The administration and maintenance are doing a nice job, and trying to keep the rooms really clean. In October 1983, she gave birth to a boy, naming him Richard after his father. A second pregnancy ended the same way. Im going to keep a Google Classroom until I retire. 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. 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. Choir. Thank you for continuing to support the WHS Bands and Guard programs during these unusual times. 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. The band . The Westfield High School band director was recognized by Yamaha for his achievements as an educator and growing the WHS music program. Fremont Junior High, which closed in 1989, and Sycamore Junior High were part of the Anaheim Union High school district. 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. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". . Chris takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. All four of the Westfield High School student musicians who qualified for Region Band in January also were awarded spots in All-State 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. 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 did not see this coming at all.". 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." The backbone of . 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. 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. In his letter, he notes that Vitalevoluntarily hosts a well-attended book club before school for any student interested in strengthening their leadership skills. 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. Gregory Rupert. 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. Westfield, 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 . Your Email. 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. 1000 character (s) remaining. All DMA Staff. Chris takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. Mr. Lee sang with the NEC Chamber Singers and Concert Choir and regularly performed in the Undergraduate Opera Scenes program and Graduate Opera productions. He said he often hears from WHS alumni that being a part of music program served them well later in life. 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. WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy said [] The Los Angeles High School Band and Color Guard is the premier band in the city of Los . 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. Stay updated with what's happening at Westfield High School with News You Choose Sign Up Now . Enrollment in the WHS Bands has doubled since his arrival in 2011. The baby had a birth defect and died a week later. [Vitale] takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. 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. He said he often hears from WHS alumni that being a part of music program served them well later in life. 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. Phone: (317) 867-6800. And I have always tried to be bluntly honest with my students, he says. WHS Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was one of the many people who sent in letters for Vitale's nomination. 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 were slowly edging back towards some sense of normalcy, he said.Kennedy said the numbers of students taking band are lower at WHS than they ever have been. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf writes. The Westfield High School band has a hashtag #BandFamily that resonates with students, staff and families. Kids love to play, and everybody loves to see them do it. 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. Click on any of the icons below to follow our social media accounts! The band director, Richard Elgas, retired in 2003 after a nearly 40-year career. 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. This proves to them that if we work together and work very hard, success will come.. Kennedy does all of the remote classes from the high school, which he has made as home base. Westfield High School Bands. 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. In ninth grade, Elgas began taking her to his house to have sex, she said. Westfield High School Bands. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. A bit aways from his hometown, his musical endeavors have taken him across the globe, but now have landed him in Los Angeles. 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. The Marching.com links directory lists websites related to high school marching bands, college bands, 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. 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. 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. He is very excited to work with the studentsandlooking forward to building a strong and comprehensive music program at Venice High School. 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. Get a free morning newsletter with news in Westfield or another town: https://patch.com/subscribe, This article originally appeared on the Westfield Patch. All rights reserved.Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility, New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association. Performance credits include studio and motion picture work with LA Master Chorale and Pacific Chorale. 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. "City Champions For A Quarter Century". There are hand sanitizers in the classrooms and extra masks. Vitale said there were over 35 letters written on his behalf. Patrick Hoff, Director. We meet every day, and are experimenting with using the computer to broadcast the music in the room, and have the kids play along at home, Kennedy said. Carney urged any additional victims to contact him. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Music Teacher, HS. The Westfield High School Bands, under the direction of Vitale and Sindorf, are 3-time Band of America regional finalists, repeated New Jersey State Gala participants, and an invitee to the Music for All National Concert Band Festival. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & ELEMENTARY DIRECTOR, music/visual instructor & middle school director, MUSIC/VISUAL INSTRUCTOR & MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR, Copyright 2022 Westfield High School Bands. 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. 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. 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.. I lost probably 25 kids. They are: Nolan Daly, 11th grade, Trumpet, All-State Symphonic Band . The Westfield Band Boosters cordially invite you to apply to our 13th Annual Holiday Craft Show to be held on Saturday, November 20th, 2021. 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." THE LOS ANGELES HIGH SCHOOL BAND AND COLOR GUARD BIOGRAPHY. The estimated cost of the revised plan is $9MM, approximately half that of the initial proposal. Copyright 2023 Westfield Public Schools. The final time, in 1983, she had the baby, but he died seven days later, the lawsuit said. 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. Our team of veteran educators and designers brings 100+ years of combined experience in the activity. Westfield Winds is the 2021 IPA Open Class State Champion, 2021 WGI Class A Finalist, and 2021 WGI Fan Favorite. WESTFIELD, NJ Westfield High School band director Christopher Vitale was recognized among 40 "outstanding music directors" all under the age of 40 for his . All rights reserved. Fax: (317) 867-2909. Shortly after her 15th birthday, she got pregnant. He said it wasnt a sin.. Granite Bay High School Emerald Brigade. . He allegedly impregnated one girl three times, ordering her to abort the fetuses. Your Name. 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 Im pretty proud of them so far, Kennedy said.Kennedy said the music program In some districts has really been decimated by the coronavirus. 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. 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. Enrollment in the WHS Bands has doubled since his arrival in 2011. Only the flutes dont use them. 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 "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. 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. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. Mr. Winson began his career in Fort Bend ISD as the assistant director of bands at . 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. 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. . "A big part of what we provide in high school band is a social network for the kids.". Mr. Vitale holds a Bachelor of Music Education and Masters of Music in Conducting Performance from the University of Delaware. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. I think weve been fortunate to maintain as many kids in our program as we have. We are proud that we have students from every walk of life within . Stephanie Lai was a 2020 intern for the Los Angeles Times. The funds would come from School Choice, [] "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.. There, he served asAssociate Conductor of the University Chorus, Assistant Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra, Teaching Assistant of the Advanced Conducting Techniques class, and Tour Manager for UCLA Choral Activities. Westfield, IN 46074. Hes gone through generations of young women, and the district did nothing to protect these students. Band Boosters Charms Office Suite Questions? In class, Elgas sometimes dimmed the lights and pushed boys and girls together to force them to kiss, she said. Remy Samuels , Patch Staff Posted Thu, Feb 10, 2022 at 4:48 . Westfield High School Bands. According to Director of Bands Chris Vitale, "The key ingredients of #BandFamily at Westfield are kindness, acceptance, respect and support. I was so unbelievably proud that Westfield was recognized on a national stage for music educators all around the country to see.. "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. Chris Vitale - Westfield High School Band Director; Anticipated Cost. The eight former students sued unnamed defendants who were responsible for overseeing Elgas. Each year, these groups perform at concerts, adjudicated festivals, and various civic occasions. Vitale explained that there is a communal aspect of making music with other people that is not something students get in other academic subjects. A bit aways from his hometown, his musical . He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. Band Director: Andrew Muth. 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. 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. 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 NEWS/AMY PORTER). 871 likes. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. When she was 18 and pregnant by Elgas again, she changed her mind at the abortion clinic. WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy is learning new tricks. Vitale explained that there is a communal aspect of making music with other people that is not something students get in other academic subjects. "A big part of what we provide in high school band is a social network for the kids.". The plaintiffs are not named in the lawsuit, and The Times does not name victims of sexual assaults. 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 nonprofit NJMBDA had over 70 high school bands join in its first year. Cerritos. Venice High Schools Band Director,Mr. Leehails from a small suburban town in South Jersey. Two of the districts high school band directors, Alex Delao and Jeffrey William Plum, were convicted of molesting students in the 1980s. I was so unbelievably proud that Westfield was recognized on a national stage for music educators all around the country to see.". Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States who met the programs criteria of "action, courage, creativity and growth.". Trained as a professional opera singer, Mr. Lee has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory of Music. "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. 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 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..
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