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Monticello Music Department
"High Notes"

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"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent."
- Victor Hugo, 19th Century novelist, poet & dramatist
For more music quotes, click here.

Music News ARCHIVES
Click here for stories from 2007-08
Did you know that the
K-12 Music Department recently underwent a thorough evaluation by external music consultants in 2005?
MusicDepartmentProgram Evaluation
Appendix A & B are not included because they are not in electronic form. To receive a copy of these documents, please contact the Monticello Superintendent's Office at      845-794-7700          
  
Want to know when the next music concert is?
Monticello School District concert schedule.
Did you know that being involved with music may help improve your grades? Click here to find out why
Support music education, learn more about its benefits and the consequences of its absence in our schools by visiting the American Music Conference website.
Follow these links for music information:

Orange County Music Educators' Association (OCMEA)

New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA)

National Association for Music Education (MENC)
 

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 andMHS chorus 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’ MHS studentsGentlemen 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 theirRJK Middle School students 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 theMonticello High School students 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!
 

About our music programs
The Monticello Music Program, led by Music Director Dr. Kevin Dirth and 13 music teachers throughout the district, is an integral part of our students' educational experience.

The district is proud to offer students a variety of ways to become involved in music, either through singing, playing an instrument or participating in one of our general music courses.

Monticello offers several programs at different levels:

We encourage all students to get involved and excited about music and the wonderful things it has to offer.

Who's Who in the Music Department 
The Music Department's success is largely due to its fine instructors.

To find out more about each teacher, click on his/her name below.
This page is maintained according to the Monticello Central School District Web Publishing Guidelines. Copyright 2002 Monticello Central School District - All rights reserved.