News

April 2025 Music Boosters Newsletter

Sent: April 1, 2025

Dear Parents,

Spring has arrived, and our music programs are alive with energy! April is packed with exciting performances, trips, and more—from Indoor Percussion traveling to the WGI Championships in Dayton, to our NHS Choir heading to Austria, and many of our students participating in festivals and showcases across the region. We couldn’t be prouder of all they’re accomplishing.

Our JHWMS students are also preparing for their upcoming trip to Hershey in May—a highlight that offers a fun and memorable performance experience. Final payments are due this month, so please be sure to visit the payment portal for the latest details.

There are also several great opportunities to support your student’s musical journey this month. Orders for our Nothing Bundt Cakes fundraiser are due this Sunday, April 6, so don’t miss out! Plus, our Spring Plant and Garden Décor Fundraiser will be launching soon. Don’t forget—Student Fundraising Accounts are available year-round to help families offset music-related costs.

We’re also excited to continue supporting our youngest musicians—we’ll continue to be present at each of this month’s elementary spring concerts and share how the Boosters support music at every level.

Looking ahead, we can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2025 and our amazing underclassmen at the 50th Annual Music Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 22 at The Elan in Lodi. Formal invitations will be mailed soon. Our final General Meeting of the school year and 2025–26 Officer Elections will take place on Thursday, May 8—we hope you’ll join us!

As always, please feel free to reach out by email or message directly in the BAND App with any questions. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our music programs!

Warm regards,
Sal Scarpelli
President, Nutley Music Boosters

🎉 Student & Ensemble Highlights

• Alexis Hamlin was recognized by the Board of Commissioners for receiving the NJ Governor’s Award in Arts Education for Vocal Music.

• NHS Chamber Singers were featured in the #INSPIRED showcase at Montclair State on March 23.

• NHS Concert Band and Wind Ensemble both earned Silver Ratings at the NJSMA Region 1 Concert Band Festival.

• NHS Indoor Percussion was a finalist at the WGI Power Regional in Toms River

• NHS Winter Guard just completed their regular MAIN competition season this past Saturday and performed at their first WGI Regional in March.

💰Student Fundraising Information

NMBA offers Student Fundraising Accounts to help offset costs related to music activities at JHWMS and NHS. Funds carry over year to year! For more information, including current balances by contacting Treasurer Teresa Bonilla: trealpebonilla2018@gmail.com 

🎂 Nothing Bundt Cakes – Orders Due Sunday, April 6

We’re partnering with Nothing Bundt Cakes in West Caldwell, NJ, offering a variety of delicious bundt cakes in 3 different sizes and 5 mouthwatering flavors!

• Download Fundraising Packet 

• Order Deadline: Sunday, April 6, 2025 to Mary Costantino (29 Highfield Lane)

• Order Delivery and Pickup: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 (Parks & Rec Annex, 65 Bloomfield Ave - 4-7pm)

⭐ Upcoming Opportunities

• 🌷Spring Plant & Garden Décor Fundraiser
  Our annual spring fundraiser is just around the corner—perfect for Mother’s Day and spring sprucing!

• 💰Shop-Rite Can Shake - Saturday, April 19
  Sign Up to be announced on the BAND App this upcoming weekend.

💳 Year-Round Fundraising Options

Please visit our website at https://www.nutleymusicboosters.org/fundraisers/current-opportunities for more information on the following: 

• Individual Online Donation Pages

• Gertrude Hawk Chocolates

• RaiseRight - Gift Cards to 700+ merchants

• Shop-Rite / Stop & Shop Gift Cards

• NHS Auditorium "Sponsor a Seat"

🌞 Nutley Summer Music Program

In partnership with the Nutley School District, this summer enrichment program is designed for students going into Grades 3 through 12.  It offers small group instruction in a wide variety of string and band instruments, along with vocal and piano training. We're delighted to introduce a variety of other courses, including a Musical Theatre Boot Camp, a Jazz Combo, and Introduction to Color Guard and Marching Percussion.

This program will run from July 14-25, 2025. For more information, please visit www.nutleymusicboosters.org/summermusic. 

📅 April Calendar Highlights

To view a full calendar, please visit our website or on the BAND App.

• Sat, Apr 5 – Indoor Percussion USBands Championships | South Brunswick HS - Tickets 

• Mon, Apr 7 – Indoor Percussion & Winter Guard Friends & Family Show | 8:30 PM | NHS Gym

• Tues, Apr 8 – NJSMA Region 1 MS & HS Orchestra Festival | Mahwah HS *** Indoor Percussion Luggage Check

• Wed, Apr 9 – Sun, Apr 13 – Indoor Percussion Trip to WGI World Championships (Dayton, OH)

• Wed, Apr 9 – Washington 3/4 Spring Concert

• Thurs, Apr 10 – Radcliffe 3/4 Spring Concert

• Sun, April 13 - Winter Guard MAIN Championships | Lehigh University - Tickets 

• Tues, Apr 15 – Tues, Apr 22 – NHS Choir Trip to Austria

• Tues, Apr 15 – Final Hershey Trip Payment Due - Payment Link 

• Wed, Apr 16 – Nothing Bundt Cakes Pickup

• Sat, Apr 19 – Shop-Rite Can Shake - 8am-4pm

• Thurs, Apr 24 – 2025-26 Marching Band Interest Meeting | 6:30 PM | NHS Auditorium

• Friday, Apr 25 - 2025-26 NMBA Executive Board Nominations Deadline - Online Form 

• Sun, Apr 27 – All-Eastern Choir Concert | Hartford, CT | 11 AM - Tickets 

• Tues, Apr 29 – Spring Garden 3/4 Spring Concert

• Wed, Apr 30 – Yantacaw 3/4 Spring Concert