BURLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS WINS WITH MUSIC EDUCATION VIDEO

     Music Education in Burlington will soar to new heights at the end of September when the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a mobile ambassador for music education, and the SupportMusic Community  Forum roll into town for a two-day residency sponsored by the NAMM Foundation.

The NAMM Foundation, a non-profit organization that celebrates and promotes the intrinsic value of music education, invited its 2014 Best Communities for Music Education and SupportMusic Merit Award designees to submit a one-minute video for an annual contest illustrating the unique greatness of its  music education program. Burlington Public Schools achieved the NAMM Foundation recognition in Spring 2014.

    Burlington is one of only seven school districts nationwide chosen for the the SupportMusic event.  Several Burlington High School music department students will spend the first day of the residency exploring the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus’s mobile recording studio, composing songs, recording music and creating a music video to commemorate the winning submission. Participating Burlington High School students are Neil Bhammar, Shivam Gandhi, Joshua Meroth, Steven Gelberg, Xavier Little and Gabrielle Goulette.

     Produced in collaboration with the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, day two of the event will focus on the SupportMusic Community Forum, a live webcast that will spotlight Burlington’s music education program, celebrate access to music making in the community and its network of support, and provide a forum for tactics that keep quality music education in school.

     The live webcast will include interviews, a panel discussion and an opportunity to hear performances by students from every level of Burlington Public Schools. In addition to Burlington music educators, panelists include Peter Cokkinias (professor of music education at Berklee College of Music), Patrick Larkin (Assistant Superintendent at Burlington Public Schools), Christine Monaco (Burlington School Committee) and Bob Hogan (Selectman, Veteran’s Affairs, Rotary Club).

     John Middleton-Cox, performing arts director for Burlington Public Schools, is an integral part of the program and attributes much of its success to “an administration that has continued to fund the instruments, equipment and facilities to ensure the teachers can do a great job.”

     Middleton-Cox is committed to the ideal that the department be open and accepting of all students, stating, “Every student has full access and opportunity to participate.  In my 14 years in Burlington I have seen the support and pride grow. We are thrilled to have the national attention on this important topic and thank the NAMM Foundation for the opportunity.”  

     The two-day residency is a result of the winning submission by 2014 BHS graduate Pranav Menon illustrating “What Makes Music Education Great in My School.” The video depicts performances from all levels of the town’s music program accompanied by Menon’s commentary expressing how doubly blessed the town is with a program that is not only well funded by the community but also has teachers who will go the extra mile for students.

     “90% of my high school highlight reel has its roots in the music program,” states Menon, “colored by faculty members that not only foster excellent musicians but help build character traits that are central to success in any field, like confidence and dedication.”

     Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation, is overwhelmingly positive about the video contest and its affects. “These student-produced videos are another example of the power music programs have to motivate and transform students’ lives,” adding that the fall visits are “a tremendous way to kick off the school year—another year to create music education opportunities for every student.”

     The NAMM Foundation SupportMusic event will take place at Burlington High School on September 25 and 26. The community forum is open to the public and will be held in the Fogelberg Performing Arts Center. The live webcast will begin with special guest interviews promptly at 8:30 am followed by the panel discussion from 9-10 am.  RSVP online by visiting NAMMFoundation.org. For more information, please phone 781-270-1860.

Week 1 ... Marching Band Season !!!!

Welcome (Back)!!!!!

I just wanted to let everyone know what to expect this 1st week of BHS Marching Band Season!!!

IMPORTANT NOTE: All rehearsals and performances are MANDATORY so be sure your bandie has already spoken with Mr. Lovell or me regarding any conflicts for the season (Sept - Nov).

1. Full Rehearsals ... Tuesday & Thursday ... 2:15 - 3:15. Sectional Rehearsals (Dance/Guard/Percussion) ... Guard = Tues/Thurs 3:30-3:30, Dance = Tues/Thurs 3:15-4:15, Percussion = Tues 3:15-4:15 & Fri 2:15-3:15.  This year's sectional schedules vary section to section so confirm with adviser and/or captains. Bandies need to arrange pickup ... no bus transport at end of rehearsal times.

3. Get those black shoes AND black socks ready for Friday night!!!! (National Music in Woburn Center has the official "marching shoe" but any low comfortable all black rubber soled shoe will work. Also, (winds and percussion) black socks ... CREW height ... No ankle or lower allowed!!

4. Speaking of FEET ... Band (2nd period) will be outside all season so have a change of shoes in band locker if you don't want shoes to get wet from grass during the mornings (marching in heels on grass is a tough one too)!!!

5. Sign up for snack items for any of the football games scheduled for the season ... click on ....http://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050e44aca628a64-marching. You will receive email reminders so feel free to sign up now for the entire season.

6. Friday, September 5 ... at Burlington's Varsity Field ... lineup to march down to the field is at 6:25 pm so all bandies be at the Music Dept no later than 5:45. Parents, the game starts at 7:00 but come early to see the marching band perform pre-game (around 6:45).

Any questions, feel free to ask.

Thanks so much and see YOU under the lights this Friday night!!!

Faydeen Sateriale
Asst. Marching Band Director
Music Boosters President

Band Camp Week 2 ...

Two weeks of Band Camp has come and gone at warp speed!!! It was a lot of work and a lot of fun ... a complete "blast"!! Hampton Beach was fun even if the sun didn't come out until we got back to Burlington High??!??!?! Huge "THANK YOU" to Mr & Mrs Pereria for the awesome homemade breakfast to go!!! So yummy and devoured by all!!!

Next up ... rehearsals Tues/Thurs 2:15-3:15 (dance/guard/percussion check with your adviser for sectional start/end times) starting first day of school ... Sept 2nd!!

First performance at home game vs Billerica under the lights Friday, Sept 5th. Get those black shoes/socks ready to go with the NEW SPECTACULAR UNIFORMS!!

Enjoy the last week off before school starts and see YOU soon!!!

Band Camp ... What to Expect Week 2!!!!

Hello Marching Band Parents (Band, Dance & Guard)!!

Well Week 1 is done and it was GREAT!!!  

Once again, I would like to thank all who donated water and freeze pops for the bandies!  The kids and staff are very grateful to have both during and after a sun-filled day out on the field.  Still have a ton of both so none needed at this point.

Here is what to expect for Week 2 ... 

1.  Friday, August 22nd, is the Hampton Beach Trip.  Please complete, sign and return permission form no later than Wednesday, the 20th.  A hard copy of the form was given out to all bandies after dismissal Friday.  If you need a copy please email me (faydeen83@gmail.com) and I'll zip one out to you.  We need an accurate count for Wednesday to confirm how many buses are needed.  No forms will be accepted Friday morning.

2. The entrance driveway to BHS is being completed this week and there will not be any access off of Cambridge Street to the school Thursdayand Friday.  So ... stay tuned ... for alternative instructions.  Parking needs to be in the Faculty Parking Lot across from Cafeteria!

3.  Tuesday, August 19th, is Freshmen Orientation.  All freshmen and mentors are excused from Band Camp that morning.  They go directly to orientation at 9 am and they MUST check in with Alyssa Dew upon returning to Band Camp when orientation is over (between 10:30 and 11:00).  This way they are sure to receive credit for the whole day and not be marked tardy or absent.

4.  Uniform Black Shoes (and black crew socks) .... every bandie (band, guard, dance) needs black shoes (and socks) to wear with his/her uniform.  Our first performance is Friday, September 5th, at home vs Billerica!!  If your bandie isn't sure what kind of shoes to get, please have them speak with their section leaders or captains. 

5.  Last but definitely not least ... SUNSCREEN every day regardless of clouds or sun ... they need to have it with them to reapply after lunch!!!!!!!!

We have a great group of kids this year!!!!  Can't wait for you to see all the hard work they are putting into the halftime show on Sept 5th!!!!

Faydeen Sateriale

Asst. Marching Band Director

& Music Booster President

Hello Marching Band Parents (Band, Color Guard and Dance Squad) ... 

The summer is flying by and Monday (August 11th) is when we kick off the Marching Band Season!!!  

Band Camp ... August 11-15 & 18-22 ... 9 am (8:45 check in) - 3 pm

If parents could send a box of "unfrozen" freeze pops and/or 24pk of water ... that would be HUGE!!! 

Dehydration is a major issue we work very hard keeping out of the band camp activities so your help is greatly appreciated!!!!

Just zip me an email (faydeen83@gmail.com) if you would like to contribute ... donations can be put on the long table in the music hall.

Now the Bandie Goes to Band Camp Check List ... 

1.  All Bandies need to report to the BHS Music Hall (with instruments and music) no later than 8:45 am to check in ... dropping off and (bandie) parking may vary over the course of the two weeks.  

2.  Bandies can be dropped off in the circle but bandies with cars should park in the staff parking lot up near the cafeteria ... a lot of pavement work is going on around BHS and we are not sure where the crews will be working over the next week or so.  Stay tuned for email updates if there are any changes.

3.  EAT BREAKFAST ... this is very important!!!

4.  Wear comfortable clothes and shoes (hats help A LOT)

5.  Sunscreen, Sunscreen .... SUNSCREEN!!!!!

6.  Water, Water .... WATER!!!!!

7.  There is an hour for lunch so bring a bagged lunch.  Bandies are permitted to leave and come back but must be ready to get back in the swing at the 1 hour mark.  

8.  Dismissal and Pick-up is at 3:00.  Bandies can be picked up in the circle if clear of paving equipment.  Otherwise, pick up can be up further past the circle.

Please be sure to let us know if you have any questions or concerns. 

The staff and leadership are looking forward to seeing everyone Monday Morning!!!!!!

Thanks!

Faydeen Sateriale

Asst. Marching Band Director

& Music Boosters President

Spring Sing Tonight

Come to BHS Annual Spring Sing! Tuesday, June 3rd, at 7:30pm in the auditorium! The chorus showcase will feature all grades with duos, solos and groups. This event is free ! So come see the seniors/alumni and chorus as they perform for the last time this school year! 

Spring Concert and Portfolio Exhibition

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This Thursday May 8, 2014 at 7:30 PM The Burlington High School Music Department presents the annual “BHS Spring Concert".  The concert will Feature the BHS Band, Chorus, Select Singers and Jazz Band.  The concert is in the Fogelberg Auditorium and admission is free.




 


In addition, this Thursday night the Burlington High School Art Department will host the Eighth Annual Portfolio Exhibition.

The Burlington High School AP Studio Art, Portfolio and Drawing & Painting 2 classes will be holding the reception for their annual Portfolio Exhibition on Thursday, May 8, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. 

The Portfolio Exhibition differs from Burlington High’s other Annual Art Exhibition (which occurs in March) in that it is predominantly student-organized. The twenty+ students in the advanced art classes self-select the work to be displayed, they organize their own personal exhibit spaces, and they all will be on hand to discuss the bodies of work they have developed over the past year or more.

One long-term effort from each student will be on display: Each artist has been working on a Concentration, a series of artworks focused on a particular theme or method, with learning objectives developed by the student.

Visitors will be able to speak to the artists about their goals and their processes. 

Refreshments will be provided

Mattress Fundraiser... Rest Easy

1st Annual BHS Music Boosters Mattress Fundraiser

Saturday, April 5th, 10am - 5pm 

BHS Cafeteria

**profits go directly to the students in the BHS chorus and marching band**

Name Brand Mattresses at 30 - 60% off retail prices!!

All sizes available!  Pillow-top, Memory Foam, GEL beds, Latex, Orthopedic

All items are brand new with factory warranties!

Layaway Available

Delivery Available

Cash, Check, and Credit Cards Accepted

It will be fun to see our school cafeteria transformed into a mattress showroom!  Check this out...

Latest Press Release

Burlington High School is excited to announce it will perform Grease, March 21, 22 28 and 29 at 7:30 pm and March 30 at 2:00 pm. All performances will take place in the Fogelberg Performing Arts Center of the high school.

An 8-year run on Broadway and two successful revivals make Grease one of the world's best-loved musical comedies. The iconic musical about life at Rydell High in 1959, “Grease” transports the audience back to a time when hot rods, bobby sox and pedal pushers were all the rage and The Pink Ladies and the T-Birds ruled.  Memorable songs include "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightning," "Beauty School Dropout," "Look at Me I'm Sandra Dee," and “We Go Together.”

Tickets for Grease are $10 for students and senior citizens, $15 for adults, and can be purchased online at BurlingtonTheatre.com or by phone at 781-A-FUN-TIC.

Fogelberg Performing Arts Center is located at 123 Cambridge St, Burlington, MA, and is handicapped accessible.

Ides of March Concert

Historically, the Ides of March, marked the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC, says Wikipedia. A soothsayer apparently warned Caesar to "beware the ides." In the Roman calendar, the Ides marked the middle of month and was determined by the first full moon.  In addition, the Ides of March was the festival of Anna Perenna, a goddess of the year. The day was celebrated by common people with picnics and revelry. 

Since the Ides of March are before us, let's continue our Burlington tradition. Please join the chorus, select chorus, concert band, and jazz band for the annual...

Ides of March Concert

Thursday, March 13 

7:30pm

BHS cafeteria

This concert is open to all, so please invite friends and neighbors to come.  A dessert buffet will be provided.

Grease is the word...

Burlington High School is excited to announce it will perform Grease March 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 7:30 pm and March 30 at 2:00 pm. All performances will take place in the Fogelberg Performing Arts Center of the high school.

An 8-year run on Broadway and two successful revivals make Grease one of the world's best-loved musical comedies. The iconic musical about life at Rydell High in 1959, “Grease” transports the audience back to a time when hot rods, bobby sox and pedal pushers were all the rage and The Pink Ladies and the T-Birds ruled.  Memorable songs include "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightning," "Beauty School Dropout," "Look at Me I'm Sandra Dee," and “We Go Together.”

Grease cast members are led by Brooke Hindle as Sandy and Mike Garcia as Danny. Also featured are  Mikayla Merrill-Withycombe as Rizzo, Kristina Ayanian as Marty, Emily Bertolami as Frenchy, Rebecca Lerman as Jan, Rachel Seeley as a Pink Lady/Radio Singer, Ashley Shafman as Patty, Briana LoRusso as Cha-Cha and Crystal Curran as Miss Lynch.

Also, Keith Walker as Kenickie, Steven Gelbert as Doody, Xavier Little as Johnny Casino, Harry Lane as Roger, Jonathan Chellali as Sony, Andrew Kolifrath as Teen Angel, Nick Silva as Vince Fontaine and Timmy Sullivan as Eugene.

Add nearly seventy more students in ensemble roles and it could be said there’s an entire high school on stage!

Select Dancers include Kerry Alexander (Co-Captain),  Jessica Morey (Co-Captain), Stephanie DeLeo, Kristina Duran, Caroline Fitzgerald, Kristin Healey, Alison Heffler, Taylor LeRoux, Kristina Smith, Catherine Sheldon, Kristina Tracy and Kelliann Keaney.

Dance Ensemble members include Christina Grattan, Erin Hanafin, Kailee Heffler, Samantha Porter and Claire Viscione.

Select Singers include Kayleigh Barrucci, Teresa Belmonte, Courtney Brown, Brooke Creedon, Rachel Czerwinski, Stephanie Desrochers, Emily Frost, Laura Frustaci, Gabby Goulette, Amanda Gregorio, Cassi Kacoyannakis, Caroline Kashgegian, Miranda Russo, Rachel Salina, Emma Saltsman, Elana Schlansky, Sharleen Varghese, Amanda Wagreich, Rebecca Krupp.

Ensemble members include Alison Bonetti, Shannon Carey, Natasha Chatterjee, Keri Cucinotta, Kerry Curtin, Alyssa Dew, Cassaundra DiGregorio, Sarah Iler, Dora Kadish, Lorraine Kanyike, Mary Killoran, Jenna McAnespie, Allison Nielle Julianna Nigro, Beth Perna, Juliana Purvis, Christina Purvis, Laura Reale, Allison Rittweger, Julia Roussel, Lauren Schissler and Samantha Sheppard.

Lettermen include Nick Campagna, Kevin McGrath, Mark Simons and Luke Iler.

This year’s production of “Grease” not only boasts talent onstage but offstage as well where students are responsible for all technical aspects. This year’s stage manager is Tim Maiorana with crew members Matt Bolognese, Cristina Daniels, Matt Frasier, Gina Gilstrap, Dalena Hyunh, Samantha Lee, Jake O'Donnell, Joseph Prendergast, Nate Siket, Juliana Spinosa, Anna Tamura, Paul Terranova, Michael Winn and Lina Wu; deck chiefs are Matthew Martin and Jacob Baumgartner, lights are by Joseph Sateriale and sound will be handled by Rachel Merullo and John Reale. Props are the responsibility of Jenna Hobgood, Erin Cody and Emily Sateriale.

The creative team for the BHS production of Grease is led by John Middleton-Cox as Artistic Director/Producer/Lighting Designer, and include Stephanie Diozzi as Assistant Director, Andrew Mullen as Music Director, Leanne Reardon as Choreographer, Peter Waldron as Set Designer and Maureen Krebs as Costume Designer.

Tickets for Grease are $10 for students and senior citizens, $15 for adults, and can be purchased online at BurlingtonTheatre.com or by phone at 781-A-FUN-TIC.

The Fogelberg Performing Arts Center, located at 123 Cambridge St, Burlington, MA, is an accessible facility. 

Reminder for Valentine's Day Parent Night Out

Drop the kids and enjoy Valentine's Day!  BHS select singers and adult chaperones will be hosting a movie night at the BHS auditorium.  Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 will be shown on the big screen with games and prizes for kids from grade K-8.  Please see the previous post for all the details or watch this fun commercial:
http://animoto.com/play/kQ0YKhGpXzyKSkVWqwYXGg

BHS Chorus Presents...