SJBODA

South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors Association

www.sjboda.org

The past few months have been very exciting and rewarding for the members of SJBODA. On January 8th our Senior High Orchestra and Junior High String Ensemble performed at Rowan University and the following week our Senior High Wind Ensemble and Senior High Symphonic Band performed at the same venue. Their music was beautiful and the result of the many excellent music teachers and programs throughout our region. The conductors for these concerts were Jiannan Cheng (Rowan University), Sue On (Rowan Youth Orchestra), Todd Nichols (Rutgers University), and Patrick O’Keefe (Absegami HS). Amanda Lakits Porco (Hamilton Township Schools) was our band coordinator and Rhea Fernandes (Eastern Regional HS) was our string coordinator. The manager of the Orchestra was Alexandra Rones (Bridgeton Public Schools). Jennifer Calderon and Owen Speas (Rowan University students) managed the String Ensemble. The Wind Ensemble was managed by D. Michael Lynch (Cherokee HS), and Brian Shugarts (Rowan University) was the manager for the Symphonic Band. Joe Higgins was our host for these concerts.

Congratulations to John Harjes (Toms River HS South) who received the 2023 SJBODA Cheryl Rothkopf Memorial Scholarship for orchestra and Sarah Smith (Highland Regional HS) who was the recipient of the band scholarship. We wish these students and all of our seniors continued success in their future endeavors.

Our 15th Annual Chamber Ensemble Concert took place on Tuesday, February 7th at Penns Grove HS. Jon Porco (Deptford Township MS) was our Chamber Ensemble Coordinator and Ken Rafter was our concert host. The ensemble coaches were Brass: Jim Mark (Cherry Hill West HS), Percussion: Andrew Kruc (Deptford Public Schools), Sax Quartet: Noa Even (Rowan University), Woodwind Quintet: Val Kuntz (Williamstown HS), Clarinet Choir: Liz Cicali (Elementary #1 Middle Twp. School District), Flute Quartet: Renae Block (Evesham Flute Studio), and Tuba/Euphonium Quartet: Jacob Weber (Cherry Hill Schools).

Once again, our Junior High Band auditions, held at Southern Regional Middle School, were a successful event. The efforts of Jon Porco (Deptford Township MS) and Joe Jacobs (Ventnor MS, retired), our Junior High Auditions Chairs, were greatly appreciated by teachers and students. With the assistance of Phil Senseney (Southern Regional School District, retired), Jeff Moore (Palmyra HS), and Sue Mark (Rosa MS) they provided a positive experience for all involved. These auditions were hosted by Andrew Wright, Jennifer

Hodgson, and the Southern Regional TRI-M Music Honor Society Chapter. Joe Brausam (Berkeley Twp. ES) is doing a wonderful job in assisting the conductors and students as the Junior High Band Coordinator. The conductors for the 45th Annual Junior High Band Concert are Bethany Wiberg (Richard M. Teitelman MS) and Pamela Turowski (Burlington County Institute of Technology). Mariah Cottrell (CJ Davenport Primary School), Lisa Harkisheimer (Oldmans Township School), and Nancy Robinson (Belhaven MS) are the managers. The rehearsals were hosted by Derek Rohaly at Mainland Regional High School and the concert will take place on March 5th at Fernwood Avenue MS. Marc Spatz and Dawn Donchey will host this event.

The 29th Annual SJBODA Concert Band Festival will take place on Tuesday, March 14th and Wednesday, March 15th at Rowan University. Our festival coordinators are Mike Armstrong (Deptford Township HS) and Jon Porco (Deptford Township MS). Joe Higgins (Rowan University) will host this event. The adjudicators will be Teresa Purcell-Giles (William Patterson University) and Megan Cooney (Rowan University).

The 29th Annual Elementary Honors Band Festival and our 6th Annual Elementary String Festival will take place on Saturday April 29th at Absegami HS. Patrick O’Keefe will be our host. The band conductors will be Howard Isaacson (Dr. Joyce Miller ES), Andrea Goos (Mount Pleasant ES), and Karen Baker (Buena Regional MS). Kate Wyatt (Egg Harbor Township Schools) will conduct the String Ensemble. Our coordinators will be LeeAnn Hewitt (Eagleswood ES & Little Egg Harbor School District) and Christine Macaulay (Clara Barton ES).

The SJBODA Spring Breakfast meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 24th at 9:00 AM at Seven Star Diner. Please contact Lori Ludewig at 609-457-0590 or sjbodapresident@ gmail.com if you plan to attend. Please continue to check the Web site, maintained by Derek Rohaly (Mainland Regional HS), for the latest SJBODA updates.

Lori Ludewig SJBODA President sjbodapresident[at]gmail.com

This column salutes the lives and careers of recently departed colleagues. It is the way NJMEA and NJRMEA can express appreciation for the work that they have done and the lives that they have touched. We mourn their passing and salute their contributions, which are the basis for music education in the state of New Jersey.

Evan S. Cooper

Evan S. Cooper, 74, passed of natural causes on November 25, 2022. Evan was born in Bridgeport, CT, the eldest of 4 sons of the late Edward and Margaret Cooper. Growing up in NJ, he developed an affinity for music and teaching early on, and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from Indiana University. Evan met his wife, Claudia, while directing a community production of Oliver! during his tenure as the Band Director at Monroe-Central High School in Farmland, Indiana. Upon completing his formal education in 1975, they moved to New Jersey so that he could accept a job as the Director of Instrumental Music at his former high school, Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest, a position he held until his retirement in 1997.

Evan excelled at nearly everything he tried ... except retirement. During "retirement," he became the Supervisor of Related Arts at NVRHS Demarest and NVRHS Old Tappan from 1997-2008, the Conductor and Music Director of the Teaneck Community Band from 19982022, the Festival Coordinator of the North Jersey Band Festival Association from 2004-2022, and the Administrator of the Bergen County Teen Arts Festival from 2010-2019. In 2011, he was awarded the New Jersey Music Educators Association Distinguished Leadership and Service Award, and in 2013, he was honored to have been chosen to conduct the All Bergen County Band at their 50th Anniversary Concert. Most recently, in 2020, he became an Adjunct Professor of Music Education at New Jersey City University, passing on a lifetime of experience, expertise, and wisdom to young adults who will be tasked with educating the next generation. The common thread throughout his illustrious career was Evan's passion for teaching young people, his love of music, and his belief that music could and should be transformative.

Evan's love of music was rivaled only by his love for his wife, Claudia. She was an integral part of his decadeslong career, and in their free time they enjoyed visiting with family, working on their "Dream House" in Emerson, and traveling. Evan was predeceased by his beloved Claudia, who passed in 2017, as well as by his mother and father. He is survived by his daughter, Racquel Cooper, son Trevor (Kasey) Cooper, brothers Rawley (Cathy), Topher (Beth) and Corey (Samantha) Cooper, and 4 grandchildren.

JONES, Bernice R., passed away on November 29, 2022 at the age of 91. She was resident of Marlton and formerly Mount Laurel. She is lovingly survived by her cousins; Joyce Walters, Lillian Ogden, Kathy Clark, Ron Frank, Doris Peterson and Joan Stillwell and their families. Bernice was a longtime music teacher in the Cherry Hill elementary school system and was formerly an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Marlton.

Cynthia A. Lynch

Cynthia A. Lynch Cynthia A. Lynch, 65, of Robbinsville, has earned her angel wings and finally found peace, Thursday, December 29, 2022 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. Cindy began and lived her early life in Flemington, spending time at her grandmother’s farm in Montgomery where she grew her love for all of God’s creatures and an incredible work ethic. Her family eventually relocated to Florida where Cindy would become a music major at The University of Florida. There she earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees while playing clarinet in the marching band.

She also played the piano beautifully. After Florida she played clarinet in the LSU marching band while working towards her Doctorate. Cindy was a lifelong music educator beginning in Louisiana, then Lakeland Florida and finally spending 25 years in the Lawrenceville School District. Through her years teaching she produced musicals with her students that left no dry eyes in the audience. She had a profound impact on all that knew her.

Cindy beautifully kept up an 1850s Robbinsville farmhouse with a large vegetable garden, hundreds of annuals and perennials and flower beds full of life. In the summer she could be found on her lawn tractor mowing the 1.75 acres that over 23 years she had transformed into her own personal farm. Once off the lawn mower she would take care of her chickens and her rescue dogs, Cooper & Callie.

She was an amazing woman, wife, and mother who was a selfless caregiver. She was the sweetest, kindest, most compassionate person you would ever meet and would always put others before herself. Cindy was so generous with her heart and she had such an ability to love unconditionally. Her strong faith has given her family the comfort that she has gone before them to be with Jesus.

Daughter of the late Joyce (Matthews) Bell, she was predeceased by her father and stepmother, Jimmy and Harriet “Pat” Barrick, who raised her and made her the special woman that she became. She was also predeceased by her loving sister, Debra Thomas and brother, Duane Bell. Cindy is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Timothy Lynch, her devoted soul mate who never left her side in her battle with cancer. Jimmy Lynch her dedicated son was her proudest gift to the world, she adored him as much as he her.

Cemetery on the Motherhouse grounds in Caldwell.

Sister Mary Ann entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic on August 30, 1948, received the habit on April 21, 1949, made first profession on April 22, 1950 and final profession on April 22, 1956. She was a woman of faith and compassion, which she learned from her parents, Walter and Antoinette O'Connor.

Sister Mary Ann earned a BA from Caldwell University in Music and a MM in Music Education from Catholic University of America. She also completed a Private Voice Study with Louise Natale and attended numerous liturgical conferences at Notre Dame University.

Sister spent 53 years teaching music to students of all ages. She taught at St. John the Baptist, Jersey City; St. Paul, Irvington; Mt. St. Dominic Grade School and High School, Caldwell; and St. Dominic Academy, Jersey City. Sister Mary Ann was fondly remembered as an Associate Professor of Music and Department Chair at Caldwell University (formerly Caldwell College), where she often produced Disney-themed performances which delighted children of all ages. She directed the Children and Adult Choirs in Our Lady of Peace, New Providence. Her final 25 years in ministry were spent at St. Catharine Parish in Spring Lake, teaching and serving as Director of Parish Music Ministry, working with the Children and Adult Choirs.

Sister Mary Ann retired in 2013. She led a beautiful life filled with faith, family and friends. She will be remembered for her sparkling blue eyes, lovely singing voice, ready smile, laughter at a good joke and her patience, kindness and generosity.

Sister Mary Ann was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Antoinette (nee Cossolini), her brother, John and sister, Joan. She is survived by her loving Sisters of Saint Dominic, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Sister Mary Ann O'Connor

Sister Mary Ann O'Connor, OP, a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell for 74 years, entered into eternal life on November 4, 2022 at home in Spring Lake Heights, NJ, at the age of 91.

On Wednesday, November 9, 2022, a wake and funeral mass will be held at Saint Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ. The wake will be from 9:15 - 10:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Gethsemane

Robert D. Seibert

Music Teacher at Madison HS, Former Jerseyan, 67 Robert D. Seibert, age 67, of Augusta, ME, formerly of Berkeley Heights, NJ, died Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at the MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center at Glenridge, following a brief illness. He was born in Rochester, NY on June 22, 1955, a son of the Donald V. and Verna S. (Stone) Seibert. Mr. Seibert was a graduate of Nyack College, and did his graduate study for Music Education in Vandercook College's Master's program. He had been employed for many years at Madison (NJ) High School as an Instrumental Music Teacher and Band Director. After retiring from teaching, he became a personal Chef. Mr. Seibert was pre-deceased by his father, Donald V. Seibert. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lilian L. (Hess) Seibert of Augusta, ME; two children: D. Robertson Seibert of Dingmans Ferry, PA and Elizabeth W. Columbus of Stewartsville, NJ; his mother, Verna S. Seibert of Warren, NJ; two sisters: Donna Seibert-Miller of Fairfield, IA and Diane Seibert-Goodbar of Charlottesville, VA; three granddaughters: Lily and Katie Seibert and Chloe Columbus, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. until his retirement in 1993.

Bill was Conductor and Music Director (Emeritus) of the Monmouth Civic Chorus from 1963 until his retirement in 1992. Under his direction the Chorus performed in Washington, DC and three highly successful European concert tours. Bill also served as conductor of the New Jersey Chamber Singers from 2003 through 2006 and conducted the St. Peter-by-the-Sea Chorale. He served as Director of Music at the Point Pleasant Presbyterian church from 1982 until his retirement in 2018. While at Point Pleasant Presbyterian he conducted the Choral Bells and Chancel Choir. The Chancel Choir performed on two successful European tours.

William R. Shoppell, Jr.

William R. Shoppell, Jr. (Bill) died peacefully November 28, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. Bill was born October 3, 1931 in Reading, Pennsylvania. It was in grade 7 at Northeast Junior High School that Bill decided that he wanted to spend his life teaching music. While attending Reading High School Bill played in the band and was selected to sing in the Pennsylvania All State Chorus and play in the Pennsylvania All State Band. He also played in the Ringgold Band in Reading. Bill went on to Lebanon Valley College where he studied both instrumental and vocal music and received his BS degree. He was listed in the 1952-1953 edition of Who’s Who Among Students in America’s Universities and Colleges. He served as Pennsylvania State President of Future Teachers of America and then National President of Future Teachers of America. Bill was drafted into the US Army in 1953 and became a performing instrumentalist and vocalist for the US Army Field Band. He was honorably discharged in 1956. Bill received his Master of Arts degree from Columbia University and did additional graduate studies at the University of Colorado and Trenton State College where he was awarded a Certificate in Supervision.

Bill’s teaching of music career began in Jefferson County, Colorado and then moved to the Asbury Park Elementary Schools from 1959 to 1966. From there he moved to the Freehold Regional High School District where he taught both instrumental and vocal music. In 1974 he became the District music supervisor of five high schools

Bill was often called upon to adjudicate vocal and instrumental performances and did so with High Note Music Festivals, Ovation Music Festivals, Teen Arts Festival at Ocean County College, Rising Star Program at the Algonquin Arts Theater and Rising Star Program through the Paper Mill Playhouse. Bill served on the Board of Directors for the Monmouth Conservatory of Music and the Algonquin Arts Theater. He was a member of the New Jersey Retired Music Educators Association where he served as Treasurer. In 2016 Bill was inducted into the All-Shore Band Directors Hall of Fame and received the New Jersey Music Educators Association Distinguished Service Award.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Clara (Eberl) Shoppell and William R. Shoppell, Sr., his sisters, Ruth Shoppell, Kathryn (Kitty) Feldman, and his son, Curtis. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Sykes) and his former wife, Wanda (Barb) Shoppell. He is also survived by his children, Andre Bucsek (Brett Hoffman), Gaylen Nolan (Donald), daughter-in-law, Stacy, and his step-children Antoinette Stanley (John), Michael Limpantsis (Pauline), Jason Limpantsis (Jennifer LeBaron).

David Murray Shotwell

David Murray Shotwell, 88, of Ocean Grove, died November 30, 2022 at home with his family present. He married Marilyn Ann Hopper in 1958, a union that continued through his death, covering 64 years and producing four children, David, Elizabeth, James, and John. He was a graduate of Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ, received his Bachelor’s degree from Montclair State

Teachers College, and Master’s Degree fromTrenton State College. He was HS band director, taught instrumental music, and coached swimming and diving in the Neptune Township school system. After retiring from teaching, he began a second career as Chief Administrative Officer with the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. Throughout both careers, he was very active in aquatic safety, notably with the United States Lifesaving Association, Ocean Grove Lifeguards, Red Bank YMCA’s Camp Arrowhead, and Monmouth County ARC’s Camp Allaire. He also served with the NJ Army National Guard, E. H. Stokes Fire Company of the Ocean Grove Fire Department, Ocean Grove First Aid Squad, Ocean Grove Fire Police, New Jersey Music Educators Association, Ocean Grove Auditorium Ushers, and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. He sang in the church choirs. He played trombone with Ocean Grove Summer Band, Greater Shore Concert Band, and Atlantic Wind Ensemble. Dave, with Marilyn, traveled throughout the U.S and around the world in service to the church, the love of music, and promoting beach safety. They helped build a church in North Pole, Alaska, taught an Army MWR music camp in West Berlin, Germany, and served as ambassadors to Ocean Grove, Australia David was predeceased by his parents, Edmund B. Shotwell and Katherine Duguid Shotwell, his brothers Thomas, James, and William and his sister Mary Jane Harris. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his son David Murray Shotwell Jr and Grace Ann Shotwell; his daughter Elizabeth Ann Gannon and Matthew Gannon; his son James Edmund Shotwell and Rama Shotwell; and his son John Thomas Shotwell and Anne Marie Shotwell.

Margaret Holden Trzeciak

Music educator, choral director, inspired many students, 81 Margaret Holden Trzeciak, born January 28, 1941 in Woodbridge, NJ, wife of Alfred Trzeciak of Piscataway, NJ, passed away December 2, 2022, at her home. She was a 1962 graduate of Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio with a Degree in Music and obtained her Master's Degree in Music from The College of New Jersey. She was a music educator and choral director for over 25 years. She started teaching in South River, NJ where she met her husband, and then in the Rahway, and Millburn, NJ school districts. Her choral ensembles and musical productions were the recipients of many awards. After her retirement, she continued singing with various choral ensembles. She was an excellent music teacher who shared her love of music and inspired the many students that she taught. She is survived by her husband, Alfred, her daughter, Evelyn Leduc of Miami Beach and son David Trzeciak of Marietta, Georgia and her five grandchildren: Teague, Edgar, Cora, Auguste, and Molly as well as a large extended family.