February 2007

Music Department News

The Galway music department had another busy December in 2006. The holiday season always provides the students and faculty with numerous performance opportunities. Starting in November, the annual Coffeehouse event puts the spotlight on small groups and individual talents. It was an enjoyable evening of music performed by community members, teachers, and students of all ages. Money raised through ticket sales will go to the Galway Friends of Music; supporting the music program in the future months/years.

The first two weeks of December included four concerts…2 elementary, 1 middle school and 1 high school. Attendance at all performances was excellent, and the students did a wonderful job. Thank you to everyone for their hard work and support. In addition to these larger events, the HS Flute and Brass Ensembles played at the Preservation Society meeting on December 4th, and the senior citizens luncheon on December 14th. A good time was had by all.

While all of these performances were taking place, the music staff was busy filling out applications which would give numerous students the opportunity to play at one of the Saratoga-Warren All-County Music Festivals. We are very pleased to announce the names of those students who were selected to the various 2007 All-County Ensembles (see below). Have a great start to the New Year.

Area All-State – Marisa Lafleur (band), Lauren Pitman (orchestra), Sarah Smith (chorus)

All-County Jazz Band – Charlie Morgan

6th Grade All-County Chorus – Marisa Breault, Erin Klamp, Sarah Kopa, Hayley Martin, Grace Milton, Sarah Vroman

7-9 All-County Chorus – Cody Alvord, Hayley Morgan, Madeline Schmidt

10-12 All-County Chorus – Amber Hayes, Sarah Smith, Jennifer Spencer

6/7 All-County Band – Cody Alvord, Harry Griffin, Sarah Kopa, Hayley Martin, Lindsay Martin, Cameron Smith, Hannah Smith, Abigail Wood

8/9 All-County Band – Lucas Alvord, Trevor Gibbins, Karenna Martin, Brielle Matthews, Dan Pitman, Sarah Roberts, Faith Sittner, Justin Smith

10-12 All-County Band – Andrew Bacigalupo, Jessica Borowski, Bob Carroll, Katie Donnan, Kyle Donnan, Marisa Lafleur, Kelly Merchant, Charlie Morgan, Hope Parker, Lauren Pitman, Will Sutton

High School Music Ensembles Return from a Successful Trip to Maryland

On April 28, 2006 the high school students of Mr. Gary Barrow and Ms. Jennifer Payeur traveled from the small town of Galway to the city of Annapolis, Maryland. During the eight-hour ride, the students had more than enough time to imagine the half-empty auditorium with the three judges who would be evaluating them. The students had been preparing for the moment they would walk onto the stage in Annapolis all year long. Nerves were running wild as everyone thought of the notes they needed to hit or the rhythms they had played many times before, just to get it perfect for this opportunity. Money had been raised and chaperones rounded-up. Bags had been packed and music picked out oh-so-carefully by the directors of each talented group.

The long anticipated trip is now over, but the band, as well as Chansonettes and Troubadours, have much to show for it. The students, chaperones, and directors all had the experience of a lifetime. Chansonettes and Troubadours received an Excellent rating after singing beautifully. The judges gave them great comments and suggestions for how to improve in the future. The High School Band received a Superior rating for the second time in three years. They also had an opportunity to work with the judges; including the present and retired band directors from the Naval Academy.

Once the first afternoon was over with, everyone had time to relax and celebrate their honorable efforts and talents. With two days left, the groups spent a nice day at Six Flags amusement park. They also spent a few hours in Washington, DC to view the awesome monuments. Great job to all who attended! Please congratulate them when you see them!

April 2006 Newsletter

Music Students Selected to Attend All-County Festivals

Once again, the Galway School District was well-represented at this year’s Saratoga-Warren All-County Music Festivals. Approximately 40 musicians from the middle school and high school were selected to perform with the various bands, choruses, and orchestras

The festivals were organized by the Saratoga-Warren County Music Educators’ Association, which is comprised of 15 districts ranging in size from Hadley-Luzerne to Shenendehowa. The students were brought together for a weekend under the direction of several guest conductors. It was an enjoyable, learning experience for both students and teachers. Congratulations to these musicians (see list below) for their talent and hard work. Your acceptance into All-County was well-deserved.

We would also like to congratulate the following students for their recent participation in the NYSSMA Piano Festival. Great work! – Sarah Kopa, Hayley Martin, Kami Mueller, Cameron Smith, Hannah Smith, Hayley Smith, and Angelina Valente

All-County Orchestra – Marisa LaFleur, Jeremy Pierson, Erin Schlueter

All-County Jazz Band – Andrew Carter, Charlie Morgan

6th Grade Chorus – Cody Alvord, Brianna Arnold, Brigid McFadden, Katie Zawisa, Ronald Lewis

7-9 Chorus – Amelia Genier

10-12 Chorus – Kaitlin McMullen, Amber Hayes, Nicole Kondrat, Sarah Smith, Heather Thomas, Krissy Weaver, Grace Poissant

6-7 Band – Cody Alvord, Trevor Gibbins, Harry Griffin, Karenna Martin, Rachel Mueller, Faith Sittner, Cameron Smith

8-9 Band – Kyle Donnan, Jonn Griffin, Jerri Whittmore, Justin Smith, Dan Pitman

10-12 Band – Katie Donnan, Sara Graber, James Greisler, Jayce Kalinkewicz, Marisa LaFleur, Jeremy Pierson, Lauren Pitman, Tonya Russell, Erin Schlueter, Will Sutton

May Newsletter

More Congratulations to Music Students

Some years, our attention seems to be focused on the achievements of the entire group. Other years (like this one), it’s often the individual accomplishments that standout. Numerous Galway music students have been honored since the deadline for the February newsletter. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate these excellent students

Senior clarinetist/saxophonist, Alex Ramos, has been accepted into the music programs at Nazareth College and the University of Nebraska. In addition, six musicians (see below) were selected to perform with the Capital Region Wind Ensemble on Sunday, February 13^th. The group is comprised of outstanding music teachers and performers from the area. It was an excellent learning experience, and the performance was exceptional. And last, but definitely not least…several Middle School and High School students were selected to various All-County ensembles, which performed at Mechanicville High School on Saturday, March 19^th (see names below).

Capital Region Wind Ensemble – Michelle Cottrell, Katie Donnan, Marisa Lafleur, Shannon Pike, Lauren Pitman, and Tonya Russell

All-County
6^th Grade Chorus – Alisa Hunter, Karen Jackson, Madeline Schmidt, Faith Sittner, and Angelina Valente

6/7 Band – Lucas Alvord, Jake Goldsmith, Jon Griffin, Katie Lasak, Dan Pitman, Molly Sittner, and Justin Smith

H.S. Jazz Band – Brad Gregg, Jayce Kalinkewicz, Anthony LaTerra, and Dan Rockefeller

October 2005

Notes from the Music Department

The music department would like to welcome all of our students back for another great year of music, fun, and learning. A special welcome goes out to the students and families that are new to the district. The music program at Galway has much to offer and continues to grow every year.

Below is a list of just a few of our upcoming concerts in the district. Both the music staff and students enjoy performing for large audiences, so please join them for a concert or two throughout the year. The students consistently do a wonderful job, and there is always a nice variety of music to be heard. Please check your district calendar and future newsletters for additional dates. And yes, the music department is trying to become part of the 21^st century – we now have a webpage on the school’s website. Concert dates, articles, contact information, etc. can also be found here.

Friday, November 4^th (7:00pm) Coffeehouse – HS Gym
Galway Friends of Music Fundraiser ($3 students/$5 adults)

Tuesday, December 6^th (7:00pm)
Elementary Winter Concert - HS Auditorium

Sunday, December 11^th (2:00pm)
High School Winter Concert (Snow Date – 12/12)

Wednesday, December 14^th (7:00pm)
Primary Holiday Concert (Grades 1-3) – HS Auditorium - Snow Date – 12/15

Tuesday, December 20^th (7:00pm)
Middle School Winter Concert – HS Auditorium

Thursday, March 9^th (7:00pm) - MS/HS Band Concert

Friday & Saturday, March 17-18 (7:00pm) - HS Musical

Thursday, March 23^rd (7:00pm) - MS/HS Choral Concert

A Great Summer for Music Students and Alumni

Outstanding Galway music students regularly receive honors and awards for their achievements; many of whom you have read about in past newsletters. But, did you know that many of these musicians continue their study during summer vacations and throughout college? Although each individual approaches their musical journey in a different way, they all exemplify life-long learning and enjoyment. We are proud of these students/alumni, and would like to acknowledge their accomplishments and continued success.

Andrew Carter – selected and attended the Proctor’s Summer Jazz Institute from July 18-22. He worked with a guest band from Rochester, NY; learning new music and improvisational skills. The week culminated with an exciting performance at Proctor’s Theater.

Jayce Kalinkewicz, Erin Schlueter, Tonya Russell – performed with the U.S. Army Field Band (Washington, D.C.) at SPAC on Friday, September 16^th. They joined a handful of other Saratoga County music students to play the Karl King march, Host of Freedom.

Sean Fortune – while a sophomore music student at the College of St. Rose, he performs with the chamber orchestra as well as touring the Northeast with the punk/funk band, Honeycreeper. The band is also getting some good radio exposure across the country.

Jeremy Pierson, Erin Schlueter – performed in the village square with a brass quintet (organized by Jeremy) several Tuesdays during the summer. A nice treat for the Galway community.

Jeremy Pierson – recently toured Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Germany with the American Music Abroad organization. (see additional article for more details)

Luke Johnson – recently graduated from the Marine Corps Music School. He will be stationed and performing in the San Diego, CA area.

Joe Janack, Shannon Pike – both are attending SCCC as music majors (Joe – sophomore, Shannon – freshman)

Alex Ramos – started freshman year as a music major at the University of Nebraska.

Brad Gregg – freshman at the Crane School of Music (SUNY Potsdam). We hear he is practicing a ton!

Audra Eletto – entering her senior year at SUNY New Paltz. She is a Music Therapy major, and is hoping to do her internship in the geriatric field.

Andy Janack – teaching music in the Saratoga Springs City School District. He is also very involved as a performer (percussionist) and director in the Capital Region; including directing the Empire State Youth Orchestra Junior Percussion Ensemble.

Dan Clemens – in addition to being a social studies major at Ithaca College, he is playing trombone in one of the college’s bands.

Sarah Pedinotti – recently released her second CD (“One Mirror”), which sounds excellent! Her voice works well in numerous styles and the supporting band sounds just as good. Her debut recording made its way onto the Top 10 albums of the year list of Thom Duffy (managing editor of Billboard magazine). Duffy said Sarah is “one of the best young jazz/blues vocalists in the country today”. She is also attending Berklee College in Boston, MA.