NEWSLETTERTHE

MURROW MUSIC INSTITUTE

VOLUME 5, NUMBER 2

EDWARD R. MURROW HIGH SCHOOL ANTHONY R. LODICO, PRINCIPAL

2011/2012

EDITORS T. TORIELLO, C. CHRISTENSEN

COMMENTS, CONTRIBUTIONS, QUESTIONS PLEASE SEND TO: TTORIEL@SCHOOLS.NYC.GOV

The Music Institute Faculty: Tom Toriello, A. P., Cindy Christensen, Don Christensen,James Duncan, Cheryl Johnson, Beth Lindberg-Prather, Alan Shapiro, Taylor Watson

The Murrow Music Institute Winter Concerts Series - Music, Music and More Music! The Winter Concerts series was four nights of music for the parents and friends of Murrow's fine music students. The Holiday Concert on Thursday, December 22, 2011 featured Concert Band, Women's Chorus, Symphonic Band, Mixed Chorus, students from the Vocal Techniques class, String Orchestra, Madrigal Choir, Jazz Band and Gospel Chorus. There were many wonderful performances of Holiday music. Some of the night's high points included a dance performance with the Jazz Band, Vivaldi's Gloria performed by the Mixed Chorus and String Orchestra, and of course the traditional audience sing-a-long. Everyone had a great time. The Winter Concert was on two nights: Thursday, January 12, 2012, and Friday January 13, 2012. There were no less than ten ensembles performing. Here are a few of the many noteworthy performances: Beginning Chorus directed by Alan Shapiro opened Thursday evening’s concert with a polished presentation of the English folksong, Scarborough Fair. Concert Band, directed by Cindy Christensen, performed Bach's Prelude and Fugue in Bb

Major. Women’s Chorus, directed by Beth Lindberg-Prather, featured vocalists, Deja Goodwin and Riffany Obi, in a wonderful performance of the traditional hymn Amazing Grace. The Madrigal Choir, was well-prepared by Alan Shapiro to conduct themselves in a "Mini-Monteverdi" festival featuring three of his compositions, including Exultate Justi. The Symphonic Band, directed by Don Christensen, drew from the pen of Copeland, Holst, and Sousa. However, the highpoint performance for the ensemble was composed and conducted by one of their own - Khaled Jean. The String Orchestra, directed by James Duncan, featured soloists Nim Tse and Hoi Tee Sin as they performed Mozart's Sull'Arie. Mixed Chorus, directed by Alan Shapiro, joined the Jazz Band to perform Tom Toriello's arrangement of the standard, Stormy Weather. The Chamber Orchestra, directed by James Duncan, performed Vivaldi's Concerto in C Major for Guitar and Orchestra. Guitar student, Matthew Rosenthal, did a great job as the featured soloist. Gospel Chorus, directed by Cheryl Johnson, ended the concert on Friday night with a rousing rendition of Richard Smallwood's Anthem of Praise. (article continues on page 2)

Student Contributors: Mallory Croake, Stephanie Gozali, Michael Hisry, Leah Kimball,  Gianna and

Bianca Kroening, Odellya Sohnis

This is the fifth year publishing the Music Institute Newsletter. Check out the back issues on the Murrow Music department website or click on: http://ermurrowhs.schoolwires.com/140510106113350340/blank/browse.asp?

A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=54893

(continued from page 1: Winter Concert Series) Vocalfest on Friday, January 20, 2012 was coordinated by Cheryl Johnson. It featured Music Institute vocalists performing songs from the standard Broadway songbook. Congratulations to the student performers and a job well-done. ◼

Audition Master Class for Vocalist Given by a Broadway ProBy Leah Kimball

Ben Horine came to Murrow to help students prepare for college and musical theatre auditions. Many students came with music they had prepared and Mr. Horine listened to all students individually and gave them constructive advice. I found the class to be very helpful; Mr. Horine gave me advise that was very useful as I prepare for my college auditions. The other students I spoke with also appreciated Mr. Horine’s enthusiasm and his professional advice. We were all very excited to hear that Mr. Horine has just been cast in Legally Blonde on Broadway. ◼

Edward R. Murrow Presents HairsprayBy Michael Hisry

Excitement buzzed throughout the halls of Murrow when the choice for this year’s spring musical was announced. February 8th was the date of auditions for Edward R. Murrow High School's production of “Hairspray.” Over 300 students were eager and willing to participate in the production, however only 60 students were chosen by the director, Lawrence Nadel, and the vocal director,

Cheryl Johnson. The cast is made up of talented and creative individuals who truly understand the meaning of “ensemble theatre.” Anyone interested in seeing this lively production should contact the Players’ Circle Box Office at 718-258-9283 X3050. The cast of “Hairspray” will be performing on Wednesday, May 9th – Saturday May 12th. When students of Murrow perform, no one can stop the beat.◼

Kiss Me KateBy Leah Kimball (from the stage) Murrow’s fall musical this year was Cole Porter’s Kiss Me Kate, co-directed by our principal, Anthony Lodico and Daria McCloskey. Working with our principal was a very special and unique experience. There were 65 students in the cast, over 60 in the pit, and many more in tech, sound and costume crews. Performing to nearly full houses for each of the 5 performances was an absolute delight. ◼

By Stephanie Gozali (from the pyt)

The Edward R. Murrow High School PYT Orchestra once again did a fantastic job on all five performances of Murrow's latest production, "Kiss Me, Kate". PYT musicians had a lot of fun playing to the tunes of Cole Porter, especially "Too Darn Hot" which is a song that featured the different jazz eras and legendary jazz musicians such as Benny Goodman. The PYT also had the wonderful opportunity to work alongside our principal Mr. Lodico, who co-directed the show with Ms. McCloskey. Nevertheless, "Kiss, Me Kate" was a bittersweet show for many PYT Orchestra members. Mr. Christensen, who was the Musical Director of the PYT Orchestra, announced that he will not be conducting the next show. To honor and thank Mr. Christensen for all the hard work that he has put into the PYT Orchestra, all 19 senior PYT members presented Mr. Christensen with an engraved baton complete with its wooden case. All in all, "Kiss Me, Kate" was a successful and memorable show to those who were involved. Congratulations to all. ◼

Murrow Music Sponsors – Special Raffle has Begun!By Celia Nodell, President, MMS Many thanks to all who attended our December Holiday Smorgasbord/Holiday Sing-A-Long meeting and our January membership meeting. We would also like to thank our wonderful volunteers for purchasing ice and for their help in selling refreshments and raffles at the Holiday and Winter Concerts in December and January.

We have received donations from Juicy Coutoure, Green Mountain/Keurig Co and the Rose family and the sale of raffle tickets to raise funds in order to purchase music storage cabinets has begun! If you have not already done so, we are asking all parent/guardians to take one or two raffle ticket booklets and sell to family, friends & co-workers. Please contact us at MurMusSpon@aol.com for more information. Winners need not be present at the June 1 (Spring Concert) drawing. We will be hosting two special meetings: March will be our regular membership meeting combined with an informational meeting regarding upcoming trips for our students. For April’s meeting, we will have the pleasure of hearing many of our students in a concert-like setting to prepare for their NYSSMA evaluations in May. Please visit the Murrow Music Sponsors page on the school website. Go to http://ermurrowhs.org , sign in and click on the link for ‘Parents’ and click ‘Murrow Music Sponsors’. Current meeting, concert and other information is posted for your reference. Remember to always: Make it Music! Make it Count!◼

Tri-M Music Honor Society UpdateBy Odellya Sohnis

The Edward R. Murrow Music Honor Society was renewed in October, 2011 and this year’s executive board members are Lisa Warner, Tyler Rock, Mallory Croak, Zoe Shitemi, Odellya Sohnis, and Shahnoza Holboeva. With approximately 50+ members, this year’s Music Honor Society has gotten off to a great start. To date the Tri-M Music Honor Society has painted music stands, collected and donated canned food for the food drive, and volunteered to assist at Murrow Music Sponsors meetings. During the week of December 14-16, 2011 Tri-M had a play-a-thon. It took place right in Murrow’s lobby during 0 band, where all Tri-M members got a chance to perform. We raised over $2000, all of which was donated to the Pediatric Ward of Methodist Hospital. Tri-M is currently planning a trip to play at a local elementary school to inspire young children and educate them on the importance of music in our lives. Tri-M is not only a place to get cool sweatshirts and service credit, but is also a place to meet really great people. Step by step, Murrow’s Music Honor Society is helping to make the community a better place by spreading the joy of charity and, above all, music. Meetings are held once a month for members to discuss and plan future events. New faces are always welcome. See Mr. Duncan, Mr. Christensen or Ms. Prather for when the next meeting will be.

Tri-M Delivers Toys, a Check and Song to Kids at Methodist HospitalBy Mallory Croake On February 10th, 2012 the Murrow Tri-M Music Honor Society visited Methodist Hospital of Park Slope, Brooklyn. Murrow music teachers Mr. Duncan and Mr. Toriello accompanied the executive board and a few Tri-M members in performing at the hospital. Earlier that week, all 50 members of the Music Honor Society donated at least one children’s gift each. In the Pediatric Ward, students got a chance to visit many of the young patients. Along with receiving toys, the patients and the hospital staff enjoyed student performances. The Tri-M students used their own guitars, violins, flutes, and even vocal chords in hopes of brightening the day for these ill children. It was an amazing experience. Upon hearing the cheery songs, patients couldn’t help but smile, and the same went for the students. The hospital also received a donation of over $2,000 that the Tri-M Music Honor Society had raised during their winter play-a-thon; it was thrilling to give as we did. The Tri-M Music Honor Society plans to return to Methodist Hospital before the end of the year with more donations, toys, and performances.◼

Spring String Things Well they made it. On February 11th, the Chamber orchestra students were guests of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. 10 students joined the orchestra on stage for their rehearsal while the remaining students watched sitting in the front rows of the empty hall. It was an amazing experience for the students to be sitting with one of the worlds finest orchestras in one of the world’s great concert halls. The string department together with the Music Honor Society will be inviting a number of visitors to Murrow this Spring term. Dr. Burt Konowitz formally of Columbia University, will do an improvisation session with both orchestras. In April, the rock band Mancy will visit, play for our students and participate in a forum on the pop music industry. This is being brought to us by Jerry Jaworsky who is the education liaison for the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and a former Murrow student. Finally, at the end of this month, members of our chamber orchestra will be going to see The Orchestra of St. Luke’s perform in Manhattan. They have been invited back stage to meet the players and ask questions about the music they will be playing as well as about their careers in music.Stay tuned for more interesting things in strings.

A Letter of Gratitude to the Chamber OrchestraDear Chamber Orchestra Musicians, Thank you so much for the wonderful performance you gave with SPRIT last Thursday night at Teachers College Columbia. You all were very professional and clearly deserved the resounding applause that you received. I was impressed with your preparation for each of the rehearsals that we had at the College. Your musicianship reflected the outstanding musical leadership that Mr. Duncan is offering you - how fortunate you all are to have a devoted teacher like him. Please accept my deep appreciation for the cool Music Institute shirt which you gave me - perhaps, when we work together again, I will wear it to our rehearsals. Have a wonderful holiday.

Best regards,Bert Konowitz, Ed.DProfessor of MusicTeachers College Columbia University◼

Gospel Chorus Shares their Brand of Holiday Cheer

Cheryl Johnson and the Gospel Chorus were out and about singing and performing for the Holidays. Here is where and when they performed: Wednesday, December 14, at Kings Plaza; Tuesday, December 20, at the Daily News Building for the Daily News Holiday Festival of Voices; Sunday, December 18, at the Concord Baptist Church singing Handel's Messiah with church choristers and full orchestra. Congratulations to the Gospel Chorus on providing holiday spirit for so many.◼

Guitar News These are exciting times for the guitar department. Murrow's guitar students have been hard at work in class and on stage. Guitar students Matthew Rosenthal and Jacob Segarra provided brilliant accompaniment for other ensembles during the Holiday and Winter concerts. More performance opportunities are on the way: this year's Guitarfest will be held on Friday, March 9. It will feature student bands and a lot of guitar. Tickets are $7.00, available in room 150 during school days from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. See you there.◼

Western Wind is Back at MurrowBy Gianna and Bianca Kroening On February 7, 2012, Murrow’s choral groups got a very special visit from “The Western Wind”, a world-renowned a cappella group. The Western Wind comes to Murrow every year to provide the vocal students with valuable coaching. Elliot Levine, baritone, arranges and composes music for Murrow vocalists to sing. This year, the Women’s Chorus is singing an arrangement of “Poor Wayfaring Stranger”. Under the direction of Beth Prather, the Women’s Chorus sang the song for Western Wind and Mr. Levine g a v e a d v i c e o n h o w t o i m p r o v e i t . We s t e r n Wi n d also performed for Mixed Chorus, Gospel Chorus and Beginning Chorus. They will be in residence through May. Their work will culminate in a joint performance with Murrow ensembles at the Spring Concert. ◼

Thanks to the Murrow Music Sponsors, SMART Music is Here SMART music is an interactive online music program. It is another tool for teachers to use in encouraging student practice. The start-up phase included setting up two work stations in practice rooms, installing the program and peripherals and the purchase of subscriptions for two music teachers, Don Christensen and Alan Shapiro. They will incorporate the program into their ensemble curriculum. The next phase will be in September when Mr. Christensen and Mr. Shapiro will turnkey their knowledge and experience to the music faculty who will then use SMART music in their teaching practice.

Music Institute Calendar – 2nd Semester 2012Music Institute Calendar – 2nd Semester 2012Music Institute Calendar – 2nd Semester 2012Music Institute Calendar – 2nd Semester 2012Music Institute Calendar – 2nd Semester 2012

Month Day/Date

Time Place Event

Fri., 9 7:00 pm Auditorium Guitarfest (plugged)

Mon., 12 7:00 pm Auditorium MMS meeting and Trip safety meeting.

Tue., 13 Mid cycle report cardsMid cycle report cards

Thurs., 15 6:00 – 8:30pm

ERM Open school night

Sat, 31 9:00 am Bishop Loughlin HS

Brooklyn Philharmonic Chamber Music Festival

Sun., 25 – Mon., 26

TWO DAYS

Empire Plaza ALBANY

NYSSMA celebrates Music in Our Schools Month. Concert Band/Orchestra

Fri., 30 DEADLINE DEADLINE NYSSMA APPLICATIONS WITH FEES DUE.

Friday, 23 All day Hartford Conn.

Hartt School of Music High School Choral Music Festival

Tue., 3 7:00 pm Auditorium NHS induction Concert Band to perform

Fri., 6 - Fri., 13Fri., 6 - Fri., 13 SPRING RECESSSPRING RECESS

Mon., 16 Cycle IV beginsCycle IV beginsCycle IV begins

Mon., 23 7:00 pm A18 MMS meeting and NYSSMA recital

Wed., 9 – Sat., 12

TBA Auditorium Spring musical theatre prod. Of HAIRSPRAY

Fri., 11 -Sat., 12

TBA Marine Park JHS.

NYSSMA SOLO EVALUATIONS

Mon., 21 7:00 PM A14 MMS meetingTue., 15 Mid cycle IV report cardsMid cycle IV report cardsThur., 17 12:30 pm ERM Open school

afternoonFri., 25 7:00 PM Auditorium Guitarfest Concert Thur., 31 7:00 PM Auditorium SPRING

CONCERT Pt. 1Fri., 1 7:00 PM Auditorium SPRING

CONCERT Pt. 2

Fri., 8 7:00 PM Auditorium Vocalfest

Mon., 11 7:00 PM A14 MMS meeting

Tue., 12 Last day of classesLast day of classesLast day of classes

MA

RC

HAPRIL

MAY

JUNE