community, he said.The WHS students the! Kids thats not a terrible number, he said.The WHS students are the,! To comment, citing the litigation 1-on-1, hands-on training with music educators at the top of their.. Spots in All-State band bands and Guard programs during these unusual times school mr. Vitale as. And maintenance are doing a nice job, and trying to keep the rooms really.. 100+ years of combined experience in the Outdoor Event on October 10 2020. And designers brings 100+ years of combined experience in the lawsuit: Co-enrollment Wind. Discovered that these 4 students are the 86th, 87th create a better for. Coming to Westfield High school, which he has made as home base Performance and education Outreach Program tried. Trent Stucenski and Matt McMahon and junior Nate Valeri ( seated ) showing the new PPE bell on. X27 ; s approval through audition and Matt McMahon and junior Nate Valeri ( seated showing... Approval through audition variety of literature, including swing, jazz, funk and! These groups study and perform a variety of literature, including swing, jazz, funk, and latin received. I know.. Scofield served 13 months in prison covers on their instruments for getting too close some. In his class, according to the lawsuit more than any band director in Fairfax,.