WELCOME BACK MUSIC BOOSTERS!

Photos of band camp courtesy of Shirley Fong

The BHS Music Boosters are excited to begin a new school year supporting the music program at Burlington High School. There are lots of things in store this year. Following is the welcome back letter that will be sent to all music parents. We hope to see you all at the first Music Boosters general meeting on September 14 in the Band Room of the high school.

August 28, 2010

Dear Parents:

Welcome! As the parent or guardian of a student in the Burlington High School Marching Band or Chorus, you are an automatic member of the BHS Music Boosters Association. We invite you to participate in any or all of the activities of the Association. By doing so, you support the education and well-being of your high school students.

Those of you who are new to the high school will be excited to see that BHS offers an outstanding music program of concerts, musicals, banquets, parades, and other performances throughout the year. The BHS Music Boosters is committed to providing support, financial and otherwise, to the BHS music students, and to this program of events. Through our fundraising efforts, we are the only Burlington High School association to provide a scholarship to all marching band seniors, including dance squad and color guard members, that are going on to higher education.

Participation in the Boosters is a great way to be included behind the scenes in events that your child cares about! Parents carry water at parades, help with instruments and equipment at football games, bake, build or paint sets for the stage performances, help with publicity, sell balloons, and much more.

We desperately need participation in our general meetings to make and vote on decisions that affect your students – decisions that range from candy sales to scholarship amounts. There are five general meetings a year, they will be held the second Tuesday of every other month. The first general meeting will be held Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 7:30 PM in the band practice room. We encourage you to join us for this first meeting.

Enclosed you will find a copy of the BHS Music Boosters By Laws, the Music Department Schedule for school year 2010 - 2011, and directions to “away” football games and other events. Please note that due to construction on the Burlington Varsity Field, all home games will be played at Woburn High School. The attached schedule is current as of the current date and differs from the Band Schedule that was mailed over the summer. For the latest on the football schedule, go to: http://www.highschoolsports.net/Team/Burlington-High-School-Burlington-MA/Football/Varsity/Boys/. Through additional communication and email updates, we will do our best to keep you informed of current events and happenings. If you are not already receiving email announcements, please send your email address to me at dgregorio20@gmail.com or call at 781-272-8280.

A Contact Information/Volunteer Form is also enclosed. Please update your information and indicate the activities you would enjoy helping with. Please bring it to the first meeting, or mail it to the address provided.

Thanks to all in advance. We are looking forward to a great year!

Sincerely
Donna D. Gregorio
BHS Music Boosters President

Don't Be Late For This Very Important Date: BEST Kids perform Disney's "Alice in Wonderland, Jr."

Burlington Educational Summer Theatre (BEST), a program of the Burlington Public Schools, is thrilled to return with its final production of the season, Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” The performances will take place at 2:00 and 7:00 pm on Saturday, July 24 in the Fogelberg Auditorium of Burlington High School.

Who doesn’t know the story of Alice and her madcap adventures as she follows White Rabbit into Wonderland? Join her as she experiences a host of zany characters including the DoDo Bird, the Tweedles, the Queen of Hearts, the Caterpillar and the Cheshire Cat. Described by MTI as a “fast-paced stage adaptation of Alice in Wonderland,” the production “features updated dialogue and new arrangements of such classic Disney songs as ‘I'm Late,’ ‘The Un-birthday Song’ and ‘Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.’”

A family-friendly production, the BEST Kids’ performance of “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” will feature more than 60 students from Burlington schools ranging in age from seven to thirteen, with Rachel Seeley in the lead role of Alice, along with Sydney Matai as Small Alice and Emma Saltsman as Tall Alice. Also included in principal roles are Elana Schlansky as the White Rabbit and Katherine Ellis as the Mad Hatter; playing Caterpillars are Mia Campbell, Kacey Ridley, Gabrielle Corsino, Tyler Gnerre and Ashley Blathras; Cheshire Cats are played by Amanda Wagreich, Kaitlyn Brine and Cassidy Cummings. Also in featured roles are Amanda McCombs as the Dodo Bird, Madison Carter as the Doorknob, Mikaila Gnerre as Lilly and Ivy Saltsman as the March Hare. Also, Jade Gordon plays Mathilda, Jessica Gordon plays Rose and Jordyn Nobrega plays Petunia. Playing the roles of the King and Queen of Hearts are Michael Seeley and Emily Bertolami; and, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum will be played by Rachel Czerwinski and Emily Frost.

The BEST production of “Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” has a sizable ensemble with members playing the roles of Magical Characters, Flowers, Sea Creatures, Royal Cardsmen, the Tweedle Entourage, the Tea Party Entourage and the Park Children. The members of the ensemble are: Kerry Alexander, Sara Cannalonga, Casey Damon, Annie Ellis, Sasha Festi, Marlea Gainley, Shaylinn Gainley, Mari Gedick, Elisa Gonzalez, Kailee Heffler, Jessica Poulin and Carlee Wickwire. Also included are Bridgette Sullivan, Lindsay Corbett, Scott Czerwinski, Mary Hanafin, Daniel Harrigan, Matthew Harrigan, Serina Khalifa, Shane Manfredi, Glen Middleton-Cox, Samantha Murphy, Juliana Nigro, Stephen Nigro, Nicole Noonan, Christina Raposo, Jessica Sarver, Isabella Seeley, Caitlin Shea and Claudia Webb. Additionally, Theresa Chai, Kylie DeVarney, Joseph Godin, Erin Hardy, Kelliann Keaney, Olivia LoPreste, Jillian Murray and Annalisa Petrizzi.

Burlington Educational Summer Theatre is a summer program of the Burlington Public Schools that offers a professionally produced educational theatre experience for students. The program is in its second year under the guidance of BEST Executive Director John Middleton-Cox, a highly regarded theatre professional and music educator. Joining Middleton-Cox for the production of Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” are Jeanne Coroniti (Fox Hill Elementary School’s music teacher) as Artistic and Music Director, Jamie Jaffe (Fox Hill classroom teacher) as Production Director, and Leanne Reardon (Assistant Director for Suzanne’s Dance Connection in Burlington) as Choreographer. Returning to BEST Kids this year are professional set designer Peter Waldron and award-winning costume designer Maureen Krebs.

BEST staff also includes a number of high school students and graduates, all veterans of Burlington High School productions, in roles as crew members and counselors. They are led by Kevin Parker as House Manager, Stage Manager Tori Carrabino, along with stage crew members Joseph Nosak, Jacinda Pedersen, Daryn Starkey, Nick Stewart and Sam Cote. Eva Costanza returns as a vocal coach, Eric Leva is the rehearsal accompanist, Chris LaRocque is the Sound Technician and Samantha Goober is the lighting technician. They are joined by Andrew Frost, Emily Martin, Caroline Coe, Zaven Ovian and Samantha Ellis.

Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” will be performed in the newly renovated 800-seat, air conditioned Fogelberg Auditorium of Burlington High School, located at 123 Cambridge Street, Burlington. Reserved seating tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens and can be purchased at http://www.burlingtontickets.org/. For more information please call 781-A-FUN-TIC. Fogelberg Auditorium is handicapped accessible (please phone 781-270-1860 for special assistance).

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Devours Burlington This Weekend

Need we say more? A picture (well, ok, a few) is worth a thousand words.

Little Shop of Horrors

Fogelberg Auditorium of Burlington High School

June 25 & 26

7:30 pm
$15/adults; $10 students and sr. citizens

Tickets available at the door

Info: 781-A-FUN-TIC

Hellooooo Baby! Feed me, Seymour!

Our first rehearsal with Audrey II...she doesn't look menacing but just wait! Zaven Ovian is the voice of Audrey II and Paul Neves is our puppeteer!

Little Shop of Horrors: Feed Me Burlington!

A "growing" version of Audrey II gettin' a little love from Shane Ryan who plays the role of Seymour Krelbourne in "Little Shop of Horrors"

Walking onto the stage of the Fogelberg Auditorium at Burlington High School could prove to be an earthy crunchy experience at the end of June when Audrey II, a man-eating plant, takes up residence for the Burlington Educational Summer Theatre’s (BEST) production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Performances will take place on Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26 at 7:30 pm.

“Little Shop of Horrors” is a high energy rock-and-roll spoof of ‘50s sci-fi movies. The creation of composer Alan Menken and librettist Howard Ashman (creative geniuses behind such blockbuster Disney productions as “Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin”), “Little Shop” is the story of a down and out, skid row floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation, finding his chance at success and love with the help of a man-eating plant!

Featuring a small ensemble, the “Little Shop of Horrors” cast members are familiar faces on the Burlington High School stage. Shane Ryan plays the lead role of Seymour Krelborne and is joined by Katie Campbell as Audrey, the target of his silent affection. Chris Coe takes on the role of floral shop-owner Mr. Mushnik and is joined by Patrick Hanafin as evil dentist Orin Scrivello and Danielle Calder as Bernstein. Providing running commentary throughout the show are doo-wop rocker chicks Chiffon, Crystal and Ronette played by Jen Gregorio, Nicollette Moodie and Ariana Hall.

Stealing the show is Audrey II, who begins as a rather non-descript plant but after gaining its nourishment from human blood, grows to be well over six feet with a wingspan of over 12 feet, large enough to swallow humans in one gulp! (Audiences take note: this carnivorous species is created through the magic of puppetry.) Audrey II, the man-eating center of all the high energy action, comes to life with the voice of Zaven Ovian and puppet manipulation by Paul Neves.

Burlington Educational Summer Theatre is a summer program of the Burlington Public Schools that offers a professional educational theatre experience for students. The program is in its second year under the guidance of BEST Executive Director John Middleton-Cox, who is also Artistic and Co-Music Director for “Little Shop of Horrors.” Joining Middleton-Cox on the creative staff are BHS alumni Amanda Potts as Co-Music Director and Brad Jenson as Assistant Director and Choreographer. Returning to BEST this year are professional set designer Peter Waldron and award-winning costume designer Maureen Krebs.

“Little Shop of Horrors” will be performed in the 800-seat, air conditioned Fogelberg Auditorium of Burlington High School, located at 123 Cambridge Street, Burlington. Reserved seating tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens, and can be purchased at http://www.burlingtontickets.org/. For more information please call 781-A-FUN-TIC. Fogelberg Auditorium is handicapped accessible.

HONORS WILL ABOUND AT MUSIC AWARDS BANQUET

The BHS Music Department will hold its annual Spring Awards Banquet tomorrow night. An annual event, the banquet will honor every student in the chorus and band with presentations to the students by year of service.

Mr. Middleton-Cox and Mr. Lovell will preside over the evening. The 99 Restaurant, a favorite of all music students and families for their extreme generosity and great food, will provide the meal. Desserts will be provided by student families.

It has been an unbelievable year for the students and staff of the music department. Looking back on all the activities beginning with band camp, roaring through football season, Christmas performances, Titanic, Winter/Ides of March/Spring Concerts, Mr. Lovell's 25th anniversary tribute, DisneyWorld and Great East/Six Flags, our students have not had enough time to stand in one spot for longer than five minutes!

Professional photos of the band and chorus will be available at the banquet, including those from DisneyWorld (seen above). Prices range from $5-$10.

The BHS Music Boosters would like to take the time to thank the administration for all their support, our staff for their never-ending dedication and patience, and the parents who have given so many, many hours of their time to make this year so extremely memorable for one and all.

SPRING SING, the final BHS music performance

In the final public performance of the school year, the Burlington High School Music Department will present Spring Sing, a night filled with pop and musical theatre performances, on Wednesday, June 9, at 7:30 pm in the Fogelberg Auditorium of the high school.

Spring Sing promises to have something for everyone, showcasing the singing talents of the students in the BHS music department. In addition to featuring the BHS Chorus and Select Singers, Spring Sing is the only opportunity during the year for the students to present songs of their own choice, highlighting over 35 solo and ensemble performances.

For all the vocal music students, this is a performance they have been anticipating all year. Months of studying, vocalizing and perfecting diction come to a close on this evening. Their talents will entertain, amuse and awe.

Spring Sing is open to the public, admission is free.