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. February 7, 2022 - Westfield High School Band Director Christopher Vitale has been named to the 2022 "40 Under 40", a music education advocacy program launched by Yamaha last year to "recognize outstanding music educators who are making a difference by growing and strengthening their music programs." 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 . Westfield High School Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was among a number of people who wrote letters of recommendation in support of Vitales nomination. 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. I think weve been fortunate to maintain as many kids in our program as we have. 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.. 1000 character (s) remaining. 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. Vitale explained that there is a communal aspect of making music with other people that is not something students get in other academic subjects. According to Director of Bands Chris Vitale, "The key ingredients of #BandFamily at Westfield are kindness, acceptance, respect and support. Salad, Sandwich Shop To Open Very Soon In Westfield, Union County Celebrates Arbor Day 2023 with Free Trees for Schools. [Vitale] takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. 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. Only the flutes dont use them. The Westfield Band Boosters cordially invite you to apply to our 13th Annual Holiday Craft Show to be held on Saturday, November 20th, 2021. 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. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". Socially distanced band practice at Westfield High School. 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. Copyright 2023 Westfield Public Schools. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. We are proud that we have students from every walk of life within . WESTFIELD, NJ Westfield High School band director Christopher Vitale was recognized among 40 "outstanding music directors" all under the age of 40 for his . 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. They have the covers for trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, and ones for the tubas are enroute. There are hand sanitizers in the classrooms and extra masks. 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. The administration and maintenance are doing a nice job, and trying to keep the rooms really clean. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Fremont Junior High, which closed in 1989, and Sycamore Junior High were part of the Anaheim Union High school district. Carney urged any additional victims to contact him. The nonprofit NJMBDA had over 70 high school bands join in its first year. "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. . The Westfield High School band director was recognized by Yamaha for his achievements as an educator and growing the WHS music program. He continues to perform with ensembles, such as the Charles Dickens Carolers at venues throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. with Co-Band Director Trevor Sindorf, did some tallying out of curiosity. Elgas family members could not be reached for comment. 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. "Through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork," Vitale said. In addition, his ensembles continue to earn top performance accolades year after year. In class, Elgas sometimes dimmed the lights and pushed boys and girls together to force them to kiss, she said. The kids certainly do try. Anti-Bullying Coordinator. Hes gone through generations of young women, and the district did nothing to protect these students. Mr. David W. Lee. Our workshops are taught by university professors and high school band directors. Through this program he was able to make his European conducting debut at the historic La Schola Cantorum de Paris. 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. 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. Right now, Bob Plasse of Westfield on Weekends contacted me to see if we could do something on Channel 15. All rights reserved (About Us). Your Name. They are: Nolan Daly, 11th grade, Trumpet, All-State Symphonic Band . 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. Each year, these groups perform at concerts, adjudicated festivals, and various civic occasions. 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. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. 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. "City Champions For A Quarter Century". Sept. 29, 2020 3:23 PM PT. A spokesperson for the school district declined to comment, citing the litigation. NEW! She is an educator of many musical talents, where there have been times where she was a one wo-man band. Vitale said there were over 35 letters written on his behalf. Westfield High School Bands. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association. The club reads Stephen Coveys The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People over the course of several months and meets before school every few weeks to discuss various topics covered in the book. WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy is learning new tricks. 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. Im pretty proud of them so far, Kennedy said.Kennedy said the music program In some districts has really been decimated by the coronavirus. "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. Hailing from Temecula, she previously covered Riverside County and the Inland Empire and is now focused on Orange County. Band Director: Andrew Muth. It is . "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. Our students get 1-on-1, hands-on training with music educators at the top of their field. 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.. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. These groups study and perform a variety of literature, including swing, jazz, funk, and latin. 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. Venice High School's Band Director, Mr. Lee hails from a small suburban town in South Jersey. Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band (California State University, Fresno) Fresno. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. "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. Fine and Performing Arts Course Catalog. Chris Vitale - Westfield High School Band Director; Anticipated Cost. 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. Each year, I am amazed and inspired by how accepting our students are of each other no matter what the circumstances.. 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. 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. Im going to keep a Google Classroom until I retire. 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. Gahr High School Marching Gladiators. Gregory Rupert. Though the award recognized me as an individual, I saw it more as a recognition of our band programs in Westfield, he said. A bit aways from his hometown, his musical endeavors have taken him across the globe, but now have landed him in Los Angeles. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). A bit aways from his hometown, his musical . . 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. Mr. Lee received a Master of Music degree in Conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles. The baby had a birth defect and died a week later. Shortly after her 15th birthday, she got pregnant. 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.. The marching band is open to any student in grades 9-12. 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, HS. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. He said he often hears from WHS alumni that being a part of music program served them well later in life. . Having leadthe Mighty Gondolier Marching Band fortwo years at an after school capacity,Mr. Lee has continued his career at Venice High Schoolas full-time Instrumental Music Teacher. "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. The WTA band is fully remote this year, because the school is only open for the students during their shop weeks. 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. The band . Stephanie Lai was a 2020 intern for the Los Angeles Times. 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 Our staff bring their years and decades of experience to every one of our workshops. The kids have been great in wearing the masks, and staying socially distanced. Granada Hills Charter High School Highlander Band. He said the younger music instructors in the district have been helping him with all of the transitions. Stay updated with what's happening at Westfield High School with News You Choose Sign Up Now . 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Prerequisite: Co-enrollment in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band and/or Director's approval through audition. 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. Have a news tip? 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. WHS Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was one of the many people who sent in letters for Vitale's nomination. 18250 N. Union Street. 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. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. 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.. The backbone of . 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. How Many Inches Of Snow Did Westfield Get? The Westfield HS Marching Bulldogs of Chantilly, VA - a 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade band 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. 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. Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States who met the programs criteria of "action, courage, creativity and growth.". 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. When they do well, I tell them and when they dont, I dont shy away from making that known. Great Oak High School Marching Band. 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. Luckily, Vitale said this year has been "pretty normal" and that the students have been extremely resilient through all of it. We might put together some small ensembles and record them for the holidays. "We discovered that these 4 students are the 86th, 87th . Who can participate? In 1999, a jury awarded $2.5 million to a former student who was 13 when science teacher and track coach Clifford Scofield began a sexual relationship with her. 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. A second pregnancy ended the same way. Venice High Schools Band Director,Mr. Leehails from a small suburban town in South Jersey. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & ELEMENTARY DIRECTOR, music/visual instructor & middle school director, MUSIC/VISUAL INSTRUCTOR & MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR, Copyright 2022 Westfield High School Bands. Orchestra. She had not told her parents about the pregnancies, though they eventually tracked her down. To motivate and inspire his students, Vitale maintains a good balance between high standards and positive support for his students. Remy Samuels 2/10/2022. For so long, he was treated like this venerated figure.. I think theyll come back once things change. 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.. "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.. Kennedy said the numbers of students taking band are lower at WHS than they ever have been. "I did not see this coming at all.". WHS Band Director Receives Prestigious Honor. Music Director. 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. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. He had explained to me thats what happened when people are in love and that he loved me, she said. "Through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork," Vitale said. Contact Form. Westfield High School Bands. "I lost probably 25 kids. 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. 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. 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 estimates received from two different companies for 120 uniforms averaged approximately $65,000. Message. The Marching.com links directory lists websites related to high school marching bands, college bands, 871 likes. Granada Hills. Through music we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork, among other things, he says. 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. This proves to them that if we work together and work very hard, success will come.. The Westfield Bands have given performance tours of Austria, the Czech Republic, and Italy. 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. Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. Westfield Winds is the 2021 IPA Open Class State Champion, 2021 WGI Class A Finalist, and 2021 WGI Fan Favorite. 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. 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. 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