Joe Elefante Presents Clinic at 2010 NJMEA Conference

Elefante Music and Jupiter Band Instruments© are pleased to invite you to the

2010 NJMEA Conference

Friday February 19, 10:15-11:30am

East Brunswick Hilton & Towers

3 Tower Center Boulevard

East Brunswick, NJ

for

Sight Reading for Large Ensembles

Clinician: Joe Elefante

w/ the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Moonglowers

Congratulations...

to Columbia High School and Elefante Music student Kip Zenowich for being accepted to the Region 1 Symphonic Band!

Be sure and let us know if your child is accepted to the Region 1 or 2 Junior High band, choir, or orchestra next month so we can post it in the February newsletter.

Cadence performs @ The Elefante School for the Performing Arts

Cadence performs @ The Elefante School for the Performing Arts

Sunday, January 24th @ 3-4pm

$10 adults/$5 students

Cadence - New Jersey's premier contemporary a cappella group that delivers harmonies that are both soulful and upbeat. Influenced by a wide range of styles and artists, Cadence arranges music from such greats as the Beatles, Bee Gees, Queen, Indigo Girls, Rockapella, as well as selections from the legendary doo-wop era. Cadence is pure vocals... four friends who understand blend and know how to keep it fun for everyone.

www.cadencesings.com

"Why Study A Musical Instrument", by Dr. Edward Joffe

Why Study A Musical Instrument

By Dr. Edward Joffe

Throughout much of the first half of the 20th Century, the study of music was considered one of the important disciplines in a learned individual’s education. Every student had at least one mandatory general music course in middle school (junior high school) as well as in high school. Most importantly, many also had the opportunity to participate in a band, orchestra, or a choir in grades K—12. In fact, during the 1950s and into the 1960s when the U.S. was engaged in a Cold War with the Soviet Union, the Arts in our country were given great priority (funding) since we needed to demonstrate superiority in this sector in addition to military might, space exploration, athletics, etc. There were also numerous jobs in the music industry during this period. Steady work could be found in symphony orchestras, opera and ballet companies, Broadway pit bands, television and motion picture studio orchestras, dance bands, jazz big bands, Latin music ensembles, and an endless amount of freelance recording. However, today we find ourselves in a radically different environment.

What Happened?

Societies for thousands of years understood the benefits of an education that mandated a wide array of arts as a part of the curriculum. “Plato’s ‘music’ included not only what we call music today, but also the dance, poetry, fine arts, literature, history and other areas of study known as the Liberal Arts.” (Assemblyman Edward C. Sullivan, ALLEGRO, 10/98) European culture dating back to the Middle Ages defined an educated person as someone who was musically literate. As European immigrants migrated to the U.S. in the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries and brought their traditions and customs with them, musical education became a vital part of the American definition of a well-rounded education.

Technology has altered the way we consume and listen to music today. Changing musical tastes have redefined the means by which music is produced and the number of musicians required to perform newer musical trends, resulting in a loss of most steady work. In addition, educational curriculums have moved further away from the concept of a liberal arts education to an educational policy of increased specialization at an early age. America is obsessed with a left-brain education that can easily be quantified through standardized testing procedures. The creative aspect of the brain—the right side—has been left in the rear and parents are left to pick up the pieces. Educational policy in America is now being determined more and more by businessmen and schools are being run like a corporation. And they are failing! Combined with the economic downturn of the last decade, this has resulted in politicians and education supervisors allocating less money for the Arts. All of these forces have created a different attitude in this country’s view of the study of music and the Arts in general. This discipline is now perceived as an extracurricular activity that’s nice to have on a student’s résumé if one can afford the time and expense, but not essential.

Why Should One Study A Musical Instrument?

The answers to this question are multifold. The study of music requires commitment, patience, attention to details, and an ability to organize one’s time. Learning to read musical notation and employ it in manipulating an instrument is akin to learning to read any language and therefore reinforces those skills in addition to improving hand/eye coordination. The performance of music also demands that one learn to interact with others in rehearsals and performances in order to create successful presentations. Performing in front of audiences helps to build self-confidence and can enhance one’s ego. All of these characteristics are necessary to succeed in any discipline—the study of medicine, law, business, education, athletics, etc. However, these should not be the principal reasons for someone to begin studying an instrument. Here are my ideas behind the rationale for music education:

a. Sophisticated music making of any style is an art form and requires both talent and intellect to produce and perceive.

b. Both performer and listener are able to explore emotions through music that words alone often fail to elicit.

c. Music allows one to gain a greater understanding of world cultures.

What Can A Parent Do?

In the same manner that children are enrolled in after school activities such as soccer leagues, tutoring programs, and religious instruction, parents need to find the cultural outlets for their children that the schools don’t provide or don’t do well enough. This includes music instruction.

The goal of providing a music education should not be to see if one’s child has enough talent to become a star, elicit a scholarship from a college, or become a professional musician. I believe the philosophy should be to allow any youngster to become a lover of music and the arts. One doesn’t develop a lifelong passion for music by taking a music history, general music, or theory course in school. Humans get it when they are actively involved in the process—whether studying music performance privately, participating in a band, orchestra, chamber ensemble, jazz ensemble, choir, rock band, etc. One learns to love baseball by playing the game, not by studying statistics. Once these performing opportunities are made available to youngsters at an early age, they are more likely to have a greater understanding and respect for those artistic endeavors and will tend to support them throughout their lives.

There are many musical instrument companies that make decent quality student-level instruments at affordable prices. Any parent willing to provide their child with the best education possible should do everything they can to offer them the opportunity to study music privately in addition to whatever music may be offered at their schools. As parents, it’s our obligation to define what type of education we desire for our children and not leave it in the hands of politicians and bureaucrats. I can think of no better way to do this than by allowing our kids to experience the thrill of owning and playing a musical instrument.

Versatile woodwind artist Dr. Edward Joffe has been a vital part of the New York music scene for over 35 years. He has performed in every type of musical situation including jazz bands, orchestral work, Broadway shows, recording dates, chamber music ensembles and solo recitals. He has offered numerous clinics on woodwinds and jazz at music education conferences and universities over the last two decades. A graduate of the Juilliard School, Dr. Joffe has studied with some of the most respected woodwind artists including Joe Allard, Eddie Daniels, Thomas Nyfenger, Paul Dunkel, Michael Parloff, Joseph Rabbai, Peter Simerauer, Ronald Reuben, Keith Underwood, Bob Porcelli, and Bob Mover. For the past 19 years, he has been a professor of music at New Jersey City University, where he acts as Coordinator of Jazz, Woodwinds & Brass Studies. Under his guidance, New Jersey City University has engaged a faculty of adjunct instructors who are among the finest performers in America and have helped attract a high level of student performer.

NJCU Woodwind Studies

Flute Mania Roundtable

Here are some clips of the roundtable interview our Michele Stivalo conducted on December 8th after the Flute Mania recital. From left to right are pianist Ron Levy, Michele, Hartford Symphony flutist Jeanne Wilson, and our flute instructor Laura George.

Jeanne and Laura discuss playing in smaller venues and how they started playing the flute.

Jeanne discusses how she first became interested in music.

Jeanne and Laura discuss doubling on other instruments.

Ron speaks on the challenges of being an accompanist as opposed to a soloist.

Laura on the love of music and how to encourage students to practice.

Many Thanks

Flute Mania was a huge success! Jeanne, Laura, and Ron really helped to make it such a fun event. Thank you SO MUCH to the many people who showed up throughout the evening to listen to the recital, sample some upgrade instruments, and talk flute. We hope to have many more events like this in the near future, so stay tuned...

In the meantime, check out some the great clips of the recital below. And come back to this page or the Elefante Music Facebook page for some clips of the roundtable interview Michele conducted with our performers after the concert on December 8th.

Jeanne Wilson, Flute

Ron Levy, Piano

Fantaisie for Piano and Flute

Georges Hue (1858-1948)

Jeanne Wilson, Flute

Ron Levy, Piano

Le Rossignol de L'Opera

for Piccolo and Piano

Eugene Damare (1840-1919)

Jeanne Wilson

&

Laura George

Flutes

Ron Levy, Piano

Andante and Rondo

for Two Flutes and Piano, Op. 25

Albert Franz Doppler (1821-1883)

Rudolph @ The-PAC - A Few Great Clips

Great job by the Voiceactors' Orchestra performing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" at The-PAC on December 5th. Here are some clips of the performance.

Flute Mania!

Tuesday, December 8th, 6-8:30PM is Flute Mania at Elefante Music. At Flute Mania we will offer discounts on our already low prices on Powell Sonare, Selmer, Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Armstrong, Vito, Jupiter, Azumi, and Dean Yang flutes. We will also be showcasing our extensive collection of flute music and accessories. In addition, our expert repair staff will be on hand to diagnose your flute's condition and perform on-the-spot regulation and adjustments.

Flute Mania will also feature a recital by Hartford Symphony flutist Jeanne Wilson. This performance will also feature our own flute instructor, world-class flutist Laura George. The performance will take place at 7PM in the Elefante Music recital room.

Jeanne Wilson

Laura George

"Rudolph" @ The-PAC

The Performing Arts Conservatory At Elefante Music
1790 Springfield Ave
New Providence, NJ

presents

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Saturday – December 5th
Two performances: 3pm and 5pm
For tickets and information call (908) 464-1019
$10 per person ($30 max per family)
Proceeds will be donated to a local charity
Please contact The PAC or Elefante Music
to nominate a charity for this event.

Michele's Article in Prolong Magazine

Click here to read Michele Stivalo's fantastic article in Prolong Magazine.

Commercial Voice Over for Adults

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND - FOUR MORE WEEKS

COMMERCIAL VOICE OVER FOR ADULTS

Whether you are new to VOICE ACTING or need more practice - this class is for you.

Taught by Joe Narciso, Co-Founder of the Performing Arts Conservatory & Terrific Voice Actor

Wednesday Evenings from 7pm - 9pm in the MAIN STAGE ROOM

November 11, 18 and December 2, 9

$250.00 is a Terrific Value!

PLEASE RSVP if you intend to participate (We must have at least 4 students to hold the class)

FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS - if a friend signs up you get 10% off the price of the class.

QUESTIONS? Contact Paula Roper, Director of The Performing Arts Conservatory

(908) 464-1019 or Cell (908) 803-1157

performingartsconservatory@gmail.com

Elefante Music on Twitter

Follow Elefante Music on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/elefantemusic.

Broadway Binge - Jersey Boys

Broadway Binge @ The-PAC

Jersey Boys tickets

Wednesday, November 11th, 8PM

An Evening w/ Miles Aubrey

Monday, November 16th, 7:30PM

The-PAC @ Elefante Music

Hip Hop Master Class w/ Prince Riley

Hip Hop Master Class w/ Prince Riley

Saturday October 17th, 1-3PM

The-PAC @ Elefante Music

Elefante Music on Facebook

The new address for the Elefante Music Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/elefantemusic. Become a fan, or just visit. Thanks!

Grand Opening of The-PAC @ Elefante Music

Grand Opening Party of The Performing Arts Conservatory @ Elefante Music will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd! Open House begins @ 10:00am with special guests, events and performances all day and night.

10am – Sing Along with Grandma Mary Ann

11am – Introduction to Dance (ages 3-6) w/ Ruthann Lanni

3pm – Acting for Beginners (ages 8 and up) w/ Suzanne Hevner

4pm – Shakespeare for Fun (ages 8 and up) w/Susanna Baddiel

7pm – Premier of Rocks in the River, an independent short film shot entirely in New Providence, NJ

7:30pm-- Musical performance - Joe Elefante & Friends

Plus films featuring PAC performers running all day and plenty of other surprises!

Visit www.The-PAC.com for more information.

P.S.: Check out this great article by The-PAC's Joe Narciso, which posted on The Alternative Press on Sunday.

Elefante Music Rock Project Final Performance

Congratulations to the Elefante Music Rock Project for a fantastic final performance at Crossroads. I was ill, and unable to teach the second week of the camp, but Joe DeVico took over and did a great job with the students. Below is a clip of the performance, which took place on July 31st at the club in Garwood.

Elefante Music in Music Inc. Magazine

Check out this great article on the store in Music Inc. magazine.

Jazz Camp Final Performance

The Final Performance of the Elefante Music Jazz Camp 2009 was a success! Despite the fact that I left the cymbals at the store (oops), we kept our cool and put on a great show. Congratulations to everyone who performed at Crossroads on Friday night.

Make sure you don't miss Elefante & Friends @ Centennial Park in New Providence on Thursday, July 30, at 7:00pm. This concert will feature Al, Joe, guitar teacher Anthony Sanacore, drum teacher Mike Advensky, and special guest vocalists Caryn Elefante and Yvonne Greene. And, if you'd like to check out the next great EMU student ensemble, we'll be back at the Crossroads with the Rock Project on Friday, July 31 at 6:00pm. See you there.

Rick Henly

Elefante Music is thrilled to announce the addition brass teacher Rick Henly to our top-flight roster of private teachers.

Rick Henly is currently working on his newest CD which will be available soon. Rick recently completed his Christmas CD, CHRISTMAS PRESENT, which is available with his solo CD, LOVE LIKE FIRE, at: www.rickhenly.com, www.amazon.com, and other major retail outlets. Rick is currently performing as a soloist and also as Lead Trumpet for: "America's Tenor" Michael Amante and his 14 piece orchestra; on Broadway; Charli Persip's big band, SUPERSOUND; and in varied venues across the United States.

On March 7, 2003, Rick played the American Premiere of Steve Margoshes' Ballade for Trumpet and Orchestra with the Ridgewood Symphony.

Rick was Lead Trumpet on a dozen Broadway shows, including the long-running hit, MISS SAIGON and has over 20 years experience playing Lead Trumpet on Broadway shows. He graduated from Ithaca College and earned a Masters Degree from Northwestern University. Following school, Rick auditioned and was appointed Principal Trumpet of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, a position that included a scholarship to study with the great Adolph Herseth of the Chicago Symphony. This was followed by a Fellowship to study for two summers at the prestigious Tanglewood Music Center.

His early career included performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera of Chicago. He also played on several recordings with the Chicago Symphony. While in Chicago, Rick was also on the faculties of The American Conservatory of Music, Elmhurst College and the Preparatory Department at Northwestern University.

Called one day to fill in for an ailing lead trumpeter, Rick went to the theater to play for Meredith Willson's THE MUSIC MAN, starring Dick Van Dyke. For that production, Conductor Milton Rosenstock wrote a brilliant trumpet cadenza (based on the MINUET IN G) to end the show. Conductor Rosenstock was so impressed with Rick's rendition of the trumpet solo, that he insisted Rick come to New York and open the show on Broadway the following week.

Since MISS SAIGON, Rick has performed the on-stage 'Harry James' solo in FOSSE and substituted as Lead Trumpet on THE PRODUCERS, CABARET, THE MUSIC MAN, FOLLIES, THOU SHALT NOT, 42nd STREET, and the RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL ORCHESTRA. Rick continues to give solo demonstrations and clinics all around the country.

Rick has performed with the New York Pops, American Symphony, Brooklyn Philharmonic, Little Orchestra Society (Soloist), Liza Minnelli (Lead Trumpet), Shirley Bassey, and Frank Sinatra. Conductors with whom Rick has worked include Leonard Bernstein, Sir Georg Solti, Claudio Abbado, Andre Previn, Rafael Kubelik, Lukas Foss and Skitch Henderson