provide opportunities for their students and recognize what our honor ensembles can do for their programs. These concerts are your concerts; all of us make up the North Jersey School Music Association. If you are interested in being a site host, managing an ensemble, or accompanying a choir, please e-mail Stephanie Quirk, SQuirk@NJSMA. com or Austin Vallies, AVallies@NJSMA. com. We would hate to see events canceled due to the lack of available sites for these groups. We look forward to your participation!
SJBODA
South Jersey Band And Orchestra Directors Association sjboda.org
T
he past few months have been very exciting and rewarding for the members of SJBODA. On January 6th our Senior High School Orchestra and Junior High String Ensemble performed at Rowan University and the following week our Senior High Wind Ensemble and Senior High Symphonic Band performed at the same venue. Their music was beautiful and the result of the many excellent music teachers and programs throughout our region. The conductors for these concerts were Matthew Oberstein (Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey); Judy Barnett (Washington HS); Paul Tomlin (Clearview Regional HS) and Deb Knisely (Cinnaminson HS). The coordinators for these performances were Glenn Motson (Gloucester City Jr/Sr HS); Toni Benecchi (Chestnut Ridge MS); and Nichole Delnero (Toms River HS South). The managers of the Orchestra and the String Ensemble were Deb Knisely, (Cinnaminson HS) and Rowan University students Andrea Chieffo, Elyssa Greenberg, Alex Rones, Rhea Fernandes, Megan Oravsky and Kate Wyatt. The managers of the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band were Steve Carey (Pitman HS); Lisa Simone (Hopper Ave. Elementary); Jessica Sanford (Toms River HS East); and Jon Grill (Toms River HS North). Our hosts for these concerts were Sal Scarpa and Rick Dammers. The equipment manager for both of these events was Christopher Janney (Haddonfield Memorial HS). Congratulations to Rebecca Andrews from Cherokee HS who received the 2013 MARCH 2013
SJBODA orchestra scholarship and Dylan James from Clearview Regional High School who was the recipient of the band scholarship. We wish these students and all of our seniors continued success in their future endeavors. Our 6th Annual Chamber Ensemble Concert took place on February 16th and was hosted by Keith Hodgson and the Mainland TRI-M Music Honor Society Chapter. The ensemble coaches were Brass: John Dondero, (Galloway Township MS), Percussion: Fred Rushmore (William Davies MS), Sax: Scott McCarron (Delsea Regional HS), Woodwind: Gia Walton (Cherry Hill High School East), and String: Toni Benecchi (Chestnut Ridge MS). This event was coordinated by Keith Hodgson (Mainland Regional HS). Once again our Junior High Band auditions, held at Southern Regional Middle School, were a successful event. The efforts of Tony Scardino (Indian Mills MS) and Joe Jacobs (Ventnor MS), our Junior High Auditions Chairs, were greatly appreciated by teachers and students. With the assistance of Phil Senseney (Southern Regional MS) and Deb Knisely (Cinnaminson HS) they provided a positive experience for all involved. These auditions were hosted by Jennifer Hodgson and the Southern Regional TRI-M Music Honor Society Chapter. Calvin Spencer (Monongahela MS) did a wonderful job in assisting the conductors and students as the Junior High Band Coordinator. The conductors for the 36th Annual All South Jersey Junior High School Band concert are Phil Senseney (Southern Regional MS) and Glenn Motson (Gloucester City Jr/Sr HS). The rehearsals were hosted by Keith Hodgson at Mainland Regional High School and the concert took place on March 3rd at Fernwood Avenue MS. Dominic Scalfaro was our host. The 20th Annual SJBODA Concert Band Festival will take place on Monday, March 11th and Tuesday, March 12th at Rowan University. Our festival coordinator was Mike Armstrong (Deptford HS). Rick Dammers (Rowan University) hosted this event. The 21st Annual Elementary Honors Band Festival will take place on Saturday May 4th at Absegami HS. Jon Porto will be our host. Sue Moore (Mansion Avenue Elementary), David Mackey (North Dover Elementary), and Eva Szakal (Toms River
Intermediate) are the conductors for this festival. The SJBODA Spring Breakfast meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 29th at 9:00 AM at Seven Star Diner. Please contact John Stanz at 609-457-0590 if you plan to attend. Please continue to check the Web site, maintained by Scott McCarron (Delsea Regional HS), for the latest SJBODA updates. Joseph Jacobs Secretary, SJBODA
SJCDA
South Jersey Choral Directors Association sjcda.net
The 55th Annual South Jersey Jr./Sr. Choral Festival was held on January 26th and 27th at Eastern Regional High School. Pamela Barnes and Kahlil Gunther did a tremendous job conducting the choruses. Congratulations and thanks go to these fine conductors for an outstanding weekend of choral music that was enjoyed by over 2100 audience members. A reception was held following the Sunday concert at Vitales’ Italian Bistro in Voorhees, and a great time was had by all! In addition to the conductors, the Board of Directors also wishes to thank Nancy Cecilio, Maryann McKenzie, Cheryl Breitzman, and Hope Knight for managing the choruses; John Wernega and Lee Thomas for accompanying the choruses; and Katherine Akinskas for hosting the event. The 2013 South Jersey Elementary Choral Festival enjoyed similar success. The 31st anniversary festival was held on Saturday, March 2nd, at Hess Performing Arts Center in Mays Landing, and was conducted by Larry DePasquale. Thanks to all for a terrific concert. The Board also extends thanks to Patty Allen and Shaun Brauer for managing the event and Donna-Marie Berchtold for hosting. The SJCDA Spring Meeting and Professional Development Seminar will be held on Friday, April19th. Please check our website for the registration information. Any questions regarding SJCDA can be directed to our president, Art McKenzie, at 856-767-8000 x. 3044, or by going through the website, www.sjcda.com.
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