NEWSLETTERTHE

MURROW MUSIC INSTITUTE

VOLUME 8, No 1

EDWARD R. MURROW HIGH SCHOOL Allen Barge, PRINCIPAL

2014/2015

EDITOR T. TORIELLO: TTORIEL@SCHOOLS.NYC.GOVSTUDENT WRITERS: Malcolm Best, Bernice Laura Eugene,

Karenna Hunter, Sandra Nicolas, Anna Wysocka, Melissa Fishman, Asaph Charles, Jacob Yusufov

The Music Institute Faculty: Tom Toriello, A. P., Cindy Christensen, Don Christensen,

Peter Douskalis, James Duncan, Cheryl Johnson, Beth Prather, Alan Shapiro

Our Winter Concert Series: 2014 Musical Farewell; 2015 Musical Welcome On December 19, 2014 the Music Institute presented A Holiday Concert. Concert highlights: Beginning Chorus performed a Traditional Hebrew Folk Song, S’vivona; The Jazz Band, featuring Marco Varisco, stopped the show with Santa Claus is Coming To Town; Three Moods of Hanukkah was performed beautifully by the Concert Band; the audience was delighted by Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik as performed by the Chamber Orchestra; Madrigal Choir performed Chanukah, O Chanukah; Of course there was the perennial audience sing-a-long of holiday favorites; Guitar Ensemble did a selection from A Charlie Brown Christmas, Christmas Time Is Here, solos by Matthew Fitzgerald and Jon Arthis; Student conductor, Melissa Fishman conducted the Symphonic Band for A Hanukkah Festival; Gospel Chorus as always delivered a dynamic performance of Joy to the World; And the Finale was truly spectacular with the Symphonic Band and all the Choruses performing Leroy Anderson’s Christmas Festival. It was a blast!

The Winter Concert filled two nights, Thursday, January 15 and Friday, January 16, to capacity with music. This was easily done with over 400 students in ten ensembles performing the works of Bach, Bartok, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Mozart, Hindermith, Palestrina and Dizzy Gillespie just to name of few. Family and friends showed enthusiastic support for the faculty and students. A New Addition To The Concert Series By Jacob Yusufov As the final performance in the Winter Concert Series, the Guitar Ensemble and Repertoire Ensemble joined the stage together for one large show. The Ensemble and Repertoire class featured students that worked independently and collaboratively on songs of their choice. Groups included duos, trios, quartets, and more. The Guitar Ensemble performed a variety of songs ranging from Classical to Jazz; the Jazz set particularly highlighting numerous improvised solos.

Murrow Music Sponsor Hosts an Open Rehearsal for Parents. By Alana Aga

This rehearsal was for students of Concert Band and the Band Techniques class. It was to demonstrate to parents what we do in daily rehearsals. The open rehearsal took place Monday evening October 6th and was hosted by the Murrow Music Sponsors. In the audience were supportive parents, family members and friends of very talented musicians; we played scales, long tones, warmups, and brass lip slurs as part of the Band Tech demonstration. Then Concert Band students played sections from two beautiful and amazing pieces: “The Great American Frontier” and “The Three Moods of Hanukkah.” Both of these songs have a wide range of expressiveness from a lush, mellow, and rich to harsh, chaotic and powerful! I think the parents learned a lot about how and what we learn in class.

What Part Does Programming Play for the Music Institute?

By Reed Perlowitz, Assistant Principal Administration – Computer Services

It is the programming process that allows our screened music students to take their high-level music classes as well as all of the other classes that are needed to graduate. And it is the responsibility of the programming office to make certain that happens. The education that goes on from that point happens thanks to the dedication of our phenomenal staff. The program office then monitors the progress of our students through attendance and grading.

When I attend a show or concert I enjoy seeing the work of teachers, administrators and most importantly the students. The final task of the program office, and the one that we are most proud of, is printing a diploma for each of our graduates.

Marine Park JHS Alums Return to Many Happy Faces By Melissa Fishman

On Friday November 14th, Jazz Band, Madrigal Chorus and Symphonic Band boarded a bus and headed to Marine Park JHS. There was excitement in the air for many Murrow students since for some, including myself, this is our

alma mater; stepping foot in the building felt like home. The purpose for this trip was to give the 8th graders of Marine Park a sample of our wonderful music program. First the Symphonic band performed "Florentiner March" conducted by Ben Futterman , an assistant director and fellow student. Following this piece was a more relaxed happy selection, "Hanukah Festival" conducted by myself. Last but not least our teacher, Mr.Christensen, closed our part of the show with a powerful piece entitled "Russian Christmas Music". Next the Madrigal chorus performed two lovely selections - "Matona Mia Cara" and "Come Again Sweet Love Doth Now." A member of chorus, Ewa Graboska said, "I really like ‘Matona Mia Cara.’ The coolest parts of the piece is the last section where all parts have a different part to sing but join together at the end." Another member of Madrial Choir, Gianna Marie Sciortino shared her thoughts, “Singing for music students just a few years younger than me was a fantastic opportunity to share Murrow's music program with other prospective students. I hope I inspired the 8th graders to become music students.” Jazz Band opened with a New Orleans treatment of "Comin' Home Baby". This piece was full of cool improvised solos and provided a fun atmosphere for the audience. For the last tune the jazz band pull out their secret weapon. Sweeping the 8th grade girls right off their feet was Marco Varisco with "Santa Claus is Coming To Town". The Marine Park principal, Ms.Garofalo cried tears of joy. It was fun to return “home” and make so many kids happy.

The Junior Chorus Gets a Good Start to the School Year

In December, for the Holiday Concert, the choristers joined forces with the Senior Chorus, Madrigal Chorus, Gospel Chorus and Beginning Choruses in singing Christmas Festival by Leroy Anderson accompanied by the Symphonic Band. The students thoroughly enjoyed their first performance with a Symphonic Band.

On January 15th, for the Winter Concert, the Junior Chorus took the spotlight singing three contrasting pieces. The chorus opened with an arrangement of a Mozart canon featuring two members of the Concert Band, followed by a beautiful version of the American folk song Shenandoah by Elliot Z. Levine. Their final selection was a rousing Zambian folk song Bonse Aba with percussionists from the Jazz Band. The singers are looking forward to their trip to Albany in March as part of the Music In the Schools Month.”

Murrow Music Institute Alum Offers Great Opportunities For Our Students.

Ava Lehrer (Murrow class of ’05) is Manager of Music Education Outreach for the 92nd Street Y’s Tisch Center for the Arts. In 2009, Ava graduated from Bard College with a major in comparative literature and a minor in music performance. She continued on for a Master’s Degree in General and Special Education. In November 2014, Ava helped launch a new education outreach program that brings students and teachers from NYC public high schools to the 92nd

Street Y’s world-class concerts at no cost to the students or their schools. Wherever possible, students meet the artists before the concert, share a free dinner and gain access to the artists’ recordings.

Being a former member of the Symphonic Band (clarinet), Ava wanted Murrow to be the first High School to be invited to participate. In the beginning of the school year she returned to introduce the program at a Professional Development day for Madison, Midwood and Murrow hosted by Murrow. Within months our students were off to see amazing concerts – for free! In November, a group of Ms. Prather’s piano students attended Jonathan Biss’s performance of works by Beethoven, Schumann, Schoenberg and Berg. Mr. Duncan’s string players attended Jennifer Koh’s Bach and Beyond concert and had the chance to meet with Ms. Koh for an informal conversation after her performance. Next month, Mr. Douskalis’s guitar ensemble will participate in 92Y’s Guitar Fest—a daylong event featuring guitar workshops for players of all levels and genres led by Ben Verdery of Yale University. In the 2015-16 season, Ms. Lehrer will expand the program to include pre-concert visits to participating classes. Students will participate in lessons that connect their academic Ava said it was gratifying to give something back to Murrow and we are very grateful as well. Thank you Ava!

Tri M Honor Society Members Ring in the Holidays for a Good Cause. By Ana Wysocka

Murrow's new and improved Tri-M Music Honor Society- led by the newly elected officers -Benjamin Futterman, president; Zachary Rosalinsky, vice president; Jacob Flickinger, secretary; Francisco Rivas, treasurer; and Anna Wysocka, historian - decided to ring in the holidays (literally) with some fun and cheerful music before the holiday concert and before school on December 22nd and 23rd. Tri-M raised more than 300 dollars with donations from teachers and students for the Methodist Hospital Pediatric Ward toy drive. The holiday season is all about giving to those who truly need it and spreading holiday cheer. Congratulations to the officers who organized the fundraiser and our members who played for such a good cause.

Winter Production: Wizard of Oz

On stage and in the pit Music Institute students worked together to do a fine performance of the classic Wizard of Oz, directed by Roberta Raymond with Musical Director, Don Christensen. There was an added morning performance attended by over 900 elementary school children from all over the borough of Brooklyn. Congratulations to Cast, crew and pit and the teachers who worked so hard to produce a wonderful production.

NEW!! Online Ticketing Now Available for all Our Concerts For the first time tickets for the Spring Concert Series will be available online. The concerts are the Spring Concert: Part I, Thursday, May 28, Part II Friday May 29 and Part III, the Ensemble Concert on Thursday, June 11. For tickets go to ermurrowhs.org and click ONLINE TICKET SALES! - under LINKS. Tickets are $8.00 online, $10 at the door. There is a package price, $22 for attending all three performances.

Music Institute Calendar

April

Mon. 20, 7:00 PM

Auditorium MMS meeting and Susquehanna U. trip safety meeting.

Mandatory for students going on the trip and their parents

Thurs., 30 – 5/2 Susquehanna Univ/Hershey PA.

University workshops, competition and Hershey amusement park

Symphonic, Jazz bands, Guitar Ens, Chamber Orch, Gospel, Mixed and Madrigal Choruses

May

Mon., 4 End of Marking Period 2

Wed., 6 – Sat., 9

Auditorium Spring musical The Addams Family

Five performances TBA

Fri., 8 - Sat., 9

Marine Park JHS.

NYSSMA SOLO EVALUATIONS

Mon., 11 7:00 PM

A14 MMS meeting Recommended for parents.

Tues., 12 Marking Period 2 Report Card

Tues., 19 1:00 PM

St. Paul’s Chapel NYC

Madrigal Choir performance

Wed., 27 3:00 PM

Auditorium Finale rehearsal Mandatory attendance for all students participating in the Finale performance.

Thur., 28 7:00 PM

Auditorium SPRING CONCERT Pt. 1

Tickets available on online for the first time! 6:00 CALL

Fri., 29 7:00 PM

Auditorium SPRING CONCERT Pt. 2

Tickets available on online for the first time! 6:00 CALL

June

Thurs., 4 All day

Music Hall Ensemble auditions Music Institute students audition for placement in an ensemble for next year

Thur., 11 7:00 PM

Auditorium SPRING CONCERT Pt. 3 Ensemble Concert

Guitar ensemble and ensemble class students. Tickets available on online for the first time! 6:00 CALL

Mon., 15 Last day of classes

Sat., 20 ALL DAY

MUSIC HALL, AUDITORIUM

Music Institute Choral Music Festival

Festival fun: All vocal students and teachers to host JHS and elementary schools.

Tue., 16 – Thurs., 25 Regents exams

Wed. 24 Graduation – Symphonic Band and Graduates Chorus to perform

Three Inspiring Performances by the Gospel Chorus Tunnel to Towers Run By Malcolm Best

On September 28th, 2014, for the 8th year in a row, the Gospel Chorus performed at the Tunnel to Towers marathon in remembrance of the honorable firefighter, Stephen Siller.

The Gospel Chorus performed with the assistance of Mr. Toriello on piano and Samuel Henry on drums. The chorus sang for several hours cheering on the runners. “I’ve been doing this for heaven knows how many years,” Gospel Chorus director Ms. Cheryl Johnson said. “But each year I find it truly amazing how our chorus’ young people have such an uplifting effect on the runners and in turn how inspired we are by the runners.” All Gospel Chorus singers, past and present have experienced the tremendously positive effect of participating in such an uplifting event.

Medgar Evers College Event By Bernice Laura Eugene

On the evening of Thursday, November 6th the Gospel Chorus was honored to perform for the 2014 “Closing the Achievement Gap Series” at Medgar Evers College. This event was sponsored by the office of the Brooklyn superintendent as a town hall forum on “Brown vs. Board of Education: Celebrating 60 Years of a Movement”. The Chorus sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to start the program then the keynote speaker, NYC Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina did her presentation.

We sang our hearts out and touched many hearts with our music. It was great to have people complementing us on how well we did and thanking us for performing. That feels good. I was so proud of the Gospel Chorus.

Brooklyn Independent Media TV Performance By Karenna Hunter & Sandra Nicolas

On the morning of November 6, 2014 the Murrow Gospel Chorus, accompanied by several members of the Murrow Jazz Band, went downtown Brooklyn to do a live TV performance at the BRIC Studio for the show BK Live! It was an honor to be invited to perform. They welcomed us with joy and we even had a little breakfast before we performed. The people were so kind and couldn’t wait to hear us sing. We sang “Not Unto Us”, “The Storm”,” God is All Around”, and “God Is In Control”. Our performance was great. We had a great time and everyone was so proud because we had a “once in a lifetime experience.”

How Does a String Quartet Accompany The Planets? By Asaph Charles

My name is Asaph Charles and I am a cellist in Murrow’s Chamber Orchestra. On November 20th I had a wonderful experience playing in the planetarium with Brian Yu(violin), Gaby Senises(violin), and Joanne Chen(viola). We were allowed to improvise and create music while the audience watched the planets orbit. It was unusual for us because we played in the dark and therefore could hardly see each other. This made it challenging to communicate, however I was happy with the music that we made. From the audience's reaction, it seemed that they were pleased also. On behalf of my classmates, I would like to thank Mr. Duncan and Mr. Horowitz for giving us this amazing opportunity.

Music Institute Is the Subject of a Doctoral Thesis. My name is Frank Martignetti, and I am a former

public school music teacher (ten years), college professor (University of Bridgeport, Connecticut) and Ph.D. candidate (New York University). My dissertation is a study of Murrow’s music program, which is interesting in many ways, particularly its large size, breadth, and depth. I am at Murrow on Wednesdays and Fridays and for most performances. I’m very grateful to the Murrow community for their warm welcome! Until the end of the school year, I’ll be asking students to volunteer to be interviewed during their OPTAS. Students’ names will be changed in the dissertation, and students may opt out at any time. I am hoping to speak with a broad cross-section of the Music Institute community. Interviewing requires a signed parental consent form. Please feel free to contact me with questions at frankmartignetti@gmail.com, and thanks for your help!