CANCELED: You're Invited: WHS Sophomore Career Fair

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Sophomore WHS Career Fair

On the morning of Wednesday, March 25th, WHS will be hosting a Career Fair for our sophomore students. WHS is looking for volunteers to come back to the high school and speak about their career paths to current students.

The event will be organized similar to a trade show or college fair, where participants will be stationed at tables and students can visit tables and chat with participants. This way students can learn about the necessary training/schooling needs, what it is like to work in that field, and have the opportunity to ask questions in a more personal and focused manner. In the past, students found this event meaningful and helpful for their post-secondary planning.

Sign up for the WHS Career Fair today:

 

Can’t make the event? Share your story!

You're Invited: WHS Alumni Winter Recital

In partnership with fellow WHS Alumna and pianist, Alexandra Saraceno, we invite WHS musical alumni and the Watertown community to the old Watertown library, Walker Hall, (50 DeForest Street, Watertown) for our first WHS Alumni Winter Recital on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 6:30pm. Come enjoy classical music, bring a date, get dressed up, and enjoy!

PARKING is available in the Congregational Church next door - though we want to note their parking lot lights are broken. We will have someone outside with a flashlight to guide you, if necessary. There is also parking available at Woodward Chapel, a short walking distance from Walker Hall.

WHS students are encouraged to attend and meet with musicians after their performances to ask any questions about life after high school pursuing music.

Please RSVP to this event on Facebook if you are going to attend. The event is free with a $10 or $20 donation suggestion at the door.RSVP on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/events/634600150680884

We sincerely hope you can join us in this celebration of local pride and musical pursuits!

 

Our confirmed musicians and vocalists:

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Alexandra Saraceno, Class of 2010, New York, New York

Alexandra Saraceno began her piano studies at a young age in Watertown, Connecticut. An active soloist and collaborator, she has performed at various venues and festivals throughout the country. A graduate of Western Connecticut State University, Alexandra studied with Russell Hirshfield and received her Bachelor of Music degree with a philosophy minor. She continued her studies at New York University, studying with Marilyn Nonken, to pursue a Master of Music in piano performance and an Advanced Certificate in piano performance and pedagogy. 

Past engagements include Spectrum’s Modern Piano (+) Festival Hommage à Messiaen recital, Mark Mothersbaugh’s Music for Six-Sided Keyboard in conjunction with Motherbaugh’s Myopia exhibition organized by the Grey Art Gallery; George Antheil’s Ballet Mécanique for four pianos and Philip Glass’s The Fall of the House of Usher with NYU’s Contemporary Music Ensemble directed and conducted by Jonathan Haas; History of American Music Community Arts Program (soloist) at Symphony Space directed by David Rosenmeyer; and the Arts for Mexico and Puerto Rico Benefit Gala Concert at Hunter College.

Alexandra’s affinity for contemporary music has led to collaborating with composers, performing with NYU’s Contemporary Music Ensemble, New Music and Dance Ensemble, WCSU’s New Music Ensemble, and premiering works for solo piano, chamber ensemble, and orchestra. A sought-after teacher, Alexandra has cultivated a comprehensive approach through her work at the Center for Creative Youth at Wesleyan University, the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Western Connecticut State University, and the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University as adjunct piano instructor, and throughout the New York City public schools.

 
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Amber Wood, Class of 2007, Baltimore, MD

Amber Wood is a 3rd grade teacher in the public school system, a voice teacher at Artist Music Academy, and a company member of the Stillpointe Theatre Initiative. She first developed her love for  the performing arts singing in various children’s choirs and musicals. She also began playing piano at the age of 5 and studied at the Hartt School of Music during her adolescence. After performing in the musicals at Watertown High School, The Warner Theatre, and the Thomaston Opera House during her teen years, she went on to major in Musical Theatre Performance and received her B.F.A. from Ithaca College in 2011. After graduation, she became the Interim Director of Music at the Watertown Congregational Church before moving to NYC and performing at various theaters throughout the Tri-State area. In 2014 she was accepted into the Teach For America Program and moved to Baltimore, where she continues to perform. In 2016, she received her Masters of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University.

 

Christine Manalo, Class of 2014, Bethel, Connecticut

Christine Manalo is a pianist, organist, and operatic soprano based in Western Connecticut. As a native of Watertown, CT, she privately studied piano with Ms. Anna Jedd and continued to pursue her love for music. Under the direction of Ms. Jedd, she was a singer in the Litchfield County Children’s Choir, where she was able to perform with the Connecticut Choral Society and CT Master Chorale. Through these experiences, she was given the opportunity to perform on the Lincoln Center stage. 

She is currently the Choir Director at Bethel High School, where she leads two choirs, as well as Keyboarding and Adaptive Music. She collaborates actively with the BHS Symphonic Band and Orchestra, and currently resides as the Music Director for their mainstage musical production. She is a recent WCSU graduate, earning her B.S. Music Education degree, where she studied classical voice with Laura Mashburn, and classical piano with Dr. Russell Hirshfield. She is the winner of the 2018 James Furman Honors competition, and recently placed first in the Upper College Women’s Division in New England National Association of Teachers Singing (NATS). 

Past stage credits include Hansel ünd Gretel (Gretel) at WCSU, which was selected as the 1st Place Winner in the National Opera Assocation Competition; The Magic Flute (Second Spirit) at Yale Opera, and Die Zauberflote (Pamina).

Additionally, Christine is an active organist and pianist. She has previously served as the Music Coordinator and Pianist for Union Congregational Church in Oakville, and now currently presides as the organist at All Saints Episcopal Church in Watertown. 

 
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Linda Norton, Class of 2004, Watertown, Connecticut

Linda Norton is a local business owner and performer. Linda has been singing in choirs since second grade, and was a member of the WHS choir from 2000-2004. She went onto Naugatuck Community College and joined their choir and opera society and ensemble. While pursuing her associates degree in Liberal Arts, she also attended music classes such as Music Theory and Ear Training. Now she owns Relaxing Getaway Massage in Watertown, and she’s also a member of the Hartford Chorale where she has been singing second soprano for two years.

 

Call for Musicians: WHS Alumni Winter Recital

In partnership with fellow WHS Alumna and pianist, Alex Saraceno, we invite WHS musical alumni to share your talent and craft with the community this January at the old Watertown library for our first Alumni Recital on January 4, 2020.

This is not an open mic; instead, we aim to program any chamber or solo works up to ten minutes. We’re looking to program art song and classical music. We’re hoping to fill 6 spots with Watertown talent in a magical winter program. We’ll be inviting Watertown High School students and their families to enjoy the program while also being able to chat with alumni after the event about their musical pursuits and what they are doing now.

If you are interested, please get in touch and e-mail us at stories@townmag.co. We’re excited to be hosting an event like this!

We sincerely hope you can join us in this celebration of local pride and musical pursuits!

Sponsor Highlight: LaBonne's Markets

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We’re so excited that Robert LaBonne Jr., CEO of LaBonne's Markets is a 2019 sponsor. LaBonne’s has sponsored TOWN now for two years. LaBonne’s is a vital part of the Watertown community, from hiring WHS students and graduates to providing important weekly groceries to the neighborhood.

Located in Watertown, Woodbury, and Salsbury LaBonne’s has been in the area since the early 1900’s. By delivering fresh fish and meat directly to local families and businesses, George LaBonne, LaBonne's progenitor, knew that his customers were getting the freshest goods possible. Fast forward, Bob Jr purchased the business from his father, Bob LaBonne Sr in 2011.

From horse and buggy, to main street butcher shop, to three stores and over 300 associates, Labonne's has an important history in our town. We couldn't be more excited that they support us and our efforts.

If you’re looking for great groceries in your neighborhood and you’re tired of the chain super markets, LaBonne’s is the place to go. Visit their website to learn more: https://labonnes.com/


Sponsor Highlight: The Quiet Zone

Howie Fischthal, owner of The Quiet Zone is a Watertown High School alumus and long time Watertown resident, is one of our 2019 Sponsors. Howie has been running the Quiet Zone Bantam and expanding their business throughout the state of Connecticut for almost 30 years. The first Quiet Zone opened in Thomaston in 1990, and since then they’ve opened 4 new shops in Bantam, Watertown, Torrington, and Orange. It’s always been a family business, and you’ll feel like you’re welcomed into the family the second you walk into the door.

Howie has sponsored TOWN now for 3 years, which makes a huge difference in keeping us up and running.

If you’re looking for serious quality car repair and really great customer service, this is your place. You may often assume that they have to return to the dealership to receive quality services. Not true! The Quiet Zone is always ready to receive your vehicle’s repair needs.

If you’ve got some car trouble, looking for a new mechanic, or just need a tune up, visit their website to get in touch: https://quietzonect.com


2019 TOWN Sponsors

We’re so excited we have new community sponsors, Julie Weidemier from Rodan + Fields and Pete Catuccio from Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Centers. Thank you for contributing to TOWN! Read more about each of our 2019 sponsors below.

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Rodan + Fields - Julie Weidemier

Julie Weidemier a longtime resident of Watertown and the mother of the amazing alumna cheerleading coach for WHS. Julie has set out to create her own small business with Rodan + Fields, selling quality skincare, especially focused on treating acne and knew TOWN would be a great cause to support while spreading the word about her business! Thank you, Julie.

 
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Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine - Pete Catuccio

Every athlete in Watertown knows Pete, also a WHS so it makes sense that Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Watertown is a new 2019 sponsor (not to mention he is a Watertown Alumni). Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers Watertown is a staple in the Watertown athletic community and for students at Watertown High School. Conveniently located right on Depot Street in Watertown, Connecticut they are committed to providing the very best physical therapy care in Watertown. Thank you, Pete.

 
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The Quiet Zone - Howie Fischthal

The Quiet Zone has a few locations around Connecticut, but owner Howie Fischthal is a WHS alum from good ole' Watertown. The Quiet Zone has sponsored TOWN now for 3 years. You can find quality car repair services at their many locations throughout the state, the closest being in Bantam or Watertown, Connecticut. Their expert technicians can be found in shops throughout southern and western Connecticut. Owners often assume that they have to return to the dealership to receive quality services. Not true! The Quiet Zone is always ready to receive your vehicle’s repair needs. Thank you, Howie.

 
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LaBonne’s Markets - Bob LaBonne Jr.

Who hasn’t had a part time job at LaBonne’s Watertown? Bob LaBonne Jr., another WHS alum, has sponsored TOWN now for 2 years. The LaBonne name became known for quality meat and fish. From these two freshness-driven categories, the LaBonne's began venturing into other linked areas, offering a small selection of vegetables and other edibles. The resulting customer-experience with the LaBonne family would remain one of finding consistently high-quality goods surpassed, only on occasion, by superior customer-care and service. Thank you, Bob!

 
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B. Murphy Building - Brian Murphy

B. Murphy Building, another Watertown alumn and also the father to the creator of TOWN, so pretty much just a given sponsor. B. Murphy Building works on commercial and residential remodels and additions throughout Connecticut, focusing on exceptional modern design and details. Their latest project is a home remodel in Harwinton, CT, which is currently up for sale! Thank you, Dad.

Past Sponsors

Thank you to past sponsors who have contributed to the growth of TOWN, CrossFit Reload, Crystal Rock, and Fino Pizzeria.