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Performing Arts Teacher Sites
Wellesley High School Drama Society (Theater Productions): Kara Sullivan
Wellesley High School Moving Company (Dance): Janet Sozio
Wellesley Middle School Drama: Leah Fine and Katie Speed
Wellesley Middle School Chorus: Lauren Connors
Wellesley High School Moving Company (Dance): Janet Sozio
Wellesley Middle School Drama: Leah Fine and Katie Speed
Wellesley Middle School Chorus: Lauren Connors
NEWS
January, 22, 2021
WELLESLEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC STUDENTS SELECTED FOR
ALL-EASTERN MUSIC ENSEMBLES
The Wellesley Public Schools Performing Arts Department is excited to announce that several Wellesley High School music students were recently notified that they had been selected to participate in the 2021 All-Eastern Honors Ensembles. The ensembles consist of the top high school musicians from New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia.
These students qualified for consideration by receiving a top score at the Mass. Music Educators All-State Festival last year where each student participated in the All-State Ensembles.
These students will engage in a virtual event that includes several rehearsals with the 2021 All Eastern Conductors and workshops with renowned clinicians. The ensembles will create a final, recorded performance which will be premiered on-line as part of the NAfME Eastern Division Music Conference on April 23, 2021.
The selected students are:
Ryan Colone: All-Eastern Mixed Chorus
Michael Ossam: All-Eastern Mixed Chorus
Sebastian Sanchez: All-Eastern Chorus
Norah Schaefer: All-Eastern Mixed Chorus
Nicholas Lee: All-Eastern Band
Jae Min Ahn: All-Eastern Orchestra
Brendan Hill: All Eastern Orchestra
Lau Yeung Wong: All-Eastern Orchestra
This is an outstanding achievement for these students and the Performing Arts Department is proud to announce these selections. Special thanks and congratulations to Dr. Kevin McDonald, WHS Chorus Director, Dr. Sergey Khanukaev, WHS Orchestra Conductor, and Mr. Steve Scott, WHS Band Director who supported and prepared these students for this program.
_________________________________________
WELLESLEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC STUDENTS SELECTED FOR
ALL-EASTERN MUSIC ENSEMBLES
The Wellesley Public Schools Performing Arts Department is excited to announce that several Wellesley High School music students were recently notified that they had been selected to participate in the 2021 All-Eastern Honors Ensembles. The ensembles consist of the top high school musicians from New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia.
These students qualified for consideration by receiving a top score at the Mass. Music Educators All-State Festival last year where each student participated in the All-State Ensembles.
These students will engage in a virtual event that includes several rehearsals with the 2021 All Eastern Conductors and workshops with renowned clinicians. The ensembles will create a final, recorded performance which will be premiered on-line as part of the NAfME Eastern Division Music Conference on April 23, 2021.
The selected students are:
Ryan Colone: All-Eastern Mixed Chorus
Michael Ossam: All-Eastern Mixed Chorus
Sebastian Sanchez: All-Eastern Chorus
Norah Schaefer: All-Eastern Mixed Chorus
Nicholas Lee: All-Eastern Band
Jae Min Ahn: All-Eastern Orchestra
Brendan Hill: All Eastern Orchestra
Lau Yeung Wong: All-Eastern Orchestra
This is an outstanding achievement for these students and the Performing Arts Department is proud to announce these selections. Special thanks and congratulations to Dr. Kevin McDonald, WHS Chorus Director, Dr. Sergey Khanukaev, WHS Orchestra Conductor, and Mr. Steve Scott, WHS Band Director who supported and prepared these students for this program.
_________________________________________
November 20, 2020
Congrats to the 24 students from Wellesley selected for the 2020-2021 Eastern District MMEA (Massachusetts Music Educators Association) Ensembles. Due to Covid-19, the Eastern District Ensembles performances have been cancelled but other virtual options are being explored for students.
In addition to having 24 students accepted, students who receive a score in the top 50% of their area are eligible to audition for the MMEA All-State Ensembles. These auditions will take place at the end of January. Wellesley is fortunate to have 14 out of the 24 students accepted be recommended for the All-State Auditions.
The students accepted for the Eastern District Ensembles from Wellesley High School are:
CHORUS:
Max Coté, Bass
Molly Gandler, Soprano *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Alexandra Hoskyns, Alto *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Joshua Kweon, Bass *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Frank Mendes, Bass
Sebastian Sanchez, Bass *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Norah Schaefer, Alto *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Sofia Scirica, Soprano
Nicholas Sydorenko, Tenor
STRINGS:
Lillian Haspel, Violin
Jeremy Kim, Violin *ALL-STATE AUDITION
WINDS/PERCUSSION:
Timothy Bonis, Flute
Alice Cook, Trombone *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Zachary Dupont, Drum Set (Jazz) *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Zachary Dupont, Snare Drum
Mason Kahn, Snare Drum *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Jessica Klurfeld, Clarinet
Jacob Landau, Bassoon *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Isabelle Lee, French Horn *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Nicholas Lee, French Horn *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Maxwell Lin, Snare Drum
Sebastian Papa, Clarinet
Ellisha Shin, Flute *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Lau Yeung Wong, Tuba *ALL-STATE AUDITION
_____________________________________________
Congrats to the 24 students from Wellesley selected for the 2020-2021 Eastern District MMEA (Massachusetts Music Educators Association) Ensembles. Due to Covid-19, the Eastern District Ensembles performances have been cancelled but other virtual options are being explored for students.
In addition to having 24 students accepted, students who receive a score in the top 50% of their area are eligible to audition for the MMEA All-State Ensembles. These auditions will take place at the end of January. Wellesley is fortunate to have 14 out of the 24 students accepted be recommended for the All-State Auditions.
The students accepted for the Eastern District Ensembles from Wellesley High School are:
CHORUS:
Max Coté, Bass
Molly Gandler, Soprano *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Alexandra Hoskyns, Alto *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Joshua Kweon, Bass *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Frank Mendes, Bass
Sebastian Sanchez, Bass *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Norah Schaefer, Alto *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Sofia Scirica, Soprano
Nicholas Sydorenko, Tenor
STRINGS:
Lillian Haspel, Violin
Jeremy Kim, Violin *ALL-STATE AUDITION
WINDS/PERCUSSION:
Timothy Bonis, Flute
Alice Cook, Trombone *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Zachary Dupont, Drum Set (Jazz) *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Zachary Dupont, Snare Drum
Mason Kahn, Snare Drum *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Jessica Klurfeld, Clarinet
Jacob Landau, Bassoon *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Isabelle Lee, French Horn *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Nicholas Lee, French Horn *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Maxwell Lin, Snare Drum
Sebastian Papa, Clarinet
Ellisha Shin, Flute *ALL-STATE AUDITION
Lau Yeung Wong, Tuba *ALL-STATE AUDITION
_____________________________________________
Wellesley POPS Fall Letter
Wellesley Parents of Performing Students (POPS) supports the performing arts in all Wellesley Public Schools through grants that serve to enrich experiences for students over and above those provided for by the annual school budget. POPS also provides support for students with financial needs, annual senior recognition awards, staff appreciation gifts, and expenses related to concerts & community-building events. Performing arts is not “on pause” this year, and neither is POPS support! We will be flexible and responsive to meet the needs of the programs and students. So far this year, POPS has purchased equipment to help elementary-aged students learn music outdoors and supported WHS Master Classes in both drama and tech. Follow and like us online:
www.wellesleypops.org
www.facebook.com/WellesleyPOPS
www.instagram.com/wellesleypops
POPS VOLUNTEERS
POPS recruits Parent Reps to support each K-12 performing arts teacher. POPS Reps attend 4 general meetings and help teachers as needed behind the scenes work for concerts, shows and field trips. This year we will strive to be flexible and supportive of the creative performing arts opportunities that the department and faculty will be providing to our children. We invite you to be “part of the ride” with us--volunteering with POPS always provides for fun and connection---all SO important during these unique times! If you would like to learn more about the many volunteer opportunities, become a POPS Rep or help out in any capacity, please email us at wellesleypops@gmail.com.
NEXT POPS MEETING (all are welcome to join) via Zoom
TUESDAY, November 10 at 7:00 pm
Join us for our 2nd meeting of the year to hear about what’s happening with Wellesley performing arts! If you are already receiving communications from POPS, you will get a message with the link, however if you’d like to join us and you aren’t on our mailing list, please email us at wellesleypops@gmail.com by Tuesday, November 10 at 5:00 p.m.
POPS GRANTS
In addition to fundraisers and sponsors, POPS relies primarily on parent donations to fund grant requests from Performing Arts teachers. In 2020, POPS awarded $28,038 for the following grants (www.wellesleypops.org/grants.html for further details on our long-term and discretionary funds):
2 French Horns for WMS Band Program
Replacement Piano for WHS Orchestra
New Lighting and Related equipment for WMS Auditorium
Instruments purchases for the music programs at each K-5 School
Keyboard and Amplifier for WMS Jazz Band
Guest instructor to work with 6th and 8th grader drama students
Enrichment for the faculty with professional development at every level of the K-12 schools
Patti Ayer and Molly Cote, Co-Presidents
Marisa Gandler and Melissa Mack, Co-Vice Presidents
Shari Prussin, Secretary Jenn Caiazzo, Treasurer
Jen Bonniwell, Social Media Publicity Robin Wechsler, Print Publicity Lesley Prowda, Fundraising Rep
Heather Schaefer and Susan Calcio, WHS Drama Reps Susan Schumer, WMS Rep
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please donate online at www.wellesleypops.org or by check below.
❑ I’d like to support the Performing Arts with a donation to Wellesley POPS of $_________
Please provide an email address so POPS can send a receipt for tax purposes.
Parent Name_____________________________________Telephone ________________
Address: _____________________________________ E-mail:______________________
POPS is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. If your company matches donations, please provide information below.Company Name for Matching Donation: _____________________________________________
Please make checks payable to: Wellesley POPS. Return this form to:
Wellesley POPS, P.O. Box 812136, Wellesley, MA 02482
Wellesley Parents of Performing Students (POPS) supports the performing arts in all Wellesley Public Schools through grants that serve to enrich experiences for students over and above those provided for by the annual school budget. POPS also provides support for students with financial needs, annual senior recognition awards, staff appreciation gifts, and expenses related to concerts & community-building events. Performing arts is not “on pause” this year, and neither is POPS support! We will be flexible and responsive to meet the needs of the programs and students. So far this year, POPS has purchased equipment to help elementary-aged students learn music outdoors and supported WHS Master Classes in both drama and tech. Follow and like us online:
www.wellesleypops.org
www.facebook.com/WellesleyPOPS
www.instagram.com/wellesleypops
POPS VOLUNTEERS
POPS recruits Parent Reps to support each K-12 performing arts teacher. POPS Reps attend 4 general meetings and help teachers as needed behind the scenes work for concerts, shows and field trips. This year we will strive to be flexible and supportive of the creative performing arts opportunities that the department and faculty will be providing to our children. We invite you to be “part of the ride” with us--volunteering with POPS always provides for fun and connection---all SO important during these unique times! If you would like to learn more about the many volunteer opportunities, become a POPS Rep or help out in any capacity, please email us at wellesleypops@gmail.com.
NEXT POPS MEETING (all are welcome to join) via Zoom
TUESDAY, November 10 at 7:00 pm
Join us for our 2nd meeting of the year to hear about what’s happening with Wellesley performing arts! If you are already receiving communications from POPS, you will get a message with the link, however if you’d like to join us and you aren’t on our mailing list, please email us at wellesleypops@gmail.com by Tuesday, November 10 at 5:00 p.m.
POPS GRANTS
In addition to fundraisers and sponsors, POPS relies primarily on parent donations to fund grant requests from Performing Arts teachers. In 2020, POPS awarded $28,038 for the following grants (www.wellesleypops.org/grants.html for further details on our long-term and discretionary funds):
2 French Horns for WMS Band Program
Replacement Piano for WHS Orchestra
New Lighting and Related equipment for WMS Auditorium
Instruments purchases for the music programs at each K-5 School
Keyboard and Amplifier for WMS Jazz Band
Guest instructor to work with 6th and 8th grader drama students
Enrichment for the faculty with professional development at every level of the K-12 schools
Patti Ayer and Molly Cote, Co-Presidents
Marisa Gandler and Melissa Mack, Co-Vice Presidents
Shari Prussin, Secretary Jenn Caiazzo, Treasurer
Jen Bonniwell, Social Media Publicity Robin Wechsler, Print Publicity Lesley Prowda, Fundraising Rep
Heather Schaefer and Susan Calcio, WHS Drama Reps Susan Schumer, WMS Rep
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please donate online at www.wellesleypops.org or by check below.
❑ I’d like to support the Performing Arts with a donation to Wellesley POPS of $_________
Please provide an email address so POPS can send a receipt for tax purposes.
Parent Name_____________________________________Telephone ________________
Address: _____________________________________ E-mail:______________________
POPS is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. If your company matches donations, please provide information below.Company Name for Matching Donation: _____________________________________________
Please make checks payable to: Wellesley POPS. Return this form to:
Wellesley POPS, P.O. Box 812136, Wellesley, MA 02482
___________________________________
NEWS FROM WMS DRAMA!!!
"Wellesley Middle School is proud to present The Show Must Go On: A Virtual Cabaret! Join us virtually on Friday, December 4 at 7pm as WMS students perform scenes, monologues, and songs from the safety of their own spaces in this exciting, live-streamed event. Over 20 WMS students, both from the hybrid model and the Remote Learning School, have come together to present these pieces, because even though we cannot perform live together, as we always say in the theater, the show must go on! Visit http://bit.ly/winter2020cabaret for information and a link to the live-stream on Friday, December 4."
Director: Ms. Amanda Dodge
Producer: Ms. Katie Speed
Musical Director: Dan Rodriguez
Technical Director: Brian BorutaThis a streaming-live performance opportunity where cast members will perform virtual monologues, songs and scenes.
"Wellesley Middle School is proud to present The Show Must Go On: A Virtual Cabaret! Join us virtually on Friday, December 4 at 7pm as WMS students perform scenes, monologues, and songs from the safety of their own spaces in this exciting, live-streamed event. Over 20 WMS students, both from the hybrid model and the Remote Learning School, have come together to present these pieces, because even though we cannot perform live together, as we always say in the theater, the show must go on! Visit http://bit.ly/winter2020cabaret for information and a link to the live-stream on Friday, December 4."
Director: Ms. Amanda Dodge
Producer: Ms. Katie Speed
Musical Director: Dan Rodriguez
Technical Director: Brian BorutaThis a streaming-live performance opportunity where cast members will perform virtual monologues, songs and scenes.
Hello WHS Drama Society and those interested in joining!
Welcome back! We are so thrilled to see you all soon and hope everyone had a wonderful summer.
We have some exciting things in the works to share with you.
Please watch the video posted below!
OUR FALL SEASON IS ANNOUNCED IN THIS VIDEO!
WHS DRAMA SOCIETY & FALL SEASON VIDEO
ANNOUNCING OUR NEW WEBSITE!
sites.google.com/wellesleyps.org/whsdramasociety
WE HAVE 2 NEW INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS!
TECH: @wellesleyhstechcrew
DRAMA SOCIETY: @wellesleyhsdramasociety
PLEASE FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM AND CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE
We will be having our STAGE DOOR SESSION on Tuesday 9/15/20 at 7:30pm-8:30pm.
We will be discussing the fall season and be able to answer any questions you may have!
Please reach out if you did not receive the Zoom link for this.
Please let us know if you have any questions! We are so looking forward to the season ahead!
-Kara Sullivan & Olivia Gemelli & Zoe Nadal
___________________________________
Sept. 12, 2020
Dear POPS,
We are so very excited to announce our WMS fall virtual theater opportunities! All activities are open to both Hybrid AND RLS students! These activities and performances will all be virtual until further notice and we can't wait to begin! The best way to get up to date information about these clubs is to have your child join the google classroom for each, the code for which is listed below the description of each offering.
1. WMS Virtual Fall Cabaret: This a streaming-live performance opportunity where cast members will perform virtual monologues, songs and scenes. Rehearsals will be twice a week and performance dates are TBA. This is open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. There will be virtual virtual contract and audition information coming soon. Google Classroom Code: 6m5cdxm
2. Audiodrama Podcasting Club: With the rise of podcasts as a relevant form of media has come a rise in storytelling using only sound! Students in this weekly club will direct, record, edit, produce, and do sound design for a WMS podcast, with episodes to be released once a month. Students interested in improving their voice acting skills, learning about sound design, and creating their own radio plays will have a great time in this club! This will run for the duration of the school year.
Google Classroom Code: xsiymqj
3. Advanced Scene study and monologue workshop: We will meet once a week after school to work on our acting skills. Be it auditions or simply working on your craft, we will choose fitting and appropriate material for each actor and work together to enhance your skills. An invited, live-streamed small performance for parents will take place toward the end of each semester. This will run for the duration of the school year.
Google Classroom Code: j4zx4yo
4. Stage Crew: Our Stage Crew Club will continue to run virtually, run by Ms. Myers!
Google Classroom Code: r5e55md
Finally, you can also find more information about everything on our website. We are committed to creating a robust, exciting program this year that modifies our traditional program while taking advantage of the virtual setting to learn new skills. We can't wait to work with your kids!
Warmly,
Katie Speed & Leah Fine
__________________________________
Sept. 12, 2020
Dear POPS,
We are so very excited to announce our WMS fall virtual theater opportunities! All activities are open to both Hybrid AND RLS students! These activities and performances will all be virtual until further notice and we can't wait to begin! The best way to get up to date information about these clubs is to have your child join the google classroom for each, the code for which is listed below the description of each offering.
1. WMS Virtual Fall Cabaret: This a streaming-live performance opportunity where cast members will perform virtual monologues, songs and scenes. Rehearsals will be twice a week and performance dates are TBA. This is open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. There will be virtual virtual contract and audition information coming soon. Google Classroom Code: 6m5cdxm
2. Audiodrama Podcasting Club: With the rise of podcasts as a relevant form of media has come a rise in storytelling using only sound! Students in this weekly club will direct, record, edit, produce, and do sound design for a WMS podcast, with episodes to be released once a month. Students interested in improving their voice acting skills, learning about sound design, and creating their own radio plays will have a great time in this club! This will run for the duration of the school year.
Google Classroom Code: xsiymqj
3. Advanced Scene study and monologue workshop: We will meet once a week after school to work on our acting skills. Be it auditions or simply working on your craft, we will choose fitting and appropriate material for each actor and work together to enhance your skills. An invited, live-streamed small performance for parents will take place toward the end of each semester. This will run for the duration of the school year.
Google Classroom Code: j4zx4yo
4. Stage Crew: Our Stage Crew Club will continue to run virtually, run by Ms. Myers!
Google Classroom Code: r5e55md
Finally, you can also find more information about everything on our website. We are committed to creating a robust, exciting program this year that modifies our traditional program while taking advantage of the virtual setting to learn new skills. We can't wait to work with your kids!
Warmly,
Katie Speed & Leah Fine
__________________________________
9/4/2020
Dear POPS Families,
I am writing to you with an update around the Performing Arts Department for the upcoming school year.
Earlier today it was announced that I will be taking on the position of Principal for the Wellesley Public Schools Remote Learning School (RLS) for the 2020-2021 School Year. This opportunity is one that I opted to take on knowing it will support the teaching and learning of over 500 Wellesely students who need to remain at home this year. That being said, I will continue, in a reduced role, to oversee the Performing Arts Department.
Currently, we are in the process of finalizing four teacher leadership stipend positions to support the day to day operations of Performing Arts. These positions will provide support at each school level (K-5, Middle School, High School) and for the IVEP program. I will meet with this team each month and be available as needed to answer key questions related to our program and staff. I’ll share more details on these positions in the next couple of weeks.
The RLS Principal role is a one-year position. My plan is to return full time to the Performing Arts Department at the end of the school year. So, although I will not be as present at concerts, events and meetings with Performing Arts, know that I will continue to be involved behind the scenes. I look forward to continuing to work with POPS and thank you for your support during this transition of leadership in our department.
Sincerely,
Michael LaCava
Dear POPS Families,
I am writing to you with an update around the Performing Arts Department for the upcoming school year.
Earlier today it was announced that I will be taking on the position of Principal for the Wellesley Public Schools Remote Learning School (RLS) for the 2020-2021 School Year. This opportunity is one that I opted to take on knowing it will support the teaching and learning of over 500 Wellesely students who need to remain at home this year. That being said, I will continue, in a reduced role, to oversee the Performing Arts Department.
Currently, we are in the process of finalizing four teacher leadership stipend positions to support the day to day operations of Performing Arts. These positions will provide support at each school level (K-5, Middle School, High School) and for the IVEP program. I will meet with this team each month and be available as needed to answer key questions related to our program and staff. I’ll share more details on these positions in the next couple of weeks.
The RLS Principal role is a one-year position. My plan is to return full time to the Performing Arts Department at the end of the school year. So, although I will not be as present at concerts, events and meetings with Performing Arts, know that I will continue to be involved behind the scenes. I look forward to continuing to work with POPS and thank you for your support during this transition of leadership in our department.
Sincerely,
Michael LaCava
Wellesley Public Schools
K-12 Performing Arts Department
Mr. Michael M. LaCava, Director
lacavam@wellesleyps.org
_________________________________
July 27, 2020
Dear Wellesley POPS Community,
I hope you are all doing well and having a great summer so far!
I wanted to reach out again to all of you as we are at the halfway point of the summer and last week, the Department of Education released their initial guidelines on how Performing Arts courses/programs should run this fall. I’m sure you have also been wondering what our programs might potentially look like this year so I hope this information is helpful to you and your student.
The Performing Arts Staff and I have been working together for the past few months as we anticipated potential changes for our programs as we look to reopening schools this fall. Knowing that we may need to adjust our curriculum and offer programs in new and creative ways, staff members have been attending webinars, consulting with colleagues within the state and beyond, as well as investigating and testing online platforms for our ensembles and courses.
Although the guidelines may be challenging in certain circumstances, the faculty and I are confident we can and are committed to offering a robust Performing Arts curriculum and experience in whichever format/schedule that we are operating in. We also know that these are the initial guidelines and we expect that adjustments may be made as we move through the rest of the summer and into the fall based on the state data and district adjustments.
We all agree that our traditional way of presenting concerts, performances and daily classes will have to be adjusted in this current situation, but we also know that students will have a positive experience and look forward to working with them this upcoming school year.
Each teacher/director will provide more specific information in the coming weeks on what their particular curriculum/program will look like but in the meantime, I hope this communication is helpful and you are reassured that we will continue to offer the outstanding Performing Arts programs in the Wellesley Public Schools.
Thank you again for all of your support during these challenging times and I look forward to working with POPS again this year to continue to support our Performing Arts programs
Sincerely,
Michael LaCava
___________________________________
May 14, 2020
To the POPS Community,
We are delighted to announce our 2020 POPS Grants! Through your generosity, POPS has awarded $28,038 to K-12 Performing Arts programs in the Wellesley Public Schools. In addition, we have put $14,027 towards the Long-Term fund and supported the programs through $1817 in discretionary funds for a total of $43,882 this year.
Our grants this year were for the following:
We would like to thank the POPS community! Your generosity is very much appreciated by the faculty, staff and entire community of Wellesley.
Sincerely,
The POPS Executive Board
Patti Ayer and Molly Coté, Co-Presidents
Marisa Gandler, Vice President
Shari Prussin, Secretary
Jen Caiazzo, Treasurer
Barb Condon, Print Publicity
Laura Foody, Social Media Publicity
Heather Schaefer, WHS Drama Rep
Lesley Prowda, WMS Drama Rep
Darlene Howland, Past President
K-12 Performing Arts Department
Mr. Michael M. LaCava, Director
lacavam@wellesleyps.org
_________________________________
July 27, 2020
Dear Wellesley POPS Community,
I hope you are all doing well and having a great summer so far!
I wanted to reach out again to all of you as we are at the halfway point of the summer and last week, the Department of Education released their initial guidelines on how Performing Arts courses/programs should run this fall. I’m sure you have also been wondering what our programs might potentially look like this year so I hope this information is helpful to you and your student.
The Performing Arts Staff and I have been working together for the past few months as we anticipated potential changes for our programs as we look to reopening schools this fall. Knowing that we may need to adjust our curriculum and offer programs in new and creative ways, staff members have been attending webinars, consulting with colleagues within the state and beyond, as well as investigating and testing online platforms for our ensembles and courses.
Although the guidelines may be challenging in certain circumstances, the faculty and I are confident we can and are committed to offering a robust Performing Arts curriculum and experience in whichever format/schedule that we are operating in. We also know that these are the initial guidelines and we expect that adjustments may be made as we move through the rest of the summer and into the fall based on the state data and district adjustments.
We all agree that our traditional way of presenting concerts, performances and daily classes will have to be adjusted in this current situation, but we also know that students will have a positive experience and look forward to working with them this upcoming school year.
Each teacher/director will provide more specific information in the coming weeks on what their particular curriculum/program will look like but in the meantime, I hope this communication is helpful and you are reassured that we will continue to offer the outstanding Performing Arts programs in the Wellesley Public Schools.
Thank you again for all of your support during these challenging times and I look forward to working with POPS again this year to continue to support our Performing Arts programs
Sincerely,
Michael LaCava
___________________________________
May 14, 2020
To the POPS Community,
We are delighted to announce our 2020 POPS Grants! Through your generosity, POPS has awarded $28,038 to K-12 Performing Arts programs in the Wellesley Public Schools. In addition, we have put $14,027 towards the Long-Term fund and supported the programs through $1817 in discretionary funds for a total of $43,882 this year.
Our grants this year were for the following:
- 2 French Horns for the WMS Band Program
- A replacement Piano for the WHS Orchestra
- A keyboard and amplifier for the WMS Jazz Band
- Instrument purchases for the music programs at each K-5 school
- New lighting and related equipment for the WMS auditorium
- An amazing workshop by Dr. Bethany Nelson for the 6th and 8th grade drama students
- Enrichment for the faculty with Professional Development at every level of the K-12 schools.
We would like to thank the POPS community! Your generosity is very much appreciated by the faculty, staff and entire community of Wellesley.
Sincerely,
The POPS Executive Board
Patti Ayer and Molly Coté, Co-Presidents
Marisa Gandler, Vice President
Shari Prussin, Secretary
Jen Caiazzo, Treasurer
Barb Condon, Print Publicity
Laura Foody, Social Media Publicity
Heather Schaefer, WHS Drama Rep
Lesley Prowda, WMS Drama Rep
Darlene Howland, Past President
Wellesley Public Schools Students Selected for All-State Music Ensembles
On Saturday, January 25th, students from the Wellesley High School Music Department auditioned for the All-State Music Ensembles at Shrewsbury High School. Students qualified for these auditions by scoring in the top half of the Eastern District Auditions held in November. The musicians auditioned with approximately 950 students from across Massachusetts for one of the positions in the All-State ensembles.
This year, 15 students from Wellesley High School were selected to participate based on their audition. Being a member of these ensembles is the highest honor for a high school music student in Massachusetts.
The All-State Festival is sponsored by the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) and will be held March 5th-March 7th. Students selected will rehearse for two days in Boston before performing at historic Symphony Hall in Boston on Saturday, March 7th at 2:00 p.m.
Congratulations to all of the students involved and also to the faculty members who assisted the students in preparing for these auditions.
The following students were selected:
ALL-STATE BAND:
Jessica Klurfeld, Clarinet
Isabelle Lee, French Horn
Nicholas Lee, French Horn
Connor McDonald, Trombone
Arjuna Sivapala, Bassoon
Lau Yeung Wong, Tuba
ALL-STATE CHORUS
Melchor Becker, Bass
Ryan Colone, Tenor
Michael Ossam, Tenor
Sebastian Sanchez, Tenor
Norah Schaefer, Alto
Alexander Schneider, Bass
ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA
Jae Min Ahn, Violin
Brendan Hill, Viola
Jeremy Kim, Violin
Faculty Members who assisted these students are:
Kevin McDonald, Choir; Steve Scott, Band and Sergey Khanukaev, Orchestra
For more information, contact Mr. Michael LaCava, K-12 Director of Performing Arts at the above address, phone number, and e-mail.
On Saturday, January 25th, students from the Wellesley High School Music Department auditioned for the All-State Music Ensembles at Shrewsbury High School. Students qualified for these auditions by scoring in the top half of the Eastern District Auditions held in November. The musicians auditioned with approximately 950 students from across Massachusetts for one of the positions in the All-State ensembles.
This year, 15 students from Wellesley High School were selected to participate based on their audition. Being a member of these ensembles is the highest honor for a high school music student in Massachusetts.
The All-State Festival is sponsored by the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) and will be held March 5th-March 7th. Students selected will rehearse for two days in Boston before performing at historic Symphony Hall in Boston on Saturday, March 7th at 2:00 p.m.
Congratulations to all of the students involved and also to the faculty members who assisted the students in preparing for these auditions.
The following students were selected:
ALL-STATE BAND:
Jessica Klurfeld, Clarinet
Isabelle Lee, French Horn
Nicholas Lee, French Horn
Connor McDonald, Trombone
Arjuna Sivapala, Bassoon
Lau Yeung Wong, Tuba
ALL-STATE CHORUS
Melchor Becker, Bass
Ryan Colone, Tenor
Michael Ossam, Tenor
Sebastian Sanchez, Tenor
Norah Schaefer, Alto
Alexander Schneider, Bass
ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA
Jae Min Ahn, Violin
Brendan Hill, Viola
Jeremy Kim, Violin
Faculty Members who assisted these students are:
Kevin McDonald, Choir; Steve Scott, Band and Sergey Khanukaev, Orchestra
For more information, contact Mr. Michael LaCava, K-12 Director of Performing Arts at the above address, phone number, and e-mail.
NEW!! POPS IS GOING GREEN!!
CONSIDER OFFERING YOUR UNNEEDED ATTIRE PIECES FOR DISCOUNTED SALE TO OTHER POPS FAMILIES! Just drop your information into the spreadsheet and someone may contact you in the future. If you are looking for items for your student, feel free to peruse the items and contact the seller. Click the green button above!
CONSIDER OFFERING YOUR UNNEEDED ATTIRE PIECES FOR DISCOUNTED SALE TO OTHER POPS FAMILIES! Just drop your information into the spreadsheet and someone may contact you in the future. If you are looking for items for your student, feel free to peruse the items and contact the seller. Click the green button above!
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Parents of Performing Students is grateful to the Wellesley Bank Charitable Foundation for their sponsorship of the 2018-2019 Wellesley High School Drama Program.
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