May 18, 2013

Instructional Administrator
for Music
Lori Hershenhart, Ed.D.
518-861-8591, ext. 1106

GUILDERLAND SINGS! - TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013 - 7 PM - HS NEW GYM

The Guilderland District is proud to present “Guilderland Sings” - a district wide choral concert with special guest conductor and clinician, Mrs. Diane Warner. The concert will bring together over 800 Guilderland vocalists, in grades 4-12, who will sing with their grade level ensembles and combine together for a massed finale. Joining the Guilderland choirs on this special event will be the Capital District Youth Chorale (CDYC). Join us for a spectacular event! Click here for more information    click here to sponsor this event

Guilderland Ensembles Attend NYSSMA Majors Evaluation Festival

Five Guilderland music ensembles will be attending the Majors Evaluation Festivals. At these events, students and their teachers receive constructive comments provided  by two adjudicators/judges who assess specific performance criteria. These performances are open to the public and parents may attend. Good luck to the following groups and their teachers:

GHS Wind Ensemble - Kathleen Ehlinger, director - Wednesday, April 24th at Averill Park HS @ 10:30 a.m.

FMS 8th Grade Band - Jenn Austin, director - Tuesday, April 30th at Shaker HS @ 2:45 p.m.

FMS 7th Grade Orchestra - Kristy Dame, director- Tuesday, April 30th at Shaker HS @ 3:30 p.m.

FMS 6th Grade Chorus - Terri Mewhorter, director - Thursday, May 2nd at Bethlehem HS @ 9:45 a.m.

FMS Select Choir - Terri Mewhorter, director - Thursday, May 2nd at Bethlehem HS @ 10:45 a.m.

Pizzeria Uno Fundraiser for GMPFA – May 6, 2013

The Guilderland Music Parents and Friends Association, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), is hold a fund raising event on Monday, May 6th at Uno, Chicago Grill at Crossgates Mall. On that day, Uno will donate up to 20% of all proceeds that use a voucher identifying the GMPFA. The voucher is good for lunch or dinner and can be used for take-out meals.

The Music Parents funds musical opportunities for Guilderland students of all ages. Small music ensembles will be performing in the mall area during this event. come support Guilderland musicians! Click here for a voucher coupon!

March Is Music In Our Schools Month!

In celebration of Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM®), the Guilderland School District is proud to announce a month full of events demonstrating excellence in music education.

Several student ensembles will perform at the Empire State Plaza. On Tuesday, March 26th, the Farnsworth Middle School Select Choir (under the direction of Terri Mewhorter) will perform in the South Concourse at 1:15 p.m. On Wednesday, March 27th, the Farnsworth Middle School Select Band (under the direction of Mrs. Jenn Austin) and the FMS Jazz Ensemble (under the direction of Mr. Jason Utter) will perform in the South Concourse at 12:15 p.m. The concerts are free and open to the public and serves to impart the importance of providing a comprehensive music education.

March 20th is the annual Cabaret at FMS, featuring the Jazz and Stage Bands from the Middle and High Schools. Students demonstrate their creativity through improvisation; the instantaneous creation of music in the moment. Spring concerts round out the month with Lynnwood Elementary (3/21), Altamont Elementary (3/27), and Pine Bush Elementary (3/27).

March also features student theatrical productions Farnsworth Middle School MASK presents “Thoroughly Modern Mille” from March 8-10, and the Guilderland Players presents “South Pacific” from March 14-17.

Music In Our Schools Month is a nationwide event saluting excellence in music education. MENC: The National Association for Music Education sponsors this annual event, which focuses national attention on the importance of music in our schools. “Music Education — Orchestrating Success” is the official slogan for Music In Our Schools Month® 2013.

Participation in music classes provides lifelong benefits. Through singing, playing instruments, and composing, students learn to express themselves creatively. Studying music provides a deeper understanding of historical and cultural heritages. We invite you to witness excellence at every developmental stage of music education. Learn what’s happening in the music programs in your school and community!

25 Students Selected for the Suburban Council Music Festival

The Suburban Scholastic Council Music Festival will be held at Ballston Spa High School on Saturday, April 13, 2013. Over three hundred talented music students were selected from the thirteen Suburban Council schools. The groups performing this year include a Middle School Band, Chorus and Orchestra as well as a High School Jazz Band.

The Guilderland music department is pleased to announce that 25 students were selected by audition to participate. Performing in the Symphony Orchestra will be: Chloe Stevens and Allegra Wu – Flute, Abby Bemis – Oboe, Angelo Amore and William Wang – Clarinet, Albert Zhong – Bassoon, Adrian Zajac – Trumpet, Joel Anthony – Trombone, Katherine Wallace – Cello and Ryan Dempsey – Bass.

The Concert Band includes Farnsworth middle school students: Kelly Wuthrich – Flute, Treasa Powathil – Oboe, Amelia Dunn, Isabella Wu – Clarinet, Avery Heaney - Alto Sax, Mary Kate Sweeney – Trumpet, Dan Bemis – Horn, Angus Cropley, Hugh Smith and Jason Sindoni – Tuba and Belen Marriaga – Percussion.

Vocalists selected to sing with the Concert Choir under the direction of Mrs. Diane Warner include: Meg Fitzpatrick, Natalie Russo, Abby Ryan, and Marissa Scotti. Mrs. Warner will also be the guest conductor for the Guilderland district wide Vocal Festival in May.

Leonard Bopp was selected to play the lead trumpet part in the High School Jazz Ensemble, led by Mike Titlebaum noted jazz educator and performer from Ithaca College.
Congratulations to all these fine young musicians and their teachers: Jenn Austin, Nancy Casellini, Susan Curro, Shannon deFrancqueville, Kathleen Ehlinger, Lee Russo, and Jason Utter. The concert on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Ballston Spa High School begins at 2:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

GUILDERLAND HS ANNOUNCES CONCERTO COMPETITION WINNER!

Each year the Guilderland High School music department holds a concerto competition. With so many talented students throughout the department the choice is difficult and highly competitive. The winner of this competition gains the privilege of a spring solo performance with one of the large ensembles. This year the music department is pleased to announce that junior Michelle Kang, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Inbong Kang of Guilderland, won the competition on violin.
Michelle won the competition with an impressive performance of the Barber Violin Concerto, Opus 14. She will next perform the Sérénade mélancolique by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky  accompanied by the High School Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday, May 29, 2013. The concert will also feature performances by the GHS vocal ensembles and will take place in the auditorium beginning at 7:30 p.m. 

GHS Music Department presents "POPS SWINGS IN!"

     This annual concert held on Saturday, February 2, 2013, features performances by all of the high school music ensembles – over 350 talented students – in the Choirs, Bands, Orchestras and Jazz Band. This year, small vocal and instrumental ensembles will also be performing.
     This event is the major fund raiser for the music booster organization, the Guilderland Music Parents and Friends Association. The Music Parents use all funds raised from the Pops Concert to provide scholarships, enrichment activities, assembly programs, guest clinicians, and other resources for students of every age throughout the Guilderland school district. 
     For this concert, the High School New Gym is decorated and set with tables and chairs. Eighth grade waiters and waitresses serve light refreshments that are available for purchase. 
     Come enjoy the music of “2013 Pops Swings In!” on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 pre-sale and $7 at the door with table seats available on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are available for purchase in the school store at the high school, or contact Guilderland Music Supervisor Lori Hershenhart at 861-8591 ext. 1106 or email hershenhartl@guilderlandschools.org for tickets or additional information. 

 CLICK HERE FOR A POPS SPONSOR FORM. CLICK HERE FOR A POPS TICKET ORDER FORM.

Ithacappella Returns to Guilderland

Ithacappella , all-male a cappella group from Ithaca College, returns to share their talents with students in Guilderland. This auditioned student led ensemble, has toured extensively bringing an exciting show of popular selections to share with audiences of all ages.

The Guilderland Music Department with generous funding from the Guilderland Music Parents and Friends Association ((a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization) will host 2 elementary assemblies and a middle school clinic.

In the evening, on Friday, January 4, 2013, Ithacappella will present an evening concert at Guilderland High School beginning at 7 p.m. Admission to this event is $3 for adults and $2 for students. Tickets are available at the door.

Music Performances at Barnes and Noble Fundraiser in Colonie Center

On Saturday, December 1, Barnes and Noble will donate a portion of all sales of books, media, and café items from throughout the day to the Guilderland Music Parents. These funds will be used to support music students across the district. Customers simply need to identify themselves as a supporter of Guilderland Music Parents at the register. Student music ensemble groups of every age will be performing. 

Performances will include small ensembles from the elementary, FMS and HS as well as the HS Chamber Choir. Performances will begin at 10 am and continue throughout the day.

The GMPFA supports music instruction for students of every age throughout the district funding cultural arts, clinicians, and events.

Come out and enjoy our young performers and support this worthwhile organization!

If you were unable to attend the event, but would still like to support GMPFA through your Barnes and Noble purchases, you can do so on-line from Saturday, December 1 through Thursday, December 6, 2012. Both in-store and online purchases are eligible for the donation. Visit BN.COM/bookfairs and use Bookfair ID 10946549 Download on-line purchasing instructions

Download a printable voucher to identify yourself as a supporter of Guilderland Music

Guilderland High School Recognized Grammy Semi-Finalist

The Guilderland Music Department is proud to announce that Guilderland High School has been recognized as a 2013 Grammy Signature School semi-finalist. This designation and honor is based upon the quality and caliber of the music education program in the school. As the Grammy award signifies excellence in recording, the Signature Schools award is designed to honor exceptional public high school music programs.

Twenty- one New York high schools were recognized among the top 125 high schools in the nation. Semi-finalists are invited to submit recorded performances and repertoire lists to vie for these prestigious awards. In addition to the available monetary grants, winners receive school visits from Grammy award wining artists.

Congratulations to the entire district wide music faculty for contributing to this achievement. Good luck to the high school music faculty, Susan Curro, Kathleen Ehlinger, Lee Russo and Rae Jean Teeter, with the recorded submissions.

Guilderland Students selected for the Area All State Music Festival

This year 14 Guilderland High School students were selected to perform in the Area All-State Music Festival on November 16h and 17th at Saratoga Springs High School. These outstanding ensembles consist of students chosen from a nine county area including Albany, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington counties. Competitive selection to these groups is based upon the score received by the students’ during the previous spring at the NYSSMA solo evaluation festival.

The Concert Band under the direction of Martin Allen and will include: Joseph Sipzner, Kathleen O’Mara – flute, Greg Eckhardt – bassoon, Luke Anthony – alto sax, Samuel Diedrich, Andrew Dame - trumpet and Joel Anthony - trombone.

Singing in the Chorus under the direction of Dr. Anthony Maglione, Choral Director at William Jewell College, will be: Leonard Bopp, Dayle Carhart, Courtland Ingraham, Skylar Mead, and Karissa Murray.

The Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Rachel Lauber, Eastman Community Music School, will include: Therese Giordano-French Horn and Jacob McGrath- trumpet.
The concert will be held on Saturday, November 17th beginning at 2 p.m. in the Saratoga High School auditorium. This outstanding performance is open to the public and tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens.

Congratulations to all our talented young musicians, their families and their music teachers, Mrs. Susan Curro, Mrs. Kathleen Ehlinger, Mr. Lee Russo, and Mrs. Rae Jean Teeter.

Guilderland Recital Raises Funds for Flood Victims – 10/24/12

The Guilderland Music Faculty and Tri-M music honor society will present a combined recital on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 in the high school auditorium at 7:00 p.m. This enjoyable evening features performances by teachers from every grade level, students and community members. From Pop to Jazz, Classical to Contemporary; there is something for everyone to appreciate. This delightful evening gives students and the community an opportunity to listen to their teachers in a different role as performers. Highlighted on the program will be both vocal and instrumental ensemble performances.
While there is no admission for this event, each year donations are collected and given to a charitable organization. This year funds raised will given to SALT (Schoharie Area Long Term), a regional not-for-profit that is coordinating the recovery efforts for those devastated by the recent flooding. Checks may be made payable to: SALT, PO Box 77, Schoharie, NY 12157
Come enjoy of evening of outstanding musical entertainment and help Guilderland raise funds for those in need! For more information about the recital, contact Guilderland Music Supervisor Lori Hershenhart at 861-8591 ext. 1106.

Guilderland Students Selected as Artist Apprentices

Three Guilderland High School vocal students have been selected to participate in the fall 2012 Albany Pro Musica Apprenticeship Program. Casie Girvin, Skylar Mead and Michael Janower will be singing with this vocal ensemble and the Albany Symphony Orchestra on October 13 and 14, 2012 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. This concert includes two choral masterpieces: Bach Magnificat for five soloists and five-part chorus, and Corigliano’s Fern Hill, a lyrical setting of Dylan Thomas’ poem about his pastoral boyhood.

Tickets are available at the Albany Symphony Orchestra Box Office (518) 465-4755 or on line at www.albanysymphony.com. Congratulations to these outstanding students and their vocal teacher, Mrs. Rae Jean Teeter for this recognition of excellence in vocal performance.

Additional information is available at http://www.albanypromusica.org/season/.

Guilderland Students Selected for All-State Ensembles

Each year, thousands of student musicians in New York State compete for an opportunity to be selected for the prestigious NYSSMA Conference All State Music Ensembles. Admission to these highly selective groups is based upon the score received the previous spring during the NYSSMA Solo Evaluation Festival. Each student performed before a certified adjudicator who carefully evaluated every aspect of their performance.

The Guilderland High School music department is proud to announce that seven students were recognized for their exemplary performances including: Casie Girvin daughter of Ms. Lisa Satalino of Slingerlands, Courtland Ingraham, son of Mr. and Mrs. Craig Ingraham of Guilderland, Michael Janower, son of Dr. and Mrs. David Griggs-Janower of Schenectady, Hannah Liu, daughter of Mrs. Liyan Sun and Mr. Dacheng Liu of
Schenectady, Kathleen O’Mara, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael O’Mara of Altamont, Joseph Sipzner, son of Mr. Robert Sipzner and Ms. Kathy Bentley of Guilderland and Brendan Snow, son of Mr. and Mrs. Omar Snow of Schenectady.

These talented students will spend four days rehearsing in Rochester with gifted students from across the state with the event culminating in a concert at Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School of Music.

Spring Orchestra Festival and Conductor Residency

 This year the spring music festival will feature the students of the Guilderland Orchestral Program in a combined concert performance with students from grades 5– 12. This will be the culmination of a three day residency with Maestro Pierclaudio Fei, conductor of the Geminiani Orchestra of Florence, Italy.

Maestro Fei will be conducting clinics and workshops with students and teachers in the instrumental ensembles at Farnsworth Middle School and Guilderland High School. The residency will culminate with a combined performance with Maestro Fei guest conducting many of the selections. The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the High School New Gym on Wednesday, May 9, 2012. We are very excited to bring this talented conductor to Guilderland, to work with our students and teachers, and look forward to this inspiring musical experience.
Click here for the guest conductor's bio                click here to sponsor this event

GUILDERLAND HS ANNOUNCES CONCERTO COMPETITION WINNER!

Each year the Guilderland High School music department holds a concerto competition. With so many talented students throughout the department the choice is difficult and highly competitive. The winner of this competition gains the privilege of a spring solo performance with one of the large ensembles. This year the music department is pleased to announce that junior Sharon Lin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.Hung-Yun Lin of Schenectady, won the competition.
Sharon played an impressive performance of the Cello Concerto No. 1 by Dmitri Shostavovich. She will now play this solo at the high school concert on June 7, 2012 accompanied by the high school Symphony Orchestra. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and also feature performances by the Concert Orchestra and the Wind Ensemble.

GHS Music Department presents "POPS Salutes Classic Rock"

     This annual concert held on Saturday, February 4, 2012, features performances by all of the high school music ensembles – over 400 talented students – in the Choirs, Bands, Orchestras and Jazz Band. This year, small vocal and instrumental ensembles will also be performing as well as several of the high school rock bands.
     This event is the major fund raiser for the music booster organization, the Guilderland Music Parents and Friends Association. The Music Parents use all funds raised from the Pops Concert to provide scholarships, enrichment activities, assembly programs, guest clinicians, and other resources for students of every age throughout the Guilderland school district.
     For this concert, the High School New Gym is decorated and set with tables and chairs. Eighth grade waiters and waitresses serve light refreshments that are available for purchase.
     Come enjoy the music of “2012 Pops Salutes Classic Rock” on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 pre-sale and $7 at the door with table seats available on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are available for purchase in the school store at the high school, or contact Guilderland Music Supervisor Lori Hershenhart at 861-8591 ext. 1106 or email hershenhartl@guilderlandschools.org for tickets or additional information. Click here for a POPS Sponsor Form. Click here for a POPS ticket order form.

Guilderland Named in "Best Communities for Music Education"

For the fourth consecutive year, the exemplary music program in Guilderland and the widespread support the community has for arts education has been recognized.

Click here for more information.

 8 Guilderland Students Recognized for the NYS Band Director's Honor Bands

      Eight Guilderland students have been selected to participate in the New York State Honor Bands in March 2012. Each year from hundreds of applicants, Honor Band members are chosen based upon their NYSSMA score from the previous spring. Each ensemble rehearses and performs during the NYS Band Directors annual Symposium held at the Syracuse Convention Center.
     Performing with the Middle School Honor Band, will be 8th grade students Angelo Amore, clarinet, Salil Chaudry, percussion, Andrew Dame, trumpet, Will Wang, clarinet, and Allegra Wu, flute. Sarah Jones was recognized as an alternate for the ensemble. These students will be playing under the direction of Dr. Deborah Sheldon, Professor of Music Education at Temple University. Sam Diedrich, trumpet, and Hannah Liu, oboe, will be playing in the High School Honor Band under the direction Dr. Peter Boonshaft, Professor of Music at Hofstra University.
     Selection to these prestigious ensembles demonstrates exceptional musicianship and is an outstanding accomplishment. Congratulations to these fine young players, and their teachers, Mrs. Kathleen Ehlinger, Mr. Lee Russo and Mr. Jason Utter.

Students Selected as Artist Apprentices

Five Guilderland High School vocal students have been selected to participate in the Albany Pro Musica Artist Apprenticeship Program. Enaw Elonge, Casie Girvin, Michael Janower, Clare Ladd, and Skylar Mead will be singing with this vocal ensemble later in the spring. Congratulations to the students and their vocal teachers, Mrs. Nancy Casellini and Mrs. Rae Jean Teeter for this recognition of an outstanding music education program.

Click here for performance and ticket information.

Guilderland Student Selected for ACDA Honor Choir

     The Guilderland Music Department is proud to announce that Junior Michael Janower has been selected to participate in the American Choral Director's Association All-Eastern High School Honor Choir in Providence, RI on February 16-19, 2012. Michael is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Griggs-Janower of Schenectady. Selection to this prestigious ensemble is difficult with students chosen from eight states stretching from Maine to Maryland.
     This honor is a result of an audition tape that Michael prepared last spring. Michael will sing under the direction of Dr. Pearl Shangkuan who is a professor at Calvin College and chorus master of the Grand Rapids Symphony.
     Congratulations to Michael and his teacher, Mrs. Rae Jean Teeter on this outstanding accomplishment.

GHS Music Groups sweep top awards at the Heritage Festival in Boston

The Guilderland High School Chamber Choir and Wind Ensemble won top awards at the National Heritage Music Festival competition held in Boston, MA on March 25-26th. High School and collegiate band, orchestra and choir ensembles from across the country participated in the competition. The GHS ensembles earned well deserved gold in numerous categories.

Opportunities to hear these ensembles in our own community will be held on May 5, 2011 (Chamber Choir), and May 19, 2011 (Wind Ensemble) at Guilderland High School beginning at 7:30 p.m. Additionally, the Wind Ensemble is competing at the NYSSMA Major Ensemble Evaluation Festival on April 28, 2011 at Shaker HS. All concerts are free and open to the public.

 Click here for more information!