Elementary Music Programs

Instrumental Music

Overview

In the elementary schools, our program is offered to students in grades 3-6. In 3rd grade the students are given the opportunity to start on a string instrument. Two of the most common instruments in 3rd grade are the violin and cello. Unfortunately, the guitar is not an option. When the students become 4th graders they are also given the opportunity to branch out with the other instruments of the band. In addition, strings are still offered. This also applies to students in 5th & 6th grade. Instrumental lessons are once a week.

Instruments

Nutley Board of Education instruments are available for students to use on a loan basis for free. With the N.B.O.E. instruments, a contract is signed by both the parent and student to take all responsibility for the instrument if it is lost or damaged and are responsible to pay for the repair for damage or lost instrument.

**There are only a certain number of instruments owned by the Nutley Board of Education to be handed out to students. If all instruments are handed out then the student must rent/own an instrument to enroll into the program.** The Nutley Music Department strongly recommends renting from The Music Shop.

Performances

There are two main concerts throughout the year for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade, which include the winter concert and the All-District Music Festival. Also, there is the Memorial Day Parade for the band instruments (strings do not participate). For 3rd grade, there are normally one main concert throughout the year, which is the spring concert. In addition, certain groups may be chosen to perform at the Nutley Music Boosters annual Café Night.

Evaluation

It is expected that if a student enrolls in the program that they continue through the whole year. Students receive an Nutley Public School Instrumental Progress Report with their report card each marking period that will inform you of your student’s progress. Also, the students are expected to practice on a regular basis to help build and re-enforce the skills that are worked on in class.

Awards and Honors

2022-2023

USBands Group IIIA National Champions

• NHS Raider Marching Band

North Jersey Area Band

• Jacob Caney – Clarinet
• Darshini Radhakrishnan – Tenor Sax

North Jersey Region 1 Symphonic Band

• Andrew Orr – Bass Clarinet
• Harlequin Rosado – Tuba

Caldwell University Honors Band

• Jacob Caney
• Kaylee Contrer
• Isabella Gustoso
• Andrew Orr

The College of New Jersey Honors Wind Ensemble

• Jacob Caney
• Andrea Gavidia
• Aly Maglaqui
• Andrew Orr
• Harlequin Rosado

NJSMA Region 1 Concert Band Festival

• NHS Wind Ensemble – Gold Rating

USBands Scholastic Marching A Champions

• NHS Indoor Percussion Ensemble

Music in the Parks Festival – Williamsburg, VA

• NHS Band – 1st Place and Superior Rating
• NHS Choir – 1st Place and Superior Rating
• NHS Orchestra – 1st Place and Superior Rating
• NHS Music Department – Esprit de Corps Award

NJSMA Region I Mixed Ensemble

• Cameron Anderson 
• Matthew Blanchard
• Lincoln Boyes
• Samuel Guanzon
• Jonathan Monterosa
• John McGuire
• Andrew Orr
• Sean Santos
• Harlequin Rosado

NJSMA Region I Treble Ensemble

• Alexandra Amiths
• Veronica Daniels 
• Emerson Morales
• Amanda Vasquez

NJMEA All-State Mixed Ensemble

• Cameron Anderson
• Matthew Blanchard
• Lincoln Boyes
• Veronica Daniels
• Samuel Guanzon
• Alexis Hamlin
• Jonathan Monterosa
• Haley Papeo
• Sean Santos

NJMEA All-State Treble Ensemble

• Arada Buddhani

2021-2022

North Jersey Area Band

Wind Ensemble

• Ben Coulson - Battery Percussion (1st Chair)
• Ethan Ramos - Mallet Percussion (2nd Chair)
• Dorian Wylde - Trumpet (5th Chair)

Symphonic Band

• Jacob Caney - Clarinet (7th Chair)

North Jersey Junior Region 1 Honor Band

Concert Band

• Alekaii Rosado - Tuba (1st Chair)

North Jersey Region 1 Honor Band

Wind Ensemble

• Ethan Ramos - Mallet Percussion (1st Chair)

The College of New Jersey Honors Festival

• Jacob Caney - Clarinet
• Ethan Ramos - Mallet Percussion

NJSMA Region 1 Concert Band Festival

• NHS Wind Ensemble - Silver Rating

USBands Scholastic Marching A Champions

• NHS Indoor Percussion Ensemble

High School Instrumental Programs

Ms. Angelina Hamada
Director of Bands
ahamada@nutleyschools.org

Ms. Elizabeth Nowik
Orchestra Director
enowik@nutleyschools.org

Concert Band

Concert Band is designed for music learning through instrumental performance. This course requires students to take into account proper instrumental technique, theory/fundamentals, historical context, musical elements, and appropriate performance practice. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.​

Students will build and develop skills through the study and performance of quality concert band repertoire from classic through modern/contemporary wind band works.

Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble Honors is designed with the emphasis on advanced music learning through performance.​

This course requires students to take into account proper instrumental technique, theory/fundamentals, historical context, musical elements, and appropriate performance practice. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

Students will build and develop skills through the study and performance of difficult wind band repertoire from classic through modern/contemporary wind band works.

Orchestra

Orchestra is designed for students who want to explore and learn both classic and modern orchestral literature, and to become more accomplished and well-rounded musicians on their respective instruments.

This course requires students to understand and apply music theory and fundamentals, musical elements, historical context, relation of music to the other arts, and appropriate performance practice. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

Students will build and develop skills through the study and performance of orchestral literature for strings and full orchestra, from the baroque period through modern day.

Jazz Lab

Jazz Lab is designed to teach jazz literature through performance.

This course requires students to take into account proper instrumental technique, theory/fundamentals, historical context, musical elements, improvisation technique, and appropriate performance practice. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

Students will build and develop skills through the study and performance of multiple Jazz styles ranging from the roots of classic Jazz through modern/contemporary forms of Jazz fusion.

High School Vocal Programs

Mr. Stephone Gaines
Director of Vocal Activities
sgaines@nutleyschools.org

Chamber Singers Honors

Chamber Singers Honors is designed for students who want to explore and learn more difficult choral repertoire at a vigorous pace and perform frequently throughout the school year. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

This course requires students to perform with proper vocal technique, understand and apply music theory concepts, analyze and describe the historical and cultural context of music, utilize the expressive qualities of music, and demonstrate an ability to read music.

Students will develop skills through the study, analysis, performance, and critique of varied choral repertoire from the middle ages through modern/contemporary works. This course also requires students to participate in one lesson lab period per week. These small group instruction lessons will reinforce concepts being covered in all instrumental and honors music ensembles. Lesson labs will be scheduled in the fall. 

Treble Choir

Treble choir is a vocal ensemble is designed for students want to develop vocal technique, musicianship skills and literacy specific to the treble voices.. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

This course requires students to perform with proper vocal technique, understand and apply music theory concepts, analyze and describe the historical and cultural context of music, utilize the expressive qualities of music, and demonstrate an ability to read music and participate in the process of critique. Students will develop skills through the study, analysis, and performance of treble (soprano & alto) choral repertoire and sight-singing exercises.

This course also serves as a prerequisite for Concert Choir for all soprano and alto singers.

Concert Choir

Concert Choir is designed for students who want to explore and perform varied and challenging choral repertoire in a large ensemble setting. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

This course requires students to take into account proper vocal production, theory/fundamentals, historical context, musical elements, and appropriate performance practice. Students will build and develop music skills through the study, analysis and performance of a variety of choral repertoire ranging from the Middle Ages through modern/contemporary works

Middle School Instrumental Programs

Mr. Andrew Mayewski
Director of Bands
amayewski@nutleyschools.org

Ms. Elizabeth Nowik
Orchestra Director
enowik@nutleyschools.org

Band - Zero Period (Grade 7/8)

Zero period band 7 and 8 is intended for students who wish to continue to develop skills and competencies related to playing a traditional band or string instrument.

The course will examine aspects of music including basic fundamentals, elements, solo and ensemble repertoire, and historical context. In addition, in depth examination of pedagogical and technical aspects of playing and performance, as well as connections to other disciplines will be presented.

Successful completion of this course requires active classroom participation and will be measured through the evaluation of student preparation for class and performances, ongoing formative and summative evaluation of skills. Attendance at all scheduled performances is expected.

Concert Band (Grade 7)

Concert Band is intended for students who wish to continue to develop skills and competencies related to playing a traditional band instrument.

The course will examine aspects of music including basic fundamentals, elements, solo and ensemble repertoire, and historical context. In addition, in depth examination of pedagogical and technical aspects of playing and performance, as well as connections to other disciplines will be presented.

Successful completion of this course requires active classroom participation and will be measured through the evaluation of student preparation for class and performances, ongoing formative and summative evaluation of skills. Attendance at all scheduled performances is expected.

Symphonic Band (Grade 8)

Symphonic Band is intended for students who wish to expand upon the skills and competencies related to playing a traditional band instrument.

The course will examine aspects of music including basic fundamentals, elements, solo and ensemble repertoire, and historical context. In addition, in depth examination of pedagogical and technical aspects of playing and performance, as well as connections to other disciplines will be presented.

Successful completion of this course requires active classroom participation and will be measured through the evaluation of student preparation for class and performances, ongoing formative and summative evaluation of skills. Attendance at all scheduled performances is expected.

String Orchestra (Grade 7/8)

String ensemble is intended to provide in depth musical experiences specifically for students playing violin, viola, cello, and/or bass.\

The course will examine aspects of music including basic fundamentals, elements, solo and ensemble repertoire, and historical context. In addition, in depth examination of pedagogical and technical aspects of playing and performance, as well as connections to other disciplines will be presented.

Successful completion of this course requires active classroom participation and will be measured through the evaluation of student preparation for class and performances, ongoing formative and summative evaluation of skills. Attendance at all scheduled performances is expected.

Instrumental Music Lessons

Instrumental Music Lessons is designed for students in grades 7 and 8 who wish to further refine their instrumental technique in a small, homogeneous group setting. This course meets in conjunction with the respective ensemble course.​

This course requires students to understand and apply music fundamentals, musical elements, proper instrumental technique, historical context, relation of music to the other arts, and appropriate performance practice.​

Students will build and develop skills through the study of instrument-specific methods, aural training, and repeated practice of proper instrument technique.

Jazz Ensemble (Extra-Curricular)

Middle School Vocal Programs

Mrs. Rebecca Polynice
Director of Vocal Activities
rpolynice@nutleyschools.org

Chorale

Chorale is designed for students who want to gain singing experience and develop vocal/music skills. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

This course requires students to take into account basic vocal production, beginning theory/fundamentals, historical context, musical elements, and appropriate performance practice. Students will build and develop music and singing skills through the study, analysis and performance of a variety of age/level appropriate choral repertoire.

Successful completion of this course will be measured through class participation, sight singing exercises, as well as performance assessments.

Concert Choir

Concert Choir is designed for students who want to explore music and perform in a large ensemble. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

This course requires students to take into account proper vocal production, basic theory/fundamentals, historical context, musical elements, and appropriate performance practice. Students will build and develop music skills through the study, analysis and performance of a variety of choral repertoire.

Successful completion of this course will be measured through class participation, sight-singing exercises, as well as performance assessment

Debonaires

Debonaires is designed for middle school girls who want to participate in a women’s choir and develop vocal technique and musicianship skills. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, and festivals, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

This course requires students to perform with proper vocal technique, understand and apply basic music theory concepts, analyze and describe the historical and cultural context of music, utilize the expressive qualities of music, and demonstrate an ability to read music. Students will develop skills through the study, analysis, and performance of age-appropriate treble/women’s choral repertoire and sight-singing exercises.

Successful completion of this course will be measured through class participation, repertoire and sight-singing testing, as well as performance assessments.

Vocal Music Lessons

Vocal Music Lessons is designed for students in grades 7 and 8 who wish to further refine their vocal technique in a small, homogenous group setting. This course typically meets once a week during either lunch of physical education/health class. This course requires students to understand and apply music fundamentals, musical elements, historical context, relation of music to the other arts, and appropriate performance practice. Students will build and develop skills through the study of vocal-specific methods, breathing techniques, aural skills, and vocal technique.

Successful completion of this course will be measured through weekly lesson attendance, class participation, ongoing testing and skills assessments, and a year-end evaluation.

NHS Indoor Percussion Ensemble

About Indoor Percussion

The Nutley High School Indoor Percussion Ensemble was established in 2016 and made its competition debut in Winter 2017. Since then, they have achieved remarkable success, securing 1st Place finishes at the USBands Championships in the Scholastic Marching A Class in both 2022 and 2023. Additionally, the group has excelled in various WGI regional competitions in Connecticut and New Jersey, consistently advancing to the finals.

An indoor percussion ensemble, also known as an indoor drumline, comprises the marching percussion (or battery) and front ensemble (pit or frontline) sections of a marching band. This unique form of performance art combines elements of music, marching, and theater, captivating audiences with its dynamic and engaging displays. Unlike traditional marching band performances, indoor percussion takes place indoors, typically in a gymnasium or an indoor arena.

Indoor percussion ensembles frequently participate in judged competitions, overseen by local and regional associations, following criteria established by Winter Guard International. These competitions serve as a platform for these talented musicians to showcase their skills and creativity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of percussion performance.

2018-2019 Competition Schedule and Results (Marching A)

• 2/16/19 - West Milford High School
  1st Place - 74.8000
• 2/17/19 - Bridgewater-Raritan High School
  2nd Place - 74.700
• 2/23/19 - Woodbridge High School
  2nd Place - 83.250
• 3/16 & 3/17/19 - WGI Power Regional - Toms River
  9th Place - 86.200 (Prelims)
  7th Place - 84.510 (Finals)
• 3/23/19 - Old Bridge High School
  1st Place - 89.500
• 3/31/18 - Fair Lawn High School (Championships)
  2nd Place - 92.100

RAIDER MARCHING BAND

About the Raider Band

The Raider Marching Band has a remarkable track record of performances across the United States, including notable appearances at the 2015 and 2018 Taxslayer Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida, where they were even awarded a grand prize of $10,000.

In 2019, the Raider Band achieved 1st Place at the USBands NJ State Championships and an impressive 2nd Place at the USBands National Championships for Group IVA.

Continuing their success, the Raider Band secured 1st Place in the highly competitive 2022 USBands National Championships for Group IIIA. This outstanding achievement led to their promotion to the esteemed Open Class for the upcoming 2023 competition season.

As a charter member of the Herald-News Band Festival, the Raider Band has a rich history of prestigious performances. They have had the privilege of showcasing their talent at various iconic venues, including the 1964 NY Worlds Fair, a halftime show for the NY Jets Football Team at Shea Stadium, and exclusive invitations to perform on the steps of the US Senate Building and the Lincoln Memorial. Additionally, they have had the honor of participating in the Super Bowl XLVIII Half-Time Show alongside Bruno Mars and have been featured in numerous Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Parades in Orlando, Florida.

With their exceptional accomplishments and remarkable performances, the Raider Marching Band continues to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression wherever they go.

​2022-23 Raider Band Staff & Student Leaders

• Band Director – Miss Angelina Hamada
• Assistant Band Director – Miss Julia Wehrer
• Color Guard Caption Head – Miss Kimberly Weitzel
• Percussion Caption Head – Mr. Nick Peters
• Battery Instructor – Mr. Connor Horwath
• Brass Caption Head – Mr. Andrew Mayewski
• Drill Design – Mr. Ian Flint
• Music Arranger – Mr. Miguel Bolivar

Student Leadership

• ​Drum Major – Caroline Ritacco
• Assistant Drum Majors - Isabella Gustoso & Kate Buddhani
• Guard Captains – Kristen Reilly & Sydney Chang
• Flute Section Leaders – Olivia Song & Lauren Cullari 
• Clarinet Section Leaders – Jacob Caney & Allison Slane
• Saxophone Section Leader – Jazel Campomanes
• High Brass Section Leader – Isabella Bonilla
• Low Bass Section Leader – Andrew Orr
• Battery Section Leaders – Ben Coulson & Braden Somers
• Pit Section Leaders – Alyanna Maglaqui & Declan O'Driscoll

Fall 2022 Competition Schedule and Results - Group IIIA

September 24 - South Brunswick
1st Place - 80.500 - All Caption Awards 

October 1 - Pequannock
1st Place - 83.700 - All Caption Awards

October 15 - Somerville

October 22 - Vernon Township

October 29 - USBands State Championships

November 6 - USBands National Championships

NHS Winter Guard

About Winter Guard

The Nutley High School Winter Guard, established in 2003, boasts an impressive track record of accomplishments in the tri-state area. Notably, they clinched the title of 2007 Musical Arts Conferences Scholastic AAA Champions and secured the Scholastic AAA Bronze Medalists position in the MAIN circuit back in 2003.

Currently, the guard actively participates in the highly competitive Mid-Atlantic Indoor Network (MAIN) circuit. Their dedication and skill have propelled them to Scholastic Regional A in 2022, and subsequently to the Scholastic AA competition class in 2023.

Distinguishing itself from traditional color guard, the winter guard showcases its talent indoors, typically in a gymnasium or an indoor arena. Instead of relying on a live band or orchestra, performances are accompanied by recorded music, adding a unique element to their routines.

Winter guard ensembles frequently take part in judged competitions, overseen by local and regional associations. These competitions adhere to criteria established by Winter Guard International, ensuring fair and standardized evaluations.

2022 Competition Schedule and Results - Scholastic Regional AA

• February 5 - Pegasus / Saddle Brook - 1st Place - 64.120
• February 26 - Allentown, NJ
• March 5 - South Brunswick
• March 19 - Monroe Township
• April 2 - Hillsborough
• April 23-24 - MAIN Championships - Allentown, PA

Past Results