September 2022

YORK MUSIC BOOSTERS

Newsletter #090722

WELCOME BACK
"Welcome Back" to everyone and special greetings to our new freshmen and transfer families. York Music Boosters (YMB) looks forward to supporting a full plate of performing arts events and activities this school year.

JOIN
When you join YMB as a supporting member, or make a donation, you are helping to fund student grants, camp scholarships, financial assistance for needy students, Fine Arts Week, York Album Project, guest speakers, and more. Last year, we approved over $6,000 for private lessons, summer scholarships, and year-end awards. And, we contributed $4,500 to music department facility upgrades (see "Sound Improvements in the Music Area," below).

Memberships reset annually, so if you were a member last year, please be sure to sign up again for this new school year.

WIN
Become a Concerto Level member ($75) by September 30 and your name will automatically be entered into a raffle to win four VIP reserved seats for the band, orchestra, choir, or dance performance of your choice during the 2022-23 school year. Four lucky winners will be selected.

SWAG
Already a member for the 2022-23 school year? Pick up your membership premiums at the Collage Concert on September 21. Look for the York Music Boosters table.

MARCHING BAND KICKS IT OFF
York's marching band wowed the crowd during halftime at the first home game of the year on August 26. Don't miss this dynamic group at upcoming games, including Homecoming on September 16. See the Performing Arts calendar for more info.

BAND AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT ATTIRE FOR 2022-23
Performance attire for band and orchestra students, following the Collage Concert, is as follows:
  • All-black dress pants or long (ankle length) black skirt. No jeans or denim skirts. Legs are covered to the ankles by black, while seated or standing.
  • All-black dress shirt/blouse/top with long sleeves and modest (high) neckline.
  • All-black dress shoes (no flip-flops, sandals, or tennis/athletic shoes).
  • Socks, if worn, must be solid black.
  • Solid black long tie (or bow tie) is optional. Tie must be solid black, no pattern.

Optional school tuxedos and skirts
Students may optionally choose to use a York-issued formal uniform.

OPTIONAL UNIFORM PICKUP
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Skirt Pickup
Thursday, September 29
3:10 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Tuxedo Jacket/Pant Pickup
Thursday, October 6
3:10 p.m. - 5 p.m.

- Pickup Location: Uniform Room, located halfway up the stairs across from the music dept entrance. -

Students wearing York-issued tuxedos or skirts will need to provide an all-black long-sleeved shirt/blouse/top, black dress shoes, and all-black socks as outlined above.

More information regarding orchestra and band attire can be found on the YMB website. 

Helpers needed
We can always use some extra hands in fitting our students with formal attire. If you are available to help with inventory on September 15, or with uniform pickup on September 29 or October 6, please sign up here.

For questions regarding uniforms or volunteering, please contact Denise Steinbrecher.

COLLAGE CONCERT
September 21
7:30 p.m.
Field House

This unique showcase features band, orchestra, choir, music production and dance students coming together for one fabulous evening of performances.

KILWINS FUNDRAISER
September 21
*Same day as the Collage Concert*
11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
148 N York St - Downtown Elmhurst

Mention York Music Boosters and 20% of your total order will support performing arts students in band, orchestra, choir, music production, and dance.

Grab a treat before or after the Collage Concert!

See flyer for more info.

 

AMC GIG AT BREWPOINT CRAFT

September 23
Music starts at 6:30 p.m.
Brewpoint Craft
617 N York, Elmhurst

The Amateur Musicians Club (AMC) will be performing live! Admission is free, but there will be an opportunity to make a donation to York Music Boosters. All money raised will go toward supporting music programs at York. All ages are welcome to come out and enjoy some free music! Grab a coffee or cocktail and enjoy the show.

 

SOUND IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MUSIC AREA
Thanks to our generous members and donors, YMB was able to provide $4,500 in funding to help install seal kits and soundproofing in the music department area of the high school. Work began this summer and is nearly complete.

Music Production teacher Chris Gemkow says the improvements are making a big difference. "The new sound panels and acoustic treatment of the music lab studio has had a remarkable impact on the overall quality of the sound environment," said Gemkow. "Some of the most important improvements aren't so glamorous, like sound treatment above the ceiling, new drywall, and acoustic seals on every practice room door. The new improvements will make practicing and recording a better experience for all musicians." 

 

HOLIDAY GREENS SALE

It's almost that time of year again! The annual York Greens Sale is just around the corner. Every year, band, orchestra and choir students can earn money toward their future York music department travel expenses by selling fresh greens for the holidays. Check the YMB website starting September 27 for information.

This year's sale will be a great way for orchestra students to offset the costs of the trip to Orlando, planned for March 24 - 29. Students will perform at Disney World!

Learn more about student escrow.

 

PUT ON YOUR DANCING SHOES
York Dance Company (YDC) is an extracurricular club where students learn choreography from guest teachers and their peers for concert performances. Students should contact Mrs. Jensen or Ms. Pinta for more info.
 

Informational Meeting
September 21 (Wed)
After school
Black Box Dance Studio

Auditions
September 28 (Wed)
After school
Black Box Dance Studio


Dance shirts are now available on PushCoin. The shirts are for anyone, but can be worn as part of a student's uniform for dance class. Short sleeve, $12. Long sleeve, $15.

 

GRANTS FOR STUDENT MUSICIANS

York Music Boosters is pleased to offer grants to musicians currently enrolled in a York High School performing arts program. These grants are intended to provide financial support for students who wish to pursue additional enrichment opportunities above and beyond the set curriculum. Find more information on the YMB website.

 

EXTRACURRICULARS
Encourage your student to get involved!
Activity Staff Contact
Amateur Musicians Club (Th after school) Gemkow
Drama Club Marianetti
Fine Arts Week Committee Gemkow
Jazz Ensemble* (Tu, Wed, Th before school) Pavlik
Jazz Lab Band (Mon, Fri before school) Pavlik
Media Music Club (Fri after school) Ernst
Pep Band Pavlik
Record Club (Fri before school) Gemkow
York Dance Company* (Wed after school) Jensen / Pinta

*auditioned group

 

ILMEA SUBMISSIONS DUE SOON

The deadline for ILMEA submissions is October 15. Students interested in participating should talk with their music teacher. Learn more about the Illinois Music Education Association.

 

YORK DRAMA ANNOUNCES FALL PLAY
Shakespeare's "As You Like It" is coming to the auditorium in October. Visit the drama website for the latest info.

York Drama Boosters is hosting a Meet & Greet night for parents of anyone interested or involved in York drama - September 14, 7 - 9pm, Effigy Salon & Lounge.

 

INTRODUCING THE 2022-23 YMB BOARD
With a fresh new school year started, and lots of exciting performing arts events in-the-works, the YMB team is ready for action. Click here to see this year's board members. Interested in having an impact on York High School music and performing arts? Consider joining us. We always have room for motivated helpers. Email us to learn more.

 

YOUR HELP NEEDED

Uniform Inventory and Pickup: Sign up here to help outfit students choosing to wear optional York-issued skirts and tuxedos.

Fundraising Chair: Join our board! Help us explore possible fundraising activities. This is a new position that you can truly make your own. Email if interested.

 

A WARM WELCOME AT OPEN HOUSE 
A talented group of York string players warmly greeted Open House visitors on September 1. Check out a video clip on the YMB home page.

 

STAY CONNECTED

York Music Boosters on Facebook and Instagram - Stay up-to-date on the latest music news.

York Music Boosters Website - Find tons of information on things like grants/scholarships, uniforms, fundraisers, student escrow accounts, and more.

York Performing Arts Website - Your one stop for the Performing Arts calendar and department contacts. Be sure to check out the new Google Calendar link that shows performing arts events for schools across D205.

York Community High School Performing Arts on Facebook - Get inspired with the York Performing Arts Department.

 York Album Project on Instagram - Album releases, live performances, it's all here on Insta.