Click here for the
2008-2009 Music Performance calendar.
Quiet
PLEASE...
During musical and theatrical performances it is absolutely
necessary to follow a strict protocol of etiquette. Proper behavior
during performances will cut down on the many distractions that can
affect the performers. It also allows all audience members to have a
more fulfilling experience.
Click here for a
list of guidelines.
Monticello High School
students share the joy of music
The Monticello High School Renaissance Chorus visited the Monticello
Seniors on December 18, to share some goodwill and holiday songs.
Led by music teacher Snezana Lazich, the students serenaded the
senior citizens with sweet melodies and
perfect harmonies.
Though the senior citizens love to hear the music, they also enjoy
the intergenerational connection that is made between the students
and themselves as they mingle and talk before and after the
performances.
“It’s so wonderful to the see children doing such great things,”
expressed Monticello senior citizen Eleanor Kannert. “It’s
refreshing to see that there are so many nice kids still around when
all you hear about in the news are terrible things about our youth.”
As part of their regular schedule, Monticello’s music students have
been performing for various community groups and events for many
years. They also offer free admission for senior citizens to their
theatrical performances.
“This is what it’s all about - giving back to the community that
continually supports our programs,” said Monticello’s Director of
Music Dr. Kevin Dirth. “It’s more than just entertaining people,
it’s about making a real connection with them.”
For more information, or to inquire about a community performance,
call Dr. Dirth at 794-8840, ext. 10993.
Click here to view the Times Herald-Record's coverage of this
story.
Monticello High School presented Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
On Saturday, Dec. 13, Monticello High School students presented
their dramatic production of
Anita Loos’
 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. This hilarious drama features
two pretty and bright, but unschooled flappers, Lorelei Lee (Daria
Coney) and Dorothy Shaw (Liza MacEntee), who joyfully infiltrate the
bastions of the ruling class. Their hunger to be fully accepted into
this society is at odds with their recognition of its obvious moral
hypocrisy.
The cast worked very hard to make this a
memorable performance. In addition to the above, the 30 cast members
include Erik Mayberg, Tanner and Tyler Wuerthner, Emma Cohen and Amy
Conway. Jennifer Romano directed this year’s production.
For more information about Monticello's
theater program, please contact
Director of Music Dr. Kevin Dirth at 794-8840, ext. 10993.
Click here to read the story coverage by Richard Ross
courtesy
of The River Reporter.
To view or purchase the photo album of the performance, visit
www.riverreporter.com
and click on the Photo Gallery link.
Photo: Liza MacEntee and Daria Coney
as Dorothy Gilbert and Lorelei Lee.
Willy
Wonka comes to life at Robert J. Kaiser Middle School
The Arnold Packer Hughs Auditorium at Monticello High School was
transformed into a land of pure imagination on Nov. 7 and 8, as RJK
Middle School students took to the stage for their
production of Willy Wonka, Jr.
Based on the classic novel by Roald Dahl, the students’ musical
performance entertained the audience with a timeless story and
familiar songs, transporting both young and old through Wonka’s
magical candy factory.
RJK teacher Amy Abraham was the musical’s dramatic director and
worked closely with students to help support their hard work in
bringing the Wonka characters to life.
“The kids went through the process of adapting themselves to portray
their characters in a way that helped them feel natural on stage,”
explained Abraham. “This enabled them to learn from the process and
enjoy the end result.”
Although the pink candy boat has sailed, the Oompa-Loompas have
retreated to Oompa-Loompa Land, and Augustus has been saved from the
chocolate river, RJK students and staff have proved once again that
when you think positive there’s no knowing where your pure
imagination will take you - Bravo!
Photo: Willy Wonka cast members from RJK Middle School rally
around the play’s publicity director, Monticello High School special
education teacher Michele Brischoux.
Click here to read the story coverage by Richard Ross courtesy
of The River Reporter.
Click here to view or purchase the album of 170 photos from the
performance ($25).
Monticello High School students chosen for Area All-State
performance
Monticello High School announces seven students who have been
selected to perform in the
Area All-State Music Festival on November 21 and 22 at Cornwall High
School. These students were chosen from a group of over 1,000
applicants from Zone 9 (Rockland, Sullivan, Orange, Ulster County
and Greene Counties). Selections were based on their outstanding
solo audition scores from last spring’s NYSSMA (New York State
School Music Association) solo evaluation festival. Students will
meet with their counterparts at Cornwall on November 21 for a
five-hour intensive rehearsal. The students will return on November
22 for continued rehearsals, which will culminate in two
performances. The ensembles will be led by guest conductors form
various parts of the country who will also share with the students
their wealth of knowledge and experience as top professionals in
their field.
The selected Monticello High School students are:
- 2008 Area All-State Mixed
Chorus: Matthew Thomas, Daria Coney, Tyler Wuerthner,
Julianna D’Abbraccio and Trevor Goldstein
- 2008 Area All-State
Orchestra: Marina Lombardi
- 2008 Area All-State Women’s
Chorale: Marisa Zable
For more information, contact
District Music Director Dr. Kevin Dirth at 794-8840, ext. 10993.
Photo: Daria Coney, Trevor Goldstein, Marina Lombardi, Julianna
D'Abbraccio and Tyler Wuerthner. Missing are Matthew Thomas and
Marisa Zable.
Monticello Schools
honored again for its great music program
Monticello's Music Department has been selected as one of the
nation's best school districts for music education for the second
year in a row. This top honor is given by the NAMM Foundation to
districts with a "superb school-based music education program for
young people."
Click here
for the the NAMM Foundation web site with the complete list of "Best
Communities."
Congratulations once again to the music department faculty and
staff!
Monticello MUSAK
District phone
system is playing our songs
If you've called a school
/district office recently and were placed on hold, you've
heard Monticello's own version of MUSAK.
Unlike most school districts that connect their telephone
systems to electronic "elevator" music, Monticello has
created its own version of MUSAK, using musical selections
from past Monticello High School concerts. The music you
hear highlights the talents of the High School's various
performing groups.
While feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, several
people have complained. . .It seems
that they love the music so much, they don't want to be
taken off hold!
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