He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. Though the award recognized me as an individual, I saw it more as a recognition of our band programs in Westfield, he said. "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 says that through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork. 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. 18250 N. Union Street. 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. Kids love to play, and everybody loves to see them do it. Have a news tip? Fremont Junior High, which closed in 1989, and Sycamore Junior High were part of the Anaheim Union High school district. Band Director: Andrew Muth. "I did not see this coming at all.". Shortly after her 15th birthday, she got pregnant. Though the award recognized me as an individual, I saw it more as a recognition of our band programs in Westfield, he says. 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. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). "Through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork," Vitale said. Email remy.samuels@patch.com. 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. Mr. Winson began his career in Fort Bend ISD as the assistant director of bands at . Back to Departments. Anti-Bullying Coordinator. Chris Vitale - Westfield High School Band Director; Anticipated Cost. 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. They are: Nolan Daly, 11th grade, Trumpet, All-State Symphonic Band . He described Vitale as an extremely dedicated teacher who is invested in the success of his students. 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. Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. Message. He died in 2017, according to the Orange County Coroner Division. Our staff bring their years and decades of experience to every one of our workshops. In the last period of the day, they have 30 or so students, and have to break into groups; half in the band room, and half in the auditorium, where student leaders lead the practice. The plaintiffs are not named in the lawsuit, and The Times does not name victims of sexual assaults. The final time, in 1983, she had the baby, but he died seven days later, the lawsuit said. Our students get 1-on-1, hands-on training with music educators at the top of their field. How Many Inches Of Snow Did Westfield Get? Hes gone through generations of young women, and the district did nothing to protect these students. 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. Itinerant Music, Strings, Teacher . 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The band . 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." 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. "I did not see this coming at all.". 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. 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. 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.. 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. 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. Stephanie Lai was a 2020 intern for the Los Angeles Times. Each year, these groups perform at concerts, adjudicated festivals, and various civic occasions. Performance credits include studio and motion picture work with LA Master Chorale and Pacific Chorale. We are proud that we have students from every walk of life within our school community in the band. Vitale is among 40 music educators across the United States who met the programs criteria of "action, courage, creativity and growth.". . All four of the Westfield High School student musicians who qualified for Region Band in January also were awarded spots in All-State Band. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. 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. The band gave concerts at Knotts Berry Farm and played under college conductors at Cal State Fullerton. She had not told her parents about the pregnancies, though they eventually tracked her down. Scofield served 13 months in prison. 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 (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). 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. Our workshops are taught by university professors and high school band directors. 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. Westfield High School Bands. 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. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. The kids have been great in wearing the masks, and staying socially distanced. Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. Luckily, Vitale said this year has been "pretty normal" and that the students have been extremely resilient through all of it. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. Granite Bay. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. In his letter, he notes that Vitalevoluntarily hosts a well-attended book club before school for any student interested in strengthening their leadership skills. Have a news tip? 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. jazz I , jazz II, & STage Band. Remy Samuels , Patch Staff Posted Thu, Feb 10, 2022 at 4:48 . He said the younger music instructors in the district have been helping him with all of the transitions. I was so unbelievably proud that Westfield was recognized on a national stage for music educators all around the country to see.. "I think our main focus was just on trying to keep the kids connected," Vitale said. Itinerant Music, Band, Teacher. 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. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). According to Director of Bands Chris Vitale, "The key ingredients of #BandFamily at Westfield are kindness, acceptance, respect and support. Cerritos. He described Vitale as an extremely dedicated teacher who is invested in the success of his students. "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.. 18250 N. Union Street. Vitale said there were over 35 letters written on his behalf. The Westfield High School band has a hashtag #BandFamily that resonates with students, staff and families. The estimated cost of the revised plan is $9MM, approximately half that of the initial proposal. 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 can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf writes. Remy Samuels 2/10/2022. 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. 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 . 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 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. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. Mr. Vitale holds a Bachelor of Music Education and Masters of Music in Conducting Performance from the University of Delaware. Through music we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork, among other things, he says. 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.. This proves to them that if we work together and work very hard, success will come.. 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.. drum and bugle corps, color guards and drum lines. In October 1983, she gave birth to a boy, naming him Richard after his father. Please enter an email address where you can be reached if the staffer needs to respond to you. The kids certainly do try. "I lost probably 25 kids. Email remy.samuels@patch.com. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). 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 Los Angeles High School Band and Color Guard is the premier band in the city of Los . For so long, he was treated like this venerated figure.. Vitale said the organization provides competitive marching band shows throughout every region of New Jersey. "City Champions For A Quarter Century". The facility has a Springfield postal address . Band Director Westfield High School Westfield, NJ. The administration and maintenance are doing a nice job, and trying to keep the rooms really clean. "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.. Copyright 2023 Westfield Public Schools. 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. She dropped out of high school and ran away to a home for unwed teenage mothers. The Westfield High School band has a hashtag #BandFamily that resonates with students, staff and families. Luckily, Vitale said this year has been "pretty normal" and that the students have been extremely resilient through all of it. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. The estimates received from two different companies for 120 uniforms averaged approximately $65,000. 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 was so unbelievably proud that Westfield was recognized on a national stage for music educators all around the country to see.". 18250 N. Union Street . The marching band is open to any student in grades 9-12. Two of the districts high school band directors, Alex Delao and Jeffrey William Plum, were convicted of molesting students in the 1980s. 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. Granada Hills Charter High School Highlander Band. And I have always tried to be bluntly honest with my students, he says. To motivate and inspire his students, Vitale maintains a good balance between high standards and positive support for his students. Elgas took her to get an abortion. The agenda of the book club is for everyone involved to learn more about themselves, myself included. Westfield HS Band, Chantilly, Virginia. "A big part of what we provide in high school band is a social network for the kids.". Chris takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. When she was 18 and pregnant by Elgas again, she changed her mind at the abortion clinic. 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. 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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. 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. The funds would come from School Choice, [] NEW! In class, Elgas sometimes dimmed the lights and pushed boys and girls together to force them to kiss, she said. 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.. Ive been impressed here. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Links to high school marching bands, college bands, middle school bands and sites of interest to California. He had explained to me thats what happened when people are in love and that he loved me, she said. Each year, I am amazed and inspired by how accepting our students are of each other no matter what the circumstances.. The Westfield HS Marching Bulldogs of Chantilly, VA - a 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade band Great Oak High School Marching Band. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Westfield High School Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was among a number of people who wrote letters of recommendation in support of Vitales nomination. Westfield Band Boosters are grateful for the crafters and shoppers who participated in the Outdoor Event on October 10, 2020. 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. Central Jersey Music Educators Association. Through this program he was able to make his European conducting debut at the historic La Schola Cantorum de Paris. A spokesperson for the school district declined to comment, citing the litigation. A strong proponent for musical enrichment in the community, he was deeply involved with the UCLAMusic Performance and Education Outreach Program. At WHS, he meets with anywhere from 10 to 30 students at a time. There are hand sanitizers in the classrooms and extra masks. 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. 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. A bit aways from his hometown, his musical . Vitale also co-founded the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association (NJMBDA) in 2020, with more than 70 high school bands joining the nonprofit organization in its first year. 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. 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. Elgas does not appear to have been criminally charged. Carney urged any additional victims to contact him. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. Mr. Lee sang with the NEC Chamber Singers and Concert Choir and regularly performed in the Undergraduate Opera Scenes program and Graduate Opera productions. 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. Westfield High School Bands. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. In ninth grade, Elgas began taking her to his house to have sex, she said. WESTFIELD The Westfield High School Marching Band is in the middle of a busy season, and they're loving every minute of it. Thank you for continuing to support the WHS Bands and Guard programs during these unusual times. 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. 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. After the 2019 marching season, directors throughout New Jersey began conversations regarding a need for an organization solely focused on providing an educationally sound marching experience for the bands of our state, he explains. 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. Only the flutes dont use them. 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. 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. Music Director. Right now, Bob Plasse of Westfield on Weekends contacted me to see if we could do something on Channel 15. Enrollment in the WHS Bands has doubled since his arrival in 2011. Hailing from Temecula, she previously covered Riverside County and the Inland Empire and is now focused on Orange County. 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. Gregory Rupert. William Schnepper . I keep things very casual and try to let the students drive the discussions, Vitale says. 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. Fax: (317) 867-2909. 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. 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. Sept. 29, 2020 3:23 PM PT. Vitale said his nomination was completely unexpected. Westfield High School Bands Band Director: Andrew Muth 18250 N. Union Street Westfield, IN 46074 Phone: (317) 867-6800Fax: (317) 867-2909 Get Connected! 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. 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. The Westfield High School band director was recognized by Yamaha for his achievements as an educator and growing the WHS music program. Im pretty proud of them so far, Kennedy said.Kennedy said the music program In some districts has really been decimated by the coronavirus. Mr. David W. Lee. In addition, his ensembles continue to earn top performance accolades year after year. These groups study and perform a variety of literature, including swing, jazz, funk, and latin. He is very excited to work with the studentsandlooking forward to building a strong and comprehensive music program at Venice High School. We are proud that we have students from every walk of life within . Vitale said there were over 35 letters written on his behalf. 36 character (s) remaining. Elgas family members could not be reached for comment. THE LOS ANGELES HIGH SCHOOL BAND AND COLOR GUARD BIOGRAPHY. For some kids, the online thing isnt for them. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. Who can participate? Salad, Sandwich Shop To Open Very Soon In Westfield, Union County Celebrates Arbor Day 2023 with Free Trees for Schools. Choir. 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 bit aways from his hometown, his musical endeavors have taken him across the globe, but now have landed him in Los Angeles. 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. 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.