the gael chronicles - roxbury school districtarmenian dances. i plan to go to cornell for pre med,...

Volume 32, May/June 2016

The Gael Chronicles

2 Welcome 5 Band Camp Events 9 Marching Band Classic

2. May/June Preview 5. MWBI PICS 8. Indoor Percussion US Bands Indoor Championships

3. See You at The Jersey Four Concert!

6. Roadies Salute 10-15. Senior Year Book

4. MWBI 3: Bigger, and Better, than ever!

7. Jazz Band Competition

16. We’ll miss you, Bye George!

Join the RHSBPA Email List : [email protected] Find us on the web at www.roxburybandsnj.org or

Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Roxbury-HS-Band-Parents-Association Twitter: https://Twitter.com/@roxbands

What’s Inside


The Gael Chronicles

Ongoing and Upcoming Events for May & June

Greetings parents, students, faculty and fans of Roxbury Bands!

As we welcome you to our final Gael Chronicles Newsletter for 2015/2016, we have a lot to cover from the past month, and a lot to preview for the remainder of the year! You will also find in this issue a recap of the very successful 2016 Metropolitan Wind Band Invitational, recent RHS Jazz Band and Indoor Percussion competitions, a message to our band roadies and logistics volunteers, a spotlight on the RHS Bands Senior Class of 2016, and a farewell message from our outgoing RHSBPA President, Mr. George Wendt.

But First, with more than a month left in the school year, please make note of the following upcoming events! We hope to see you at these activities featuring our Roxbury Bands supported by the RHS Band Parents Association:

MAY

JERSEY FOUR FRANKIE VALLI TRIBUTE CONCERT and BACK ON TRACK-

Sat May 14th at RHS Auditorium-7pm http://www.roxburybandsnj.org/jersey-four-concert/

DISTRICT STRINGS CONCERT-Tuesday May 17th at RHS Auditorium

EMS SPRING BAND CONCERT-Wednesday May 18th at RHS Auditorium 7p-8:30pm

EMS 8th GRADE TRIP TO DORNEY PARK-Friday May 20th

NJPAC CONCERT-Wednesday May 25th at NJPAC Newark, NJ

RHS SYMPHONIC CELEBRATION/BAND DINNER-Thursday May 26th 7pm-8pm at RHS Auditorium/Cafeteria

ROXBURY TOWNSHIP’S MEMORIAL DAY PARADE-Monday May 30th 10am-12Noon

http://www.roxburynj.us/536/Memorial-Day-Parade

JUNE

LINCOLN ROOSEVELT CONCERT-Thursday June 2nd 7pm

EMS HONORS BAND CONCERT-Tuesday June 7th 7pm

ROXBURY TUBA FEST V-Thursday June 9th 7pm-9pm RHS Band Room

RHS DANCE CONCERT-Thursday June 9th 7pm-8pm

RHS GRADUATION-Tuesday June 21st 6pm

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND SUPPORT OF ROXBURY BANDS!

Pete Forester

RHSBPA

Publicity Director 2

http://www.roxburybandsnj.org/jersey-four-concert/













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T H I S

S A T U R D A Y !

T H I S

S A T U R D A Y !


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I would like to send a special Thank You to all of our

committee chair-people. Thank you for your time,

talent, expertise and dedication that you have given

to our 3rd Annual Metropolitan Wind Band Invitational.

Your ideas, input and enthusiasm have made MWBI a

success once again!

To our Volunteers; I thank you for giving your time.

We could not have run an event of the size of MWBI,

seamlessly without your help. I want to extend a special

Thank You to those who came and volunteered without

signing up or stayed beyond your scheduled time.

To our very talented and dedicated directors,

Mr. Todd Nichols, Mr. Richard Hartsuiker, Ms. Sarah

Bednarcik, Mr. Jeffery Conrad and Mr. Greg Boccuti,

Thank You does not seem to be enough for all that

you do for our students. Your commitment to not only

their musical talents, but to them as people, is much

appreciated. To our administration, Mrs. Radulic,

Mr. Swanson and Mrs. Lynch, Thank You for supporting

the Roxbury Band program. To our Sponsors, without

your financial support, advertising, and material donations, this event would not have been possible.

Finally, to you, our guests, Thank You for coming to our

show and supporting your children. I hope you had as

much fun watching the ensembles perform as we did

bringing them to you.

Thank you all!

Carla Dexter

MWBI Chairperson

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From Metropolitan Wind Band Invitational Chair Carla Dexter, A wrap up and thank you for a very successful event!


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More MWBI 2016 Photos…

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Thank you Mark Miller, Jeff Bouvier, and George Wendt for your phantastic photography at MWBI 2016…


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A Message to our Band Parents from Logistics Chair, Tom Graf: Here we are, at the end of another amazing school year! Well before the school year began, the marching band season started with converting a designer’s vision into what would become 16 moveable screens and 16 platform boxes that would form performance stages on the field during the show. With the unrelenting help and support of dedicated volunteer parents, we prevailed! The props for a new marching band season were complete. The 2015-2016 Roxbury High School Marching Band season culminated in a performance at Rutgers HighPoint Solutions Stadium, on October 31, 2015 that resulted in the Marching Gaels being crowned Group 4 Open, NJ State Champions! Now in its third year, Winter Percussion is group that continues to grow, develop and improve year after year. This group provides students the opportunity to continue practice on their instrument or explore a new instrument that is part of the percussion ensemble through the winter months. With three competition performances in NJ and one in PA Winter Percussion keeps an aggressive schedule! It is with deep gratitude that I extend a heart-felt ‘Thank You’ to each volunteer parent who unselfishly gave of their time, effort and energy to come out and help create some pretty awesome props. Without your help and support, it would not have been possible. It is your investment in helping along that allows the RHS BPA to be such a great support to the Music Department Staff; allowing the incredible staff to focus on developing the talents of young kids playing instruments into fine young musicians. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, the Roxbury School District is one of the best (if not the best) music program in the State of NJ. A special ‘Thank You’ to everyone that helps along with the Marching Band Classic and the Metropolitan Wind Band Invitational events, including our wonderful volunteers, program sponsors and generous community of Roxbury Township. To the Roxbury Board of Education, Roxbury High School Buildings and Grounds, Roxbury Board of Education - Department of Transportation, Roxbury Department of Public Works, Roxbury Office of Emergency Management, the Morris County Office of Emergency Management, Roxbury Police, Roxbury Fire Department and Roxbury Emergency Medical Services we offer a humble ‘Thank You’ for your assistance and support in making these events so successful. If you would like more information about volunteering to help along with the RHS Band Parents Association, please email: [email protected]. Tom

mailto:[email protected]


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RHS Bands Making News…

Congratulations Roxbury Jazz Ensemble on your 4th place at the NJAJE Division 2 Finals! And a huge congratulations to the

Saxophone Section for taking home a Section Award ... and to Tommy Rust for taking home a Best Soloist Award!

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The Gael Chronicles

RHS Bands Making News… RHS Drum Line competes in the US Bands Indoor Championships…

In 2016, Roxbury Indoor percussion fielded our largest group yet and saw our first USBands Indoor Championship Show. We saw tremendous growth in the program, particularly in the last two months, and all of us involved were proud of the final product. We would like to thank the students for their hard work and the parents for their commitment to their children's growth and success. Of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless dedication and support we receive from our band parents; who through thick and thin, late nights, early mornings, heavy equipment, and broken trucks stick with us. Next year we'll be back and we hope you will continue to support our group's journey. Justin Kulick & Shannon Perrone All Photos courtesy Of US Bands.org


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Did You sell the Golden Ticket?

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OK so the tickets are not golden, and we are not sending folks to Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory…but you will be the

Apple of someone’s eye if you sell them the winning Ticket for this year’s MacBook!

If you don’t have tickets to sell, or need more, please Ask a Band Kid or Band Parent for a book today, or email

[email protected]

All Entries and money for tickets must be delivered To Mr. Nichols by the end of the day May 25th 2016!

mailto:[email protected]


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RHS Bands - Class of 2016 - Senior Profiles We asked our seniors to pose for a quick pic at MWBI and to share their favorite memory from being in

band, what their plans were after RHS, and to give a shout out to their parents or teachers…

Casey Diaz Flute

My favorite memory is definitely coming in first at states for marching band this season. I plan to attend Mansfield University for 4 years and major in biology, minor in music and see where life takes me after I graduate. Mom, Dad, and all the band directors, thank you for being such a great support system throughout high school. The things you taught helped shape who I am and I can not express how grateful I am for all you have done for me!

Lydia Musmanno Flute

MWBI when we nailed “Armenian Dances.” I plan to go to Cornell for Pre Med, then Med School to become a surgeon. Shout out to my parents for encouraging me to continue playing the flute, and to Mr. H for all his hilarious commentary!

Andrew Von Ohlen Trumpet

Riley Poskitt Alto Sax

Performing in the Super Bowl halftime Show, being part of a Great music program, And spending 4 years With great people making Friends. I will attend Penn State in the fall, travelling the world, and continuing a love for Music. Thank you for all the love and support over the years!

Nicole Paige Uvenio Oboe

The coolest experience was Performing at MWBI and Getting to work with the Clinicians. I plan to pursuit Music Education at Westminster Choir College. Thank you to all of the directors For inspiring us, pushing us to Be our best, and believing in us, And for showing me what a real Music educator looks like!

Amelia Medici Clarinet

Marching Band, Udel, Rutgers. I plan to attend County College of Morris after I graduate. I would just like to thank all of the band teachers for all of their hard work and time they put into teaching all of us. Also for being awesome and fun people just to talk to.

Ryan Decker Percussion

My first Roxbury Sound show was incredible to be a part of. I will attend the University of Delaware in the Fall. Thanks to my parents, and all the band directors for encouraging me to push beyond the curve. I may not be majoring in music, but the memories we shared will follow me forever.

Katie Weilbaecher Flute

Tommy Rust Percussion

Albert Tran Trumpet


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Amy Pilrun Bassoon

Full retreat during finals at Towson for the Raven sophomore year. I’m Heading to U Del to major in elementary education. Thank you to all my band teachers. The bond I have formed with you is unlike any other and I am going to miss all the inside jokes, story telling, and all around love while in college. I can’t wait to visit. Thanks again!

Owen Nichols Alto Sax

Towson sophomore year, spending the night in a hotel & playing in The BOA finals were unforgettable. Attending Rutgers & studying music ed at the Mason Gross School of the Arts. Thank you to all my teachers and band parents for continuing to inspire and encourage me to do great things.

Justin Raymundo Trumpet

Callie Cromer French Horn

Playing Music with my friends in events like NCBF. I will never forget the friendships & the highs and lows of performing to the best of ones ability. “Good is never Good enough”- Conrad. College and majoring in Biology, making music a part of my life. To all the band teachers: I will Never have enough gratitude thank you for making band feel like a family. To my parents, I play the French horn, not a tuba.

Carley Miller Trombone My favorite memory was being able to perform on the grand stage at NCBF in Indianapolis. I plan to attend CCM and then to go on pursue being a doctor. Dear Mr. Conrad; Thank you for being the best band teacher ever. you really taught me how to be strong in the times of adversity, and really believed in me. I greatly appreciate all the memories you have given me the past few years. You have given me many life lessons to take to college as well as to use in my life. Thank You!

Erin Gaffney Flute

My favorite experience was becoming state champions with the Marching Gaels. Amazing! I plan on attending CCM with NJ Stars for elementary education, then continuing at Ramapo. Thank you to my mom, dad, and sister Shannon for all their love and support, and all the directors for the memories and laughs over the years. I will miss you!

Nick Acquavella Percussion



Tonia Flatt Tenor Sax

Sara Black French Horn I enjoyed most learning The French Horn. I plan to Attend CCM for Criminal Justice in the fall.


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Lauren Padron Clarinet

Favorite Memories are NCBF, and marching band state championships at Rutgers. I will be studying Nursing at Fairleigh Dickenson University. Thank you to the Band teachers for all the time They put into teaching us and Helping us to become better musicians.

Chris Jenkins Percussion

Kyra Ammon Clarinet

I will miss marching band To come home to after school, and Super Bowl 48, and Going to Indy and having a once in a Lifetime experience. I plan to go to college to be an Orthopedic Nurse, and keep music in my life as much as I can. Band teachers; thank you for everything you taught me throughout the years. To My parents; thanks for dealing with the high pitched noises!

Victoria Cattano String Bass

I will always remember going on the NCBF trip. I plan to attend college at CCM with the NJSTARS program. I would like to thank all the band directors for giving me such wonderful opportunities. They have greatly enhanced my appreciation of music.

Kyle Rosenberg Percussion

Tom Larkin French Horn

Playing at the Super Bowl with Bruno Mars & The RHCP was surreal! I plan to attend Oklahoma University after RHS. Thank you to the band teachers of Roxbury for allowing me to have such a great experience throughout my time here!

Cole Kaufman Bassoon

Ryan Tom Trombone

Joelle Marston Clarinet

My favorite experience was having the opportunity to make so many friends and going to Indianapolis and the NCBF this year. I plan to attend Rochester Institute of Technology for sustainability and to continue playing volleyball there. Thanks to all the band teachers for making these past 8 years, from 5th grade to senior year, so memorable.

Joe Pritchard Trombone




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Sarah Lou Clarinet

Going to Marching Band competitions with friends and the overnight trip to Towson, and Indianapolis. I plan on attending Rutgers this fall to study Biological Sciences. I ‘m glad to have learned so much from all of the band teachers at EMS and RHS. I Will take the lessons they Taught me through college.



Meghan Stanford Alto Sax

Friday Night Football games playing in Sound, and watching them perform the last few years. I plan to attend Johnson & Wales in Providence, Rhode Island, to study counseling psychology. Mom and Dad, thank you for pushing me to continue doing band and basically forcing me to do Roxbury Sound. Without these experiences, I wouldn’t have the friends and memories I have today. Mr. H, thanks for all the laughs during VIP’s and the talks we used to have when whenever I was having a hard time.

Brandon Yaw Euphonium

TJ Graf Tuba

One of the coolest experiences of my life was performing in the Super Bowl XLVIII Half time show. I will be attending the University of Miami ,Pursuing a degree in music performance as a Stamps Distinguished Ensemble Scholar and member of The Stamps Brass Quintet. I’m incredibly grateful for all the help and support I have received over the past 4 years. None of my accomplishments would have been possible without your dedication to showing me how to be the best musician AND the best human being I can be.

Josh Wendt Trombone

The Super Bowl and the State Championships are two of the best memories I have from RHS Bands. I will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering at University of North Carolina Charlotte. I also plan on Doing marching band at UNC as well. I’d like to thank my parents for always motivating me and cheering me on. I would also like to thank the directors for their hard work and making the band program a lot of fun to be a part of.

Karlie Caruk Flute

What has impacted me the most from being in RHS band is being a part of so much more than myself. It has taught me many life lessons about respect, coop- eration, and leadership. It is amazing to be a part of something so large with a common goal. The unity in the RHS band program is truly what makes it stand out against the rest., and is what I will take with me in the next chapter of my life. I will study Mechanical engineering at Penn State continuing to dance and feed my interest in music. Thank you to my family for always supporting me through the long days. It meant the world to me to see you in the stands cheering me on the past four years. Thank you for pushing me to rise up to the challenges that this program presents and encouraging me to succeed in every aspect of it.

Milan Borde Euphonium

Lara Lalo Trumpet

Jason Tewksbury Trumpet


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Grant Dixon French Horn

Matt Ranucci Tuba

Will Suitt Trombone

My Favorite Experience was playing and listening to good music in Indianapolis at NCBF with great friends. I will major in engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology. To my parents and teachers, stay frosty, stay saucy!

Kaitlyn Culleny Clarinet My favorite memories Are all from being under the lights on Friday nights with the Roxbury Sound. I’m going to CCM for two years to major in English and minor in education. Thank you to all the band teachers who helped me grow as a musician and person. thank you to my Mom for inspiring me to play the clarinet just like she did in High School, and thank you to my Dad fro supporting me through 8 years of band.

Kaitlyn Maguire Flute

Playing Dixieland Concerto with the band directors in my Sophomore year. I am going to Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, to major in Marine Biology. Thank you to all the band directors for helping me become a better musician and my parents for supporting my music career and coming to all of my concerts.

Shy Seniors: Jen Avery Chris Cole

Derrick Cudia Maria Koutsoubas

Ragan Mendelsohn

Kevin Motzer Trombone

My plans are to Attend Richard Stockton University in the Fall


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Dear fellow Roxbury HS Band Parents, As the song from the old Carol Burnett Show goes, "Seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say, so long". This will be my last message in an issue of the Gaels Chronicles. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to have served as the RHSBPA for the past two years. It is difficult to put into words how much these 24 months have meant to me. I have many, many people to thank for making it a success. First and foremost, I'd like to thank every RHS band student who graced us with their talents over the past seven years. You are why we commit ourselves to this organization. We have enjoyed the performances as well as the "off duty" fun. You guys will do great things and we are proud of you. I will send a more personal note to the 25 or so parents who comprise the "core group" and have devoted so much time and effort to the RHSBPA later. But suffice to say that these folks made this organization work. The time and energy spent, I know, are laboratory of love, but without you, nothing would get accomplished. I would also like to thank the band parents who weren't able to devote the hours to working in a leadership area, but faithfully showed up to work in the trenches. Whether it was selling tickets, washing uniforms, building props or any of the other thankless jobs that need to be done, you guys were there. Your work did not go unnoticed. I especially would like to thank Mr. Nichols, Mr. Hartsuiker and Ms. Bednarcik. It wasn't until I was President that I really recognized just how much of their time they devote to the kids. In our private conversations, the love, dedication and respect that they hold for our kids is almost overwhelming. The simple fact is, our kids are better people because of Todd, Rich and Sarah. Lastly, and probably most importantly, I want to thank my wife, Christine. Seven years of prop building summers, watching performances alone, putting up with seemingly endless computer time and meetings were a sacrifice and I know it. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to do this important "work". You are the best. I wish the best of luck to next year's leadership team. You guys will carry on the long traditions that are established and you will reach new heights. Those of you who know me well, know I don't do goodbyes. I'll just say, so long. It's been a great ride.

George

By George, we will all miss you, thank you for your leadership!

Mr. George Wendt, with wife Christine, and son Josh, on Senior night 2015

the gael chronicles - roxbury school districtarmenian dances. i plan to go to cornell for pre med,...

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