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Originally delivered on 12/12/2022 7:13 pm

SUBJECT: Music Monday 12.12.22

December 12, 2022
Message from the Reps

Hello Music Studio Families,

December is moving quickly and the holiday season is here! There are many exciting things happening, so be sure to check out the Don't Forget section below! We've added January concerts to help you plan ahead. Tickets are now available here for all Music Studio concerts happening through January 26th, 2023. 


Successful Music Studio meeting

Thank you for joining us at our last Music Studio meeting.  We had an amazing turnout, with 93 people in attendance! We were joined by Zoe Schneider, Director of LaGuardia Alumni & Friends, Brian Worsdale (Artistic Director) and Michael Knauf (Director) from French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts, and Lindsey Anderson (Director of Admission, Recruitment and Communications) from Interlochen Center For The Arts.

Click here to review minutes from the meeting on December 6th.

We hope to have our January meeting in-person. Stay tuned for details.


New Merchandise - HOLIDAY SALE!

Finally, we are so happy to announce that new merchandise has been delivered and will be available for sale at the School Spirit Sale this Thursday, December 15th from 2:30 - 4:30 pm and at future shows. We have some old favorites and exciting new items too, just in time for holiday shopping. We have reduced prices are on ALL our pullover hoodies - now $45 including our brand new merch!

Fingers crossed that our online store will open by the end of the week, but we will likely announce it with a separate email.


Chicago: Teen Edition

The spectacular All-School Musical, Chicago: Teen Edition has ended, but people will be talking about it well into the new year!

See some photos of our amazing pit orchestra and a close up on Mr. Blancq, their conductor, below.  Congratulations to the entire cast a crew on a job well done!

Happy Holiday season everyone!

Young Arts Winners!

Congratulations to our winners from the LaGuardia Music Studio!

Voice - Finalist

Fiorela Miria | Classical: Soprano


Classical Music - Merit

Yufei Chen | Piano

Aurora Miller | Violin

Wyatt Pepper | Composition

Jhailyn Falcon | Jazz


Voice - Merit

Lily Pool | Singer/Songwriter


Founded in 1981, YoungArts identifies exceptional young artists, amplifies their potential, and invests in their lifelong creative freedom. 

You can learn more about YoungArts here.

Chicago: Teen Edition, Wrapped
Chicago: Teen Edition Pit Orchestra

Photo credit: Karen Blanq


CONGRATULATIONS to the Pit Orchestra on an outstanding job!


Arthur Albertan | Senior - Piano 2

Elijah Allen | Senior - Trumpet 2

Coleman Breining | Senior - Percussion

Bix Cole | Junior - Piano 1

Liam Dougherty | Senior - Reed 3

Jean Garcia | Senior - Trombone 2

Seif Gharsellaoui | Senior - Reed 2

Clayton Frank | Senior - Tuba, Acoustic Bass

Ben Leviathan | Sophomore - Reed 1

Leo Oiwa | Junior - Violin

Wyatt Pepper | Senior - Trumpet 1

Beatrice Rush | Junior - Trombone 1

Kai Uemura | Junior - Banjo, Mandolin, Ukulele

Conductor Spotlight

C. KEVIN BLANCQ has conducted numerous musical productions at LaGuardia, including City of Angels, Hairspray, Guys & Dolls, In The Heights, Beauty & The Beast, and 42nd Street among others. A trumpeter and educator on the New York scene for over 30 years, Mr. Blancq has worked with many jazz greats, including Benny Golson, Wynton Marsalis, and Jimmy Heath. His career as an educator took off when he joined the LaGuardia music faculty in 2002. He would like to thank his wonderful students for their dedication and commitment to this production.


Now that Chicago: Teen Edition has wrapped, the Music Studio asked Mr. Blancq to reflect on the production and this is what he had to say:

Every show is a challenge, and that's the way we like it! This student cast  was consistently professional and an absolute joy to work with! I would like to give special thanks to my outstanding colleagues, Larry Pressgrove (Music Director), and Jeanne Cascio (Vocal Director), for their wonderful work teaching the students the score and making it much easier for me as a conductor! None of this would have been possible without their dedication and hard work! A huge thank you to the entire artistic team for their unwavering support and dedication to the success of this production!

This is the 11th show I have conducted at LaGuardia in the past 15 years. This work has been an honor for me personally, and I want to thank all of the students who have participated over the years! Your legacy continues to inspire future generations!

Teacher Spotlight: Holiday Edition
Getting To Know Our Music Faculty...

As we get ready for the holiday season, the Music Studio thought a fun and festive way to introduce our music faculty, and get to know them a little bit better, would be to ask them to participate in a little holiday question and answer fun. This week we are asking: 

Jeanne Cascio, Conductor of the Show Choir


Q: What is a cherished holiday family tradition from your childhood?

A: When we were really young, my parents would take us to a Christmas tree farm to pick out, and cut down our family tree. My brother and I had a lot of fun trying to find the perfect tree - figuring out where to place every ornament to decorate as many branches as possible.


Q: What is your favorite holiday side dish or dessert?

A: I am extremely lucky to have excellent bakers in my family, and I have always loved Christmas cookies. Two of my favorites are my mom's chocolate mint brownies and by best friend's mom's chocolate raspberry bars.

Don't Forget!

Upcoming Events:

December 13 - Show Choir joins New York City Opera for an evening of caroling in Bryant Park at 6 pm

December 15 - School Spirit Shopping Day: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm in the lobby

December 16 - Fiorello Friday 

December 18 - Show Choir performs at Bryant Park 2 pm

December 21 & 22 - Winter Semi-Annual Concert w/ Senior Chorus & Philharmonic Orchestra  6:30 pm at LaG

December 23 - Fiorello Friday featuring Show Choir

January 6 - Winter Gospel Choir Concert 6:30pm

January 10 - Winter Musicale #1, 6pm, featuring: 

  • Concert Orchestra
  • Treble Chorus
  • Mixed Chorus
  • Symphony Orchestra

January 12 - Winter Musicale #2, 6pm, featuring:

  • String Orchestra
  • Concert Band
  • Operetta Workshop
  • Elementary Chorus
  • Cantare

January 25 - New Music Ensemble Winter Showcase, 6pm

January 26 - Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony Winter Concert, 6:30pm

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/laguardiahs/699 until 10am the day before the concert. They can also be purchased in person beginning one hour before the concert. 

Blurb from Ben

Hello Music Studio Families,

It is hard to believe that Winter Break is just around the corner, which means that our performance season is in full swing!  Below you will find information about upcoming performances, an in person audition opportunity for Interlochen Arts Camp, and staff updates.

 

Upcoming Performances

Tickets are on sale now for all Music Studio concerts through 1/26. Click here to purchase or see link above in Don't Forget section.


Interlochen Arts Camp In Person Auditions at LaGuardia 1/13

As announced in my last letter, LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and Interlochen Center for the Arts have formed a new partnership culminating in an opportunity for our students to be awarded scholarships to attend Interlochen Arts Camp this summer.


As a partner of Interlochen, our students are eligible for a limited number of full tuition scholarships to attend camp in summer 2023. In order to be considered for this scholarship opportunity, you must complete an APPLICATION by January 15, 2023. Use the code LaGuardia23 to waive the application fee. 

 

As part of the application, students must submit an audition or audition in person.  Interlochen Arts Camp will hold in person auditions here at LaGuardia on January 13, 2022 (during the school day).  Please fill out this FORM by December 20 if you would like to audition in person on January 13th. 

 

Please do not hesitate to contact me at Bschott@schools.nyc.gov if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Schott

Assistant Principal - Music


Music Studio NEW Merchandise!!
School Spirit Shopping Day returns this Thursday, December 15th!!

 

We will have replenishment of many items that we sold through, including the flannel pjs in red/black buffalo plaid, and black/white plaid. We also have some exciting new merch - including the most anticipated FAME hoodie, for the reduced price of $45! 

Just a reminder, our online Music Studio Store is still closed. Once we are open for business, you will hear about it here first!  If you have questions or comments please email lagmusicstudiostore@gmail.com

Show Your Appreciation


Giving to your Music Studio has just become easier! 

We are happy to announce that we now have a QR code for direct donations to the Music Studio! No longer do you have to select Music Studio from a drop-down box. We welcome any donations, and all are greatly appreciated!  Just click the QR code below.

Volunteers Needed

The Music Studio is currently seeking someone with web development experience as we update our Music Studio online store and website. If you have any skills that you would like to share, please reach out to us at instrumental@laguardiahspa.org

Volunteering is a great way to meet people and learn more about Music Studio affairs. Become a volunteer today to support our students and staff all year long, not just at performances. Please make sure you have filled out your volunteer questionnaire on your Membership Toolkit profile. 

Other Opportunities


TISCH FUTURE MUSIC MOGULS

Click here to learn more about the NYU Tisch Future Music Moguls program. It is FREE of charge and for groups traditionally underrepresented in the music industry. It is designed to introduce a select group of talented high school students in 9th - 11th grade to all aspects of the contemporary music business and for students who may not have access to other programs and who would qualify for financial aid at NYU. Students learn about the creative process behind making songs, but they're also exposed to the exciting behind-the-scenes business decisions that help music wind up in the ears of audiences around the world. Apply by 12/15/22.


SUMMER 2023 SEASON OPPORTUNITY

YO Jazz invites young musicians to audition for its summer 2023 season starting 9/8/22. Outstanding young musicians from across the US showcase the legacy and bright future of American jazz in a free rigorous training residency with world-class jazz masters on the campus of Purchase College, SUNY. Apply by 1/19/23.

 

CLASSICAL MUSIC AUDITION OPPORTUNITY

NYO2 invites young musicians from groups underserved by and underrepresented in the classical orchestra field to audition for its free summer 2023 season starting 9/8/22.  Teen musicians from communities underrepresented in classical music work closely with top players from American orchestras and conservatories during a residency on the campus of Purchase College, SUNY. Apply by 1/19/23.


TRAINING RESIDENCY FOR SUMMER 2023

NYO-USA invites young musicians from across the US to audition for its free summer 2023 season starting 9/8/22. The program includes a training residency with leading professional orchestra musicians followed by a tour performing in great musical capitals of the world. Teens spend several weeks in sectional and full orchestra rehearsals, workshops designed to complement the repertoire, and social/recreational activities. Opportunities for orchestra librarians, orchestra management, and apprentice composers also available. Apply by 1/19/23.


MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS AT 92Y

Recanati-Kaplan Program for Excellence in the Arts at the 92Y offers 100% full-tuition, merit-based scholarships for exceptional students in NYC to develop their creative potential as artists, dancers, and musicians. Students are immersed in a broad range of advanced classes as well as personalized private instruction. Programs in visual arts, dance, music, and musical theater. Visit website for details and deadlines.


MANHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Summer Applications Now Open

MSM Summer provides instruction and performance experience for students ages 8 to 17 in a dynamic conservatory setting. Students will develop their musical skills and will join a vibrant community of young musicians.  Early decision date: 1/16/23.  Applications due by 2/17/23. Visit website for more details.


Precollege Applications Open 12/1/22

MSM’s Precollege program gives talented students professional instruction and multiple performing opportunities in a supportive environment, as well as collaborative time spent with like-minded peers, many of whom become life-long friends and colleagues. Students take part in either the Classical Program or the Jazz Program.

Instruction each Saturday throughout the school year includes a weekly private lesson and classes such as theory, ear training, composition, orchestra, chorus, and conducting. Students also take part in numerous performances held in our various recital halls. Click here for more information.


MADELINE ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC

Summer String Quartet Program 

MICM, located in Northern Wisconsin is a summer program focused on chamber music. They offer an immersive three-week string quartet program for around 30 high school and college students. The program costs $3,865 including tuition, room and board. Scholarships are available and awarded based on financial need. Click here for more information.   Apply by 2/15/23.

Upcoming Events on the LaG School Calendar
Tuesday, December 13
Toys For Tots Drive - Key Club
5:00p SLT Mtg
6:00p Caroling with New York City Opera
Wednesday, December 14
11:15a Box Office Open
11:20a Senior Showcase
4:30p Winter Movie Night
Thursday, December 15
2:30p School Spirit Shopping Day
Friday, December 16
7:45a Fiorello Friday
3:30p UNICEF Winter Fest
Tuesday, December 20
BSU Kwanzaa Event (Hold)
Wednesday, December 21
11:15a Box Office Open
12:09p Senior Showcase
6:30p Winter Semi-Annual Concert
Thursday, December 22
Winter Sing
6:30p Winter Semi-Annual Concert
Current Music Studio Board Members

General contact: MusicStudioInfo@laguardiahspa.org

Instrumental Co-reps: Rebecca Sherman and Monique Johnson - instrumental@laguardiahspa.org

Vocal Co-reps: Marcee Smith and Christian O'Connor -music@laguardiahspa.org 

Corresponding Secretaries: Tauheedah Yasin and Danielle Soto musicstudiocomms@laguardiahspa.org

Recording Secretary: Catherine Bernstein and Laetitia Ducroux - Assistant 

Audit Manager: Barbette Leonard and Vanessa Enriquez - Audit Manager Assistant

Merchandise Director:  Marcee Smith and Diane Vasquez, Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinators - Sherry Stuart Berman and Sonya Houston



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