Summer Music Program
by Benjamin Lliguicota
Embedded Files
Concert at Island Park - Summer 2024
Many have found themselves bored out of their minds during the dog days of summer, begging for the slow days to go by. Those same people obviously haven’t discovered the Williamsville Summer Music Program! The program offers a wide range of activities and ensembles to keep you engaged, improving your instrument skills, and most importantly, having fun.
During an exclusive interview, Mrs. Jaime Pitnell, Director for the Arts, Business & Marketing, and Family & Consumer Sciences in Williamsville, shared how engaging the summer programs are and why you should join. The program offers several performing ensembles for all ages, from beginning musicians to adults wanting to continue with their instrument. “Our summer program is proudly co-sponsored by the District and the Music Boosters and runs throughout the month of July. For all of our ensembles, there are five rehearsals followed by a performance. We also offer a week-long Beginning Band Boot Camp for our incoming fourth graders,” Pitnell explained. In addition, private lessons for a wide range of instruments and voices will be available, along with the exciting debut of a new ensemble.
Anyone who wants to play is welcome to join! Ensembles are organized by the grade level you’ll be entering in the fall:
Orchestra: Two groups—Grades 5-8 and Grades 9-12
Band: Three groups—Grades 5-6, Grades 7-9, and a Grade 10-Adult band (open to community members)
Each ensemble will perform a final concert as part of the program. The first concert will include the 5-6 band, 7-9 band, 5-8 orchestra, and 9-12 orchestra. The second concert will be an outdoor concert at Island Park and will feature the Beginning Band Boot Camp’s first-ever performance and the Williamsville Community Band (grade 10-adult band).
All ensembles are free to join, with the option to join the Music Boosters when you sign-up. Private lessons and the Beginning Band Boot Camp have a fee to join, in addition to becoming a member of the Williamsville Music Boosters. More information, including the prices, will be shared in the coming weeks through the District and Booster websites! Families are encouraged to reach out to Mrs. Pitnell with any questions or concerns regarding the program!
Mrs. Amie Vredenburg conducting grade 5-8 orchestra
The progress students make from the first rehearsal to the final performance is incredible, according to Mrs. Pitnell. “I think the most memorable moments for me in our summer program—especially being newer to the district in these past few years—were seeing how many students and community members chose to participate. Watching them come together, build their skills, and share their love for music over the summer was truly inspiring,” Mrs. Pitnell said.
Mrs. Amie Vredenburg, the orchestra director at Mill Middle School and conductor for the 5-8 Summer Orchestra described the program as energetic and fun, with plenty of music, quick connections among students, and even candy or popsicle breaks to keep things lighthearted.
One of Mrs. Vredenburg's main goals of running the program is to make sure that kids will enjoy it. “I hope that the main thing is that they love it. And not only will they continue to support it as students by continuing to participate, but that when they’re in college, they will support the arts and have an appreciation for it,” Mrs. Vredenburg said. She also added that “The summer orchestra gives everybody a chance to keep an instrument that they might have otherwise returned—or play an instrument they might otherwise not play.”
Mrs. Betsy Gengo conducting grade 5-6 band
Mrs. Anneke Ieda conducting grade 9-12 orchestra
Mr. Matthew Cool, band director at South High and long-time Summer Music Coordinator, shared that the Community Band originally consisted only of adults. In 2000, he opened it to students in 10th grade and above. This decision enriched the band's diversity and secured its growth, allowing the band to consistently maintain over 100 members every year.
Mr. Cool has conducted the Community Band each summer for the past 25 years, fostering a profound sense of community. This year, he will be passing the baton to a new coordinator and conductor.
Mr. Matthew Cool conducting community band during rehearsal
This year, the Music Boosters have designed a brand-new t-shirt for the Summer Music Program, showcasing its 2025 slogan: Play like you mean it!
Participants can purchase their t-shirts during the program sign-up process, opening in early May.
WMB T-shirt for summer 2025
Front
Back
Grab your WMB T-shirt and play like you mean it!
More fun facts about Mrs. Pitnell
In addition to her role as Director of Arts for the district, Mrs. Pitnell is an active musician as well. Before stepping into her current role, she taught music for many years. She always loved music and its ability to inspire and allow people to express themselves through it. She pursued teaching because she “wanted to be able to help others learn how to do the same.” She is the Principal Flutist in the Buffalo Wind Symphony and takes part in the Williamsville Community Band in the summer.
Page updated
Report abuse