"I did not see this coming at all.". 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. 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. Have a news tip? 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. More than 70 high school bands joined the non-profit organization in its first year. . Anti-Bullying Coordinator. I keep things very casual and try to let the students drive the discussions, Vitale says. drum and bugle corps, color guards and drum lines. 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. "Through music, we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork," Vitale said. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". 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. WHS Band Director Receives Prestigious Honor. Itinerant Music, Strings, Teacher . Granite Bay High School Emerald Brigade. For some kids, the online thing isnt for them. . Shortly after her 15th birthday, she got pregnant. Venice High School's Band Director, Mr. Lee hails from a small suburban town in South Jersey. 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But he also had a reputation for getting too close to some girls in his class, according to the lawsuit. 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. 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. 36 character (s) remaining. "I lost probably 25 kids. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. These groups study and perform a variety of literature, including swing, jazz, funk, and latin. I was so unbelievably proud that Westfield was recognized on a national stage for music educators all around the country to see.". 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. 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. The baby had a birth defect and died a week later. Self-reflection and self-improvement have superseded competition. Prior to coming to Westfield High School Mr. Vitale served as a high school band director in Fairfax County, Virginia. The kids certainly do try. [Vitale] takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy is learning new tricks. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf writes. 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. Scofield served 13 months in prison. Westfield High School Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was among a number of people who wrote letters of recommendation in support of Vitales nomination. This is just the tip of the iceberg, Carney said. Central Jersey Music Educators Association. In addition, his ensembles continue to earn top performance accolades year after year. 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). We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. 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. 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. Im going to keep a Google Classroom until I retire. Hes gone through generations of young women, and the district did nothing to protect these students. 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. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). 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. 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. Band Boosters Charms Office Suite Questions? They are: Nolan Daly, 11th grade, Trumpet, All-State Symphonic Band . NEW! Elgas family members could not be reached for comment. 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. "We discovered that these 4 students are the 86th, 87th . WHS Band co-director Trevor Sindorf was one of the many people who sent in letters for Vitale's nomination. And I think music and art have proven to be a way for students to kind of just step away from that.". He had explained to me thats what happened when people are in love and that he loved me, she said. A bit aways from his hometown, his musical . 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. Back to Departments. All rights reserved (About Us). Vitale said there were over 35 letters written on his behalf. "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. Message. 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. Great Oak High School Marching Band. The Westfield High School band has a hashtag #BandFamily that resonates with students, staff and families. Westfield, New Jersey. Chris Vitale - Westfield High School Band Director; Anticipated Cost. jazz I , jazz II, & STage Band. He said it wasnt a sin.. Music Teacher, HS. Through music we can teach acceptance, empathy, communication, accountability, time management and teamwork, among other things, he says. Email remy.samuels@patch.com. He said he sees music students there online every day. I think theyll come back once things change. Venice High Schools Band Director,Mr. Leehails from a small suburban town in South Jersey. 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. The Westfield High School band director was recognized by Yamaha for his achievements as an educator and growing the WHS music program. He is invested in his students well-being far more than any band director I know.. 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 said he often hears from WHS alumni that being a part of music program served them well later in life. Patrick Hoff, Director. 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. "I was extremely surprised," Vitale said. Choir. 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.. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS/AMY PORTER). Contact Form. 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. 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. "A big part of what we provide in high school band is a social network for the kids.". 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. The Los Angeles High School Band and Color Guard is the premier band in the city of Los . She dropped out of high school and ran away to a home for unwed teenage mothers. 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Your Email. 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. Band Director, HS. The 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. 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." Cerritos. He said the younger music instructors in the district have been helping him with all of the transitions. Kennedy does all of the remote classes from the high school, which he has made as home base. He continues to perform with ensembles, such as the Charles Dickens Carolers at venues throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. I was so unbelievably proud that Westfield was recognized on a national stage for music educators all around the country to see.. The Westfield HS Marching Bulldogs of Chantilly, VA - a 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade band Stay updated with what's happening at Westfield High School with News You Choose Sign Up Now . Chris takes the 2nd assignment VERY seriously. The Westfield Band Boosters cordially invite you to apply to our 13th Annual Holiday Craft Show to be held on Saturday, November 20th, 2021. 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. All DMA Staff. 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 is among 40 music educators across the United States who met the programs criteria of "action, courage, creativity and growth.". Our workshops are taught by university professors and high school band directors. 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. We can all agree that band directing is equal parts music education and life education, Sindorf wrote. Mr. Winson began his career in Fort Bend ISD as the assistant director of bands at . Socially distanced band practice at Westfield High School. 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. 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. 871 likes. By helping others, you create a better experience for yourself a win-win. 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. 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. 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. Westfield Band Boosters are grateful for the crafters and shoppers who participated in the Outdoor Event on October 10, 2020. Mr. Vitale holds a Bachelor of Music Education and Masters of Music in Conducting Performance from the University of Delaware. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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