2017-18 Archive
Thank you for a successful year of music! We are grateful for all the support for Groton's music program and will miss you all over the summer.
Thank you especially to the following:
GVPA & President Holly Jaquith
Superintendent Margo Martin
Principal Billie Downs
Assistant Principal Jake Roe
Jr/Sr High Faculty/Staff
Accompanists Barb Saroka, Holly Jaquith
Elementary teachers Barb Saroka, Erika St. Denis
Custodial & Grounds Crew
Chaperones Anna Leiss, Jackie Baxendell
Parent volunteers
Tri-M Honor Society & President Sarah Willis
Community members who joined us for the musical, jazz band, & other events
Families & community that attended music events
All music families- we couldn't do this without your support!
Our students! Your hard work and excellent musicianship inspire us daily.
Thank you especially to the following:
GVPA & President Holly Jaquith
Superintendent Margo Martin
Principal Billie Downs
Assistant Principal Jake Roe
Jr/Sr High Faculty/Staff
Accompanists Barb Saroka, Holly Jaquith
Elementary teachers Barb Saroka, Erika St. Denis
Custodial & Grounds Crew
Chaperones Anna Leiss, Jackie Baxendell
Parent volunteers
Tri-M Honor Society & President Sarah Willis
Community members who joined us for the musical, jazz band, & other events
Families & community that attended music events
All music families- we couldn't do this without your support!
Our students! Your hard work and excellent musicianship inspire us daily.
Thank you for a successful year of music! We are grateful for all the support for Groton's music program and will miss you all over the summer.
Thank you especially to the following: GVPA & President Holly Jaquith Superintendent Margo Martin Principal Billie Downs Assistant Principal Jake Roe Jr/Sr High Faculty/Staff Accompanists Barb Saroka, Holly Jaquith Elementary teachers Barb Saroka, Erika St. Denis Custodial & Grounds Crew Chaperones Anna Leiss, Jackie Baxendell Parent volunteers Tri-M Honor Society & President Sarah Willis Community members who joined us for the musical, jazz band, & other events Families & community that attended music events All music families- we couldn't do this without your support! Our students! Your hard work and excellent musicianship inspire us daily. |
More Photos Here!
Music Awards Banquet
Congratulations to everyone in the music department on a successful banquet, and congratulations to the students that received awards! Below is the list of award recipients.
Leonard Bernstein - Musicianship Award: Logan Roberts Phillip Sousa Band Award: Sarah Willis National Choral Award: Brooke Twitchell Louis Armstrong Jazz Award: Logan Roberts GVPA Awards: BrookeTwitchell Logan Roberts Sarah Ballou Scholarship: Richard Moore Jeff Rhode Scholarship: Brooke Twitchell Area All State Chorus: Brooke Twitchell Isaac Hall Conference All State Chorus: Brooke Twitchell Outstanding Service Award: Richard Moore Travis Oudekerk Averie Roberts Julia Belonsoff Rising Stars (6th grade): Delaney Ayer Justin Batzer James Berry Brynn Blasz Drew Bush Emmy Cargian Megan Cute Savanna Dixson Ellie Dykeman Santrea Peer Devin Portzline Jordan Roberson Andrew Saam |
Director’s Award Band:
Sarah Dean Director’s Award Chorus: Chloe Conger Most improved SH Band: Holly Dunham Memphis Muzzy Most improved SH Chorus: Colin Morey Jackie Charbono Most improved JH Band: Evan Carlo Mackenzie Hamilton Alyssa DeForrest Most improved JH Chorus: Braedy Dilger Outstanding musician band: Jay VanVolkinburg Brooke Brecht Bowen Zheng Outstanding musician chorus: Erika Alexander Leah Bernhardt Brooke Brecht Morgan Dittman Dedicated Musicians & Seniors (4 year commitment): Brooke Twitchell Logan Roberts Richard Moore Britney Stanley Allysa Thomson Kaitlyn Odie Sarah Willis Tayiah Hayes Kelsey Murdock Tri-M Graduates: Brooke Twitchell Logan Roberts Richard Moore Allysa Thomson Kaitlyn Odie Sarah Willis Tayiah Hayes |
Spring Concerts- Recap
Thank you for coming to the Spring Concerts in Groton! They were a resounding success for each ensemble. The students have grown immensely, evident in the beautiful music they performed. We can't wait to get started on yet another wonderful concert in the winter! As soon as we know the concert dates for 2018-2019, we will post them on the home page. Stay "tuned!"
Keys for Cancer
Brynn Blasz, one of our 6th grade students, had an excellent idea- a concert to benefit cancer research! A great many of our lives have been affected by cancer. We hope that through our concert with donations at the door, we can support scientists to find a cure.
We raised $418 to support cancer research at the 5/12 concert! Breast cancer had the most donations with $170, including a generous $50 donation from the SH Student Council.
Thank you to everyone who performed, attended, and helped organize this concert. Your generosity is extremely appreciated!
A special thanks to Brynn, whose determination and kindness helped make this event a success! She and Megan were our wonderful MC's for the afternoon.
We raised $418 to support cancer research at the 5/12 concert! Breast cancer had the most donations with $170, including a generous $50 donation from the SH Student Council.
Thank you to everyone who performed, attended, and helped organize this concert. Your generosity is extremely appreciated!
A special thanks to Brynn, whose determination and kindness helped make this event a success! She and Megan were our wonderful MC's for the afternoon.
NYSSMA Solo Festival & Formal Recital
Congratulations to the 46 students who attended the NYSSMA Solo Festival! Everyone has worked incredibly hard to get to this point; the stellar scores are a well-deserved bonus! Thank you for your hard work.
Special congratulations to Morgan Dittman, who received the highest score for SH on an All-State level 6 vocal solo, and to Leanna Jackson, who received the highest score for JH on a level 3 vocal solo.
We will find out in the fall whose scores are accepted into All-County and Area-All State. NYSSMA Solo pins will be awarded at the banquet on June 1st.
Thank you to everyone who also participated in the annual Formal Recital. The community thoroughly enjoyed hearing you perform!
Special congratulations to Morgan Dittman, who received the highest score for SH on an All-State level 6 vocal solo, and to Leanna Jackson, who received the highest score for JH on a level 3 vocal solo.
We will find out in the fall whose scores are accepted into All-County and Area-All State. NYSSMA Solo pins will be awarded at the banquet on June 1st.
Thank you to everyone who also participated in the annual Formal Recital. The community thoroughly enjoyed hearing you perform!
Gospel Festival
On April 13-14th, three of our SH vocalists (Madi Close, Hannah Empson, Nina Libbey) attended the Ithaca College Gospel Festival. An honor choir from across the east coast rehearsed and perform 13 gospel pieces with the renowned Bishop Chantel Renee Wright and amazing guest soloists Callie Day and Taiwan Norris.
The official recording will be available here by the beginning of May (approximately). For now, check out the videos below! Video 1 Video 2 Students in chorus may earn 1 point extra credit for the 3rd quarter if they watch the concert and write 5 sentences about their favorite piece in the concert. Below: Madi & Hannah not pictured: Nina |
NYC Trip 2018
Music for the Board Concert 4/9
The 7/8th grade Band and Chorus will perform a short concert for the Board of Education this month! The beginning of the BOE meeting will take place in the auditorium where our 7/8th grade musicians will share their hard work from the past quarter.
Families are welcome to attend! The concert will be less than half an hour with no reception afterward, but we would love to see all your faces in the audience supporting us.
Students should arrive by 6pm for the 6:30 concert wearing white on top and black on bottom as per the handbook.
Students should practice their parts at home to make sure they are fully prepared. Check out the Choir Resources Page for recordings.
Families are welcome to attend! The concert will be less than half an hour with no reception afterward, but we would love to see all your faces in the audience supporting us.
Students should arrive by 6pm for the 6:30 concert wearing white on top and black on bottom as per the handbook.
Students should practice their parts at home to make sure they are fully prepared. Check out the Choir Resources Page for recordings.
Music in Our Schools 3/21
We are so excited to share our music with you this Wednesday evening at the Music in Our Schools Concert!
From 7-8pm, the following groups will perform: Elementary Chorus 6th grade Chorus SH Chorus Combined Choruses Elementary Band 6th grade Band Wind Ensemble Combined Bands (incl. 7/8th grade Band) There will be a light reception following the concert. Chorus members should bring drinks and Band members should bring snacks/desserts if possible. (If you're in both, choose 1!) See you soon! |
Congrats to the cast & crew of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!
Groton students in grades 1-12 worked hard for 3 months to present a fabulous musical! They pulled off an incredible show.
Mr. Mitchell took beautiful photos that you can view on his website:
prints.oldstagephoto.com/Events/2018/Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang-Show-2/
Mr. Mitchell took beautiful photos that you can view on his website:
prints.oldstagephoto.com/Events/2018/Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang-Show-2/
Congrats to the All County Singers!
This Saturday, 1/20, seventeen Groton students participated in the All County Choir at Lansing Middle School. Many thanks to the Middle School director, Mr. James Wolter, and the High School director, Mrs. Rebecca Saltzman, for their passion, energy, and dedication to the students and to music!
Click here to listen!
JH:
Sopranos- Chloe Conger, Leanna Jackson, Dianna Nino
Altos- Alyssa Fennimore, Lizzy Park, Emily Slater
Tenors- Braedy Dilger, Isaac Hall
Basses- Cam Brehm, Evan Carlo
SH:
Sopranos- Morgan Dittman, Michaeline Lauchle (Julia Belonsoff was selected but was sick! We missed you!)
Altos- Madi Close, Nina Libbey
Tenors- Bob Brehm, Travis Oudekerk
Bass- Logan Roberts
Click here to listen!
JH:
Sopranos- Chloe Conger, Leanna Jackson, Dianna Nino
Altos- Alyssa Fennimore, Lizzy Park, Emily Slater
Tenors- Braedy Dilger, Isaac Hall
Basses- Cam Brehm, Evan Carlo
SH:
Sopranos- Morgan Dittman, Michaeline Lauchle (Julia Belonsoff was selected but was sick! We missed you!)
Altos- Madi Close, Nina Libbey
Tenors- Bob Brehm, Travis Oudekerk
Bass- Logan Roberts
Congrats Brooke Twitchell!
Groton senior Brooke Twitchell auditioned for NYSSMA festivals in the spring and was accepted into the NY Conference All-State Honor Choir. At this festival, directed by a renowned conductor, Brooke will participate in rehearsals with a 200-person choir made of students from across the state, culminating in a concert on Sunday, December 3rd in Rochester. Brooke is the first Groton student in over 15 years to earn this honor.
Further information about tickets and CD recordings will be posted within the next couple months.
Further information about tickets and CD recordings will be posted within the next couple months.
Thank you Ithacappella!
The all-male a cappella group from Ithaca College, Ithacappella, joined us on Tues 11/21 for workshops and a concert. We learned how movement enhances your singing, how to beatbox, and how to have fun with singing. The SH choir sang Wake Me Up with the group, accompanied on the guitar by Sebastian Mikula. The 7/8th grade choir sang One Call Away, accompanied by the group's current conductor, Jacob Kerzner. We're so excited to use what we learned from Ithacappella!
Congrats to our All County Band Members!
After participating in the NYSSMA solo festival in the spring the following students were selected to be in the All County Band Festival: Sarah Willis, Framka Vitale, Jay VanVolkinburg, Taiya Hakes, Logan Roberts, Brooke Brecht, Chloe Conger, Nicholas Karandeyev, and Mackenzie Hamilton. The Concert is on November 18th at Ithaca High School. The concert is at 3pm and admission is free.
Congrats to Isaac Hall!
Isaac Hall participated in the NYSSMA solo festival this spring and was accepted into the Zone 3 JH Area All State festival! He will sing with a 150-person choir November 3-4 in Cortland. Tickets for the Saturday concert at 3pm are available at the door for $6 (adults) or $4 (students).
HAUNTED HOUSE SUCCESS!!!!
Thank you to our volunteers and all that came out to our first annual haunted house.
Thank you to our volunteers and all that came out to our first annual haunted house.
NYSSMA Festival Students!!
JH Area All State: November 3-4 in Cortland
Isaac Hall, 8th grade
Recordings:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8gfTMUGG-RTM0Q4RGNmdXdYMzQ
Conference All State: November 30-December 2 in Rochester
Brooke Twitchell, 12th grade
Recordings:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DVi-HUAqxB-i5U26EtsLuyiTGGbDOCR0?usp=sharing
All County Choir: Jan 19-20 in Lansing
JH:
Sopranos- Chloe Conger, Leanna Jackson, Dianna Nino
Altos- Alyssa Fennimore, Lizzy Park, Emily Slater
Tenors- Braedy Dilger, Isaac Hall
Basses- Cam Brehm, Evan Carlo
SH:
Sopranos- Morgan Dittman, Michaeline Lauchle (Julia Belonsoff was selected but was sick! We missed you!)
Altos- Madi Close, Nina Libbey
Tenors- Bob Brehm, Travis Oudekerk
Bass- Logan Roberts
Recordings:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AGoEe67Y9rf-KZQlmbNrEQN51pZWiJfS?usp=sharing
All County Band: Nov 17-18 in Cortland
SH Area All State: Feb 2-3 in Ithaca
Brooke Twitchell, 12th grade
Isaac Hall, 8th grade
Recordings:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8gfTMUGG-RTM0Q4RGNmdXdYMzQ
Conference All State: November 30-December 2 in Rochester
Brooke Twitchell, 12th grade
Recordings:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DVi-HUAqxB-i5U26EtsLuyiTGGbDOCR0?usp=sharing
All County Choir: Jan 19-20 in Lansing
JH:
Sopranos- Chloe Conger, Leanna Jackson, Dianna Nino
Altos- Alyssa Fennimore, Lizzy Park, Emily Slater
Tenors- Braedy Dilger, Isaac Hall
Basses- Cam Brehm, Evan Carlo
SH:
Sopranos- Morgan Dittman, Michaeline Lauchle (Julia Belonsoff was selected but was sick! We missed you!)
Altos- Madi Close, Nina Libbey
Tenors- Bob Brehm, Travis Oudekerk
Bass- Logan Roberts
Recordings:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AGoEe67Y9rf-KZQlmbNrEQN51pZWiJfS?usp=sharing
All County Band: Nov 17-18 in Cortland
SH Area All State: Feb 2-3 in Ithaca
Brooke Twitchell, 12th grade
Thank you for an exciting Music Night!
Pep Band!!!!!!!!!
Bravo to Bowen Zheng and Sarah Dean for an outstanding week at Opus Ithaca Flute Camp! What an incredible week of fluting, musical growth and fun!
We have a logo!
Thank you so much to Amanda Empson for designing and painting our new music logo. It looks wonderful!!