News

May 2025 Music Boosters Newsletter

Sent: May 1, 2025

Dear Parents and Staff,

April was truly one to remember—our Indoor Percussion Ensemble took the world stage at the WGI World Championships in Dayton, OH, our NHS Choir students embarked on an unforgettable performance tour through Austria, and seven talented singers represented Nutley in the prestigious All-Eastern Choir, selected from over 2,000 applicants across 11 states. We also celebrated the end of the competition season for our NHS Winter Guard, who gave it their all and closed out their season with pride and determination. At the elementary level, we will wrap up a wonderful series of spring concerts, highlighting the enthusiasm and progress of our youngest musicians!

These accomplishments reflect the hard work and heart of our students, directors, and the community that supports them.

As we head into May, our calendar remains full of exciting events and meaningful milestones:

• Our JHWMS musicians are preparing for their spring trip to Hershey Park.

• The NHS Spring Instrumental Concert will be held on Tuesday, May 13, followed by the NHS Spring Choir Concert on Tuesday, May 20.

• Marching Band registration for 2025–26 is now open and due by Thursday, May 15

• Summer Music Program registration is in progress and closes Friday, June 13.

• Our final General Membership Meeting and 2025–26 Officer Elections will be held on Thursday, May 8—we hope you’ll join us!

We’re also looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2025 and our outstanding underclassmen at the 50th Annual Music Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 22 at The Elan in Lodi. Invitations have been mailed to all participants in our NHS music programs, and the RSVP deadline is Thursday, May 8.

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

• The NHS Choir completed a week-long performance tour in Austria, with memorable concerts at Marabell Gardens in Salzburg and the Haus der Musik in Vienna.

• NHS Choir students Makayla Albert, Cameron Anderson, Veronica Daniels, Abigail Elphick, Alexis Guevara, Alexis Hamlin, and Alekaii Rosado performed as part of the All-Eastern Choirs on April 27 in Hartford, CT—an extraordinary honor and achievement.

• 19 of our NHS choral students have been selected for the 2025-2026 NJMEA All-State Honor Choirs!

  • Cameron Anderson (Bass 1), Noah Blasiak (Bass 2), and Abigail Elphick (Alto 2) earned the highest scores in their respective voice parts

• The NHS Indoor Percussion Ensemble placed 3rd at the USBands Championships and proudly represented Nutley at the WGI World Championships in Dayton, OH.

• The NHS Orchestra earned a Gold Rating and the JHWMS Orchestra received a Silver Rating at the NJSMA Region 1 Orchestra Festival.

• The NHS Winter Guard showcased their season’s work at the MAIN Championships held at Lehigh University

💰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

• For those who participated in our spring plant sale - pickup will be Tuesday, May 6 from 4-7pm at Parks & Rec - Room 300, 44 Park Avenue.

💳 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"

🍔 "Dine to Donate" Events

Join us for two delicious opportunities this month to support the Nutley Music Boosters while enjoying a meal with family and friends:

• Red Robin, Clifton - Flyer
  Thursday, May 1 - All Day
  20% of all food sales donated back
  Dine In, Take Out and Online Ordering
  Must present flyer or mention fundraiser. If ordering online, add the fundraiser menu item to your cart

• Smashburger, Clifton - Flyer
  Wednesday, May 28 - All Day - National Burger Day!
  20% of all sales donated back
  Dine In, Take Out and Online Ordering (use promo code SBFUNDRAISE)

🌞 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 - Registration deadline is Friday, June 13, 2025.

📅 May Calendar Highlights

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

• Thurs, May 1 - Red Robin "Dine to Donate" - Flyer 

• Thurs, May 8 - NMBA General Membership Meeting and 2025-26 Officer Elections | 7:00 PM | In-Person and Google Meet 

• Thurs, May 8 - Lincoln 3/4 Spring Concert

• Thurs, May 8 - RSVP Deadline for Music Awards Dinner - RSVP Link 

• Tues, May 13 - NHS Spring Instrumental Concert | 7:00 PM

• Thurs. May 15 - Marching Band Registration Form and Payment Due | Online Form | Online Payment 

• Tues, May 20 - NHS Spring Choir Concert | 7:00 PM

• Wed, May 21 - Marching Band Parade Rehearsal | 3:00 PM

• Thurs, May 22 - 50th Annual Music Awards Dinner | 6:30 PM | The Elan, Lodi

• Mon, May 26 - Memorial Day Parade

• Wed, May 28 - Smashburger "Dine to Donate" - Flyer 

• Thurs, May 29 - JHWMS Music Trip Luggage Check

• Fri, May 30 - Sat, May 31 - JHWMS Music Trip to Hershey