In ninth grade, Elgas began taking her to his house to have sex, she said. Remy Samuels 2/10/2022. 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. In October 1983, she gave birth to a boy, naming him Richard after his father. FAX: (323) 936-8455. We are proud that we have students from every walk of life within our school community in the band. Band Director, HS. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. 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.. Elgas told The Times that his students dont know how good they can be. WHS Band Director Receives Prestigious Honor. 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. Contact Form. 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. Itinerant Music, Band, Teacher. Vitale is also a leader throughout the state and helped start the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association (NJMBDA). Mr. Lee sang with the NEC Chamber Singers and Concert Choir and regularly performed in the Undergraduate Opera Scenes program and Graduate Opera productions. "I think our main focus was just on trying to keep the kids connected," Vitale said. WHS Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was among a number of people who wrote letters of recommendation in support of Vitales nomination. 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. Our workshops are taught by university professors and high school band directors. When they do well, I tell them and when they dont, I dont shy away from making that known. The nonprofit NJMBDA had over 70 high school bands join in its first year. 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. Vitale explained that there is a communal aspect of making music with other people that is not something students get in other academic subjects. WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy said [] Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Stay updated with what's happening at Westfield High School with News You Choose Sign Up Now . I was so unbelievably proud that Westfield was recognized on a national stage for music educators all around the country to see.". And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". Mr. Winson began his career in Fort Bend ISD as the assistant director of bands at . Mr. David W. Lee. Band Director: Andrew Muth. He said the younger music instructors in the district have been helping him with all of the transitions. Vitale said the organization provides competitive marching band shows throughout every region of New Jersey. . 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. 18250 N. Union Street. The eight former students sued unnamed defendants who were responsible for overseeing Elgas. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. Trained as a professional opera singer, Mr. Lee has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory of Music. Two of the districts high school band directors, Alex Delao and Jeffrey William Plum, were convicted of molesting students in the 1980s. 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. . Salad, Sandwich Shop To Open Very Soon In Westfield, Union County Celebrates Arbor Day 2023 with Free Trees for Schools. Though the award recognized me as an individual, I saw it more as a recognition of our band programs in Westfield, he says. 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. Hailing from Temecula, she previously covered Riverside County and the Inland Empire and is now focused on Orange County. The estimated cost of the revised plan is $9MM, approximately half that of the initial proposal. Band Director: Andrew Muth. 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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 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. Granite Bay. 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. Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. 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.. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. The Marching.com links directory lists websites related to high school marching bands, college bands, 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. Seniors Trent Stucenski and Matt McMahon and junior Nate Valeri (seated) showing the new PPE bell covers on their instruments. NEW! 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. The Westfield Bands have given performance tours of Austria, the Czech Republic, and Italy. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Patrick Hoff, Director. There are hand sanitizers in the classrooms and extra masks. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. 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. In his letter, he notes that Vitalevoluntarily hosts a well-attended book club before school for any student interested in strengthening their leadership skills. Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States who met the programs criteria of "action, courage, creativity and growth.". 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. Im pretty proud of them so far, Kennedy said.Kennedy said the music program In some districts has really been decimated by the coronavirus. 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 band . WESTFIELD After an earnest appeal from High School Band Director Patrick Kennedy, the School Committee unanimously approved soliciting bids to replace the high school band uniforms, which are 25 years old and wearing thin. 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. "Through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork," Vitale said. "Through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork," Vitale said. "City Champions For A Quarter Century". (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). 871 likes. "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. How Many Inches Of Snow Did Westfield Get? 18250 N. Union Street . By helping others, you create a better experience for yourself a win-win. Katherine Pierce. Westfield High School Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was among a number of people who wrote letters of recommendation in support of Vitales nomination. 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. Cerritos. New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Gregory Rupert. 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. Great Oak High School Marching Band. "I lost probably 25 kids. E-mail: hoff@lausd.net or patrickmhoff@gmail.com Subject: BAND. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. Elgas was a well-known band director in Orange County. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 36 character (s) remaining. 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. Elgas does not appear to have been criminally charged. Westfield High School Bands. 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 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. 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. Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. Granada Hills. He had explained to me thats what happened when people are in love and that he loved me, she said. 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. 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 18250 N. Union Street. WESTFIELD, NJ Westfield High School band director Christopher Vitale was recognized among 40 "outstanding music directors" all under the age of 40 for his . Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. They are: Nolan Daly, 11th grade, Trumpet, All-State Symphonic Band . Westfield, IN 46074. She had not told her parents about the pregnancies, though they eventually tracked her down. 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. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. 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. "A big part of what we provide in high school band is a social network for the kids.". 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. Our staff bring their years and decades of experience to every one of our workshops. Granada Hills Charter High School Highlander Band. 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. Each year, these groups perform at concerts, adjudicated festivals, and various civic occasions. Anti-Bullying Coordinator. Each year, I am amazed and inspired by how accepting our students are of each other no matter what the circumstances.. 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. 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. 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.. 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. Telephone: (323) 900-2748. 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. He is very excited to work with the studentsandlooking forward to building a strong and comprehensive music program at Venice High School. 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. Vitale explained that there is a communal aspect of making music with other people that is not something students get in other academic subjects. Socially distanced band practice at Westfield High School. The facility has a Springfield postal address . Scofield served 13 months in prison. "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. The band gave concerts at Knotts Berry Farm and played under college conductors at Cal State Fullerton. 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. 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. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. The kids certainly do try. Prerequisite: Co-enrollment in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band and/or Director's approval through audition. A second pregnancy ended the same way. Vitale said the organization provides competitive marching band shows throughout every region of New Jersey. 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. 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. These eight women deserve to be vindicated. 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.. Vitale said there were over 35 letters written on his behalf. 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. 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 WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). Venice High Schools Band Director,Mr. Leehails from a small suburban town in South Jersey. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. Phone: (317) 867 . 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. All rights reserved (About Us). 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