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Originally delivered on 1/30/2023 6:33 pm

SUBJECT: Music Monday 1.30.23

January 30, 2023
Message from the Reps

January has come to a close, and so too has the Music Studio’s spectacular Winter Concert Series. Congratulations to all of the phenomenal students who performed, the teachers who conducted and co-conducted the ensembles, and the technical crew, who helped bring it all together. 

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the students, and a huge thank you goes out to everyone who purchased merchandise and/or made donations to the Music Studio.  

We closed out the season with New Music Showcase, Show Choir at Carnegie Hall and the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band. We look forward to the start of the second half of the year with Show Choir Valentines carols,  the Operetta in March, and the Riverside Choral Concert in April, along with other performances ahead, so stay tuned for calendar updates!


Outside Opportunities

Are you looking for opportunities outside of LaGuardia? Please don't forget to checkout the Other Opportunities section at the bottom of this newsletter. There are lots of great opportunities and new ones are constantly being added as we learn about them. Some of the deadlines are close, so check them out before it's too late!

Symphonic Band

Kimberly Roof, Conductor

David Blumenthal, Assistant Conductor

Wind Symphony

David Blumenthal, Conducter

Kimberly Roof, Assistant Conductor

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

Do you have great photography skills? Please don't be shy! Share your LaGuardia Concert photos with us and we'll showcase them in Music Monday and on our updated website.

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. 

Don't Forget!

Upcoming Events:

February 3 - Fiorello Fridays featuring Gospel Choir, Dr. Daryl Jordan, Advisor

February 16 - All-School Spirit Shopping Day, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.,1st floor lobby


Blurb from Ben

Hello Music Studio Families,

It's hard to believe that January is over already, and so too our Winter Concert Series. I hope you had a chance to witness our wonderful students showcase their talents, and what they've been working on since September. It was so lovely to see so many of our families enjoying the concerts. Our next major production will be the Operetta, The Merry Widow, which opens in March.

Below you'll find next steps for seniors, and 2023 NYSSMA Festival information.


Senior Music Students

If you missed my letter last week to seniors, Please click this link to access Music Commencement Exam Next Steps - NYSSMA and Reflective Essay


2023 NYSSMA Festival

Attention all instrumental 9, 10, and 11th grade musicians who would like to register for the 2023 NYSSMA Festival, registration has begun.  Please fill out this FORM if you would like to register for the spring festival.

Click the below link for more information about the NYSSMA festival. https://www.nyssma.org/parents-students/

Please note regarding All State:  Any instrumentalist who intends to go to All State (not freshman or pianists) must have an accompanist, UNLESS the repertoire is for instrument alone (unaccompanied).  All State requires a lengthy recommendation process and requires a commitment from the applicant. For instrumental, All State includes all of the level IV solos, but with accompaniment.  

If you have NYSSMA questions, you can email Ms. Roof at kroof@schools.nyc.gov, or myself.

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


Benjamin Schott

Assistant Principal - Music

Music Studio Merchandise!!

Our online Music Studio Store is now openOrders will be available for pick-up on Fridays, from 3-4:30 pm, in the front lobby across from the security desk.

If you have questions or comments please email lagmusicstudiostore@gmail.com

Show Your Appreciation

Your donations do so much to enrich the music education and experiences of each student within the Music Studio. Donations cover such things as Master Classes, Professional Development for teachers, Instrumental upkeep, Accompanists, Annual Operetta costs and much more. Please give what you can and help us reach our goal of $100,000. In many cases corporations offer matching gift donations to nonprofit organizations - the LaGuardia Parents Association is a 501(c)(3) so your gift can have double the impact - so see if your company offers these grants.


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.

Congratulations to LaGuardia students Elijah Allen and Bix Cole, whose Youth Orchestra and Combo were BOTH chosen to compete alongside fellow young musicians in the Charles Mingus High School Competition & Festival.

Other Opportunities

ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF LAGUARDIA

2023 Summer Study Applications - Extended to February 1, 2023

We are so pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for Alumni & Friends Summer Study Grants for Summer 2023! 

Scholarships are available to juniors, sophomores, and freshmen, who may be eligible to receive financial assistance for supplemental study in their arts discipline during the summer of 2023. Find out all you need to know HERE.


JAZZ POWER YOUTH SPRING PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP

Registration Now Open

Thursday, February 2, 2023 - 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

20 Cumming St, New York, NY 10034
Inwood

Jazz Power Youth Spring Performance workshop is an award-winning, transformational, 12-week multidisciplinary program in singing, dancing and acting for youth ages 10-17. With support from the National Endowment from the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the Miranda Family Fund with the Hispanic Federation, the Common Sense Fund, the Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation, and the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, the program is offered at no cost to families who fully commit to the program schedule and attendance policy.


THE METROPOLITAN OPERA

Met Opera Choral Lab:  Deadline - February 7, 2023

Calling all singers! Please join us for our inaugural Choral Lab, an exciting opportunity for students from the NY/Tre-state area to learn and rehearse choral classics from the opera repertoire.  Renowned choir director, Bishop Chantel R. Wright, will lead this session to help young singers fine-tune their vocal skills, build confidence, and collaborate with peers across the region.

In tandem with our 2022-2023 Virtual Honors Choir, students will study and perform a new a cappella arrangement of Una furtiva lagrima from Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore for all voice types.  The score, individual click tracks, and recordings of previous virtual choirs can be found here.

Ability to read sheet music and some choral experience is preferred.

Sign up here if interested.

When: Thursday, February 9th,  6-8 p.m.

Where: The Metropolitan Opera, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, List Hall

(entrance is at the Stage Door: enter on Amsterdam Ave between 64th and 65th street. Stage Door entrance will be on your right.)

*Please note students will need to show ID matching the name listed on their jot form.*


CREATIVE STAGE COLLECTIVE - Seeking Percusionist

Creative Stage Collective is a multi-generational troupe of kids and adults who create original works based on the imaginative ideas of children, based in Harlem.

Seeking a percussionist to play O Fortuna from Carmina Burana as part of our Musical Sketch Comedy Revue called Creative Stage Spectacular. 

Candidates need to be available to attend 2 hours of rehearsal that will be scheduled at some point on the following dates/times, as well as the dress rehearsal in the theater.

1/29 (between 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

2/5 (between 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

2/8 and 2/9 (between 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.)

2/10 (between 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.)

All rehearsals take place at 154 West 93rd St.

2/11 REQUIRED DRESS REHEARSAL AT SYMPHONY SPACE (TBD)

Interested candidates should contact Madeline Bender at creativestagecollective@gmail.org


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.


JULLIARD

Preparatory Division Brass Masterclasses Event

Saturday, 2/18/23 5-6:30 p.m.

Brass students (ages 8-17) interested in learning more about Julliard's preparatory programs are invited to join us for a Brass Masterclasses Event with the Preparatory Division Faculty!

This FREE event will include trumpet, horn, and low brass masterclasses as well as a brief Q&A for students and parents.

Following the event all are invited to attend the Pre-College Orchestra concert in Peter Jay Sharp Theater at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free; no tickets required.

Whether you're planning to audition for the Music Advancement Program (MAP) or the Pre-College Program this spring, or you just want to learn more about what the Preparatory Division has to offer, prospective students, parents and educators are all welcome.

To register for this event as a masterclass participant or as an observer, please fill out the registration form. You will receive a confirmation email upon successfully submitting the form.

Are you specifically interested in the Music Advancement Program (MAP)? If so, in addition to attending this brass event, we invite you to attend MAP's In-Person Open House from 12:30-4:40 p.m. immediately before this event! Please register separately for each event. 


NYU MPAP SUMMER PROGRAMS

Applications open 1/16/23

The NYU Steinhardt Music and Performing Arts Professions Summer Programs include the following options for students: Jazz Improv and Composers Workshop, Percussion, Strings, Brass Workshop, Woodwind Intensive, Piano Intensive, Vocal Performance Intensive, Screen Scoring Workshop, Songwriters Workshop, Musical Theatre Conducting Intensive, Music Technology Intensive, Music Business: What Makes a Star. Click the link above for more information.


NINA SIMONE PIANO COMPETITION FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN PIANISTS

Inaugural Nina Simone Piano Competition 

Art of the Piano, led by Awadagin Pratt, is thrilled to hold its inaugural Nina Simone Piano Competition.  Taking place in the summer of 2023, this bi-annual competition is specifically for talented young African American pianists.  

The aim of this Competition is to give these young artists a highly visible platform to showcase their skills, gain opportunities, experience, and support.  Additionally, the Competition aims to get more African American artists on concert stages in general, to commission new works, and to add more African American pianistic voices to the classical canon. Apply by 3/1/23.

Upcoming Events on the LaG School Calendar
Wednesday, February 1
7:20a Entrance: CSA Lunar New Year Envelope Distribution
11:15a Box Office Open
12:09p Senior Showcase
Friday, February 3
BSU Celebration #1
7:45a Fiorello Friday
7:45a Parent Coordinator' Coffee & Donuts
1:00p Parent Coordinator' Coffee & Donuts
Monday, February 6
National Counselor Week
Tuesday, February 7
National Counselor Week
Wednesday, February 8
National Counselor Week
7:30a Principal's Office Hours
11:15a Box Office Open
11:20a Senior Showcase
12:00p Principal's Office Hours
7:00p Principal's Office Hours
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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