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December 2025 Music Boosters Newsletter

Sent: December 2, 2025

Dear Music Families and Staff,

On the heels of our successful Holiday Vendor Fair held last week, it is inspiring to see how our families and community continue to support our music programs in so many ways.

December is always one of the busiest and most meaningful times of the year. It is a season filled with performances, traditions, and opportunities for our students to share the joy of music with the entire town. We have many exciting events ahead, including our Yuletide and middle school concerts, the St. Mary’s Benefit Concert that supports our scholarship fund, and community favorites like the Tree Lighting and holiday caroling.

In addition to concerts and events, we also have a "Dine to Donate" at Bacarosa on Wednesday, December 10. Fifteen percent of all sales from that evening will benefit Music Boosters, and they will be donating a portion of select entrees and drinks for the entire month back to our organization. Students also have the opportunity to participate in our new Cookie Fundraiser, which helps build their fundraising credits for trip costs and other program expenses.

I would also like to thank all who participated in our recent food drive for the Nutley Family Service Bureau. More than 40 bags of food were donated, and thanks to a fortunate vendor miscount, we were able to donate 20 pecan pies to families in need for Thanksgiving. Your generosity makes a true difference in our community!

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions. I hope your families enjoy a warm, joyful, and music-filled holiday season.

Warm regards,

Sal Scarpelli
President, Nutley Music Boosters Association

Student and Ensemble Spotlight

The NHS Marching Band performed at MetLife Stadium as part of USBands National Championships ending their 2025 season in 7th place with a score of 91.65.
The following NHS students performed as part of the NJ All-State Mixed Chorus: Makayla Albert, Samantha Alper, Alexandra Amiths, Cameron Anderson, Ripley Ballou, Noah Blasiak, Lincoln Boyes, Makenna DeJianne, Sofia Duca, Bethany Duffy, Abigail Elphick, Samuel Guanzon, Emerson Morales, Reva Patel, Kathryn Van Houten
Congratulations to NHS students Veronica Daniels (Percussion), Rachelle Bonilla (Alto Sax) & Emily Ruthman (Flute) who were selected and performed as aprt of The College of NJ Honors Band

Winter Concert Season

NHS Yuletide Concert

Tuesday, December 9 - 7 PM
Snow Date: Wednesday, December 10

A cherished tradition that brings together the NHS Choirs, Orchestra, and Band for an evening of seasonal favorites and musical excellence.

St. Mary’s Benefit Concert

Friday, December 12 - 7 PM

Experience the captivating beauty of the season at the Holiday Benefit Concert on Friday, December 12 at 7:00 PM, hosted in the stunning St. Mary’s Church, 17 Msgr. Owens Place, Nutley. Known for its remarkable acoustics, St. Mary’s provides the perfect setting for this enchanting evening, where every note will resonate and echo with extraordinary clarity and warmth.

The thoughtfully curated program will celebrate the holiday spirit with timeless pieces, culminating in a powerful and awe-inspiring performance of the majestic Hallelujah Chorus.

Doors will open to the public at 6:45 PM. A suggested donation of $5 will benefit the Nutley Music Boosters’ Scholarship Fund and the Nutley Public Schools Music Program.

JHWMS Winter Concert

Wednesday, December 17 - 6:30 PM
Snow Date: Thursday, December 18

Our middle school choir, band, and orchestra students perform holiday and winter themed selections showcasing their progress and growth since September.

Holiday Events

Township Tree Lighting

Sunday, December 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM

We will be selling hot chocolate and cookies at this event.

To help offset the upfront costs, we’re kindly asking families to consider a $10 monetary donation. Due to Health Department regulations, all baked goods cannot be homemade, so we have pre-ordered holiday-themed cookies for the event.

Donations can be sent via Venmo - @nutleymusicboosters.
Please put "Tree Lighting" in the memo field.

Holiday Caroling

Saturday, December 20 • 5:00 to 8:00 PM

In conjunction with Commissioner Scarpelli's office, students will perform at local restaurants and businesses throughout town, spreading holiday cheer with classic carols and festive selections. Any donations received will be split among participating students, who will also earn community service hours. This is always a joyful evening filled with Nutley spirit.

Fundraising Opportunities

For Fundraising Chairperson contact information, please consult the notice in the BAND App or attached Fundraising Flyer.
For your student’s current fundraising balance, please contact NMBA Treasurer, Teresa Bonilla at trealpebonilla2018@gmail.com.
Need a fast fundraising rundown? View our 5-minute Screencast.

Pop's Bakery Cookies and Rice Crispy Treats

December 1 - 12

Fundraising Credit: 40% of all individual sales

Chairperson: Sal Scarpelli

We’ve partnered with Pop’s Bakery in Point Pleasant Beach (the same owners as Bacarosa) to bring you 6- and 12-pack cookie boxes and rice crispy treats, perfect for holiday parties and gifting.

This fundraiser is entirely online, with options to have the treats shipped to home or to pick them up on Friday, December 19, at Bacarosa in Nutley.

There will also be a special happy hour for Nutley Music Boosters during pickup.
Ship to home orders will ship the same day as the physical pickup date.

The flyer and online link can be shared with family and friends. Supporters must put your child's name in the field at check out for them to receive credit.

Can Shake at Shop-Rite

The Sunday, December 20th can shake sign up will open up on Saturday, December 6 at 2pm via the BAND App and is open to all students in Grades 7-12.

For fairness to all, moving forward, only a student’s parent or the student themselves may sign up for a Can Shake shift. If anyone other than the parent or student signs someone up, that name will be removed from the schedule ** We can see who signs up who!

Year-Round Options

Earn credits anytime with Gertude Hawk Chocolates, RaiseRight gift cards, ShopRite/Stop & Shop gift cards, and your personal online donation page.

California Trip Payments

For families participating in the 2026 California Music Department Trip, the 3rd payment of $500 was due on Monday, December 1, 2025. Fundraising credits may be applied toward all future payments.

Schedule:

4th Payment: $500 due January 1, 2026
5th Payment: $500 due February 1, 2026
Final Payment: $300 / Remaining Balance due February 15, 2026

Student Credit Balance Questions? Email Teresa Bonilla at trealpebonilla2018@gmail.com.

Membership and Ways to Stay Involved

Membership is just $25 per family and directly supports our programs while giving your student full eligibility for fundraising credits and for seniors, our scholarships.
Please reach out if you are unsure of your membership status before purchasing. If you have a student in marching band, you are all set!
Volunteer: Help with the Holiday Pop-Up, Fundraiser deliveries, and other hospitality events (sign-ups via BAND App).
Stay Connected: Visit the Parent Info Hub for links, forms, and calendars.