John Swett High to Present First Musical in Over a Decade

-By members of the John Swett Unified School District

John Swett High School will present their first musical production in over a decade in their newly refurbished auditorium, May 17^th through the 21^st, and is one of the biggest multi-discipline productions the school has undertaken in recent memory.  It is truly a collaborative effort between several faculty members and classes.  The wood shop is building the sets and props, the Art Department is painting the scenery, the multi-media class has taken on responsibility for marketing and promotions, and the Music and Drama Departments have been rehearsing since February.

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown will feature a double cast alternating performance nights throughout the run of the musical.  “The response and enthusiastic turnout from the students was overwhelming and we couldn’t narrow it down to just six leads.  Since it was our first attempt at a production of this scope and magnitude, we thought it best to give everyone a chance to perform.  This means each night will feature a different ensemble performing the lead roles,” explained director Vincent Pitzulo.    

Some of the most recent developments to the building are the renovations to the audio system which are the result of the Measure A facility improvements so theatergoers will notice a significant amount of construction around the auditorium during the production.  None of which will hinder your theater experience.  The new band room and administrative offices are well underway as well as a complete renovation of the auditorium, which are all part of a multi-phase project that is scheduled for completion in 2013.  The students and faculty feel fortunate that when music and art departments across California are being dramatically cut, the visual and performing arts are alive and flourishing at John Swett and strongly supported by the community. 

Help us expand our music and arts program by sponsoring this visionary event. Please contact Jerrold Parsons at 510-703-9862 or jparsons@jsusd.org for your unique sponsorship opportunity and any additional details.

DETAILS

Dates:             Thursday, May 17^th at 7:00pm, Friday, May 18^th at 7:00pm, Sunday, May 20^th at 3:00pm. Monday, May 21^st at 12:10pm (Special showing for Carquinez Middle School and Rodeo Hills Elementary School students)

Location:             John Swett High School Auditorium, 1098 Pomona St., Crockett, CA 94525

Tickets:             $10.00 General Admission for Thursday, Friday and Sunday performances
$5.00 Student tickets for the Monday matinee ONLY

ABOUT JOHN SWETT MUSIC PROGRAM

Founded in 1928, John Swett High School's music program is proud to celebrate over 80 years of musical excellence! We are located in the small town of Crockett, CA and known as "the biggest little band on the street."

Since our inception, the band has served as the school's finest ambassador with a repertoire that ranges from Brahms to contemporary rock. This ensemble has entertained crowds from Southern California to Victoria, Canada.  They have also performed in the Chinese New Year's Parade in San Francisco, Disney’s Magic Music Days in Los Angeles, CA and music festivals throughout California.

The Music Program at John Swett High School continues to grow each year. Originally starting with the Marching Band, a Wind Ensemble, Drum Line, Color Guard, Jazz Band, Choir, and Winter Guard programs have since been added.  The music program also has a contemporary music class dedicated to fostering music education through popular music and recording technology.  Students are given the tools to prepare themselves for virtually any career in the music business.

Many of our graduating students have majored in music in college or continue to pursue their love for music based on their growth and experiences in our music program.  Several of our band alumni have performed in college marching and symphonic bands across the country from Syracuse University in New York to University of California in Berkeley.

John Swett High School Band Boosters Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization primarily comprised of parents, guardians, family and friends dedicated to providing volunteers and raising funds to support and maintain a quality Music Program. The Boosters are governed by an Executive Board that meets on a quarterly basis to plan and manage the business affairs of the non-profit organization.

A general membership meeting, open to everyone, is generally held the second Tuesday of every month at 6:45pm in the school's band room. These meetings offer the latest news about the program and its activities. This is also an opportunity to socialize and get to know other Boosters. Membership is free, highly recommended and open to supporters of each aspect of the Music Program.  Our participation exhibits our support not only to the Music Program but more importantly, to our children.

ABOUT THE DIRECTORS

Vincent Pitzulo is the director of music and chair of the fine art department at John Swett High School.  He also teaches at Carquinez Middle School and is an adjunct faculty member at Solano Community College.  In addition, Mr. Pitzulo is active in both NCBA and CMEA as a member, clinician, and adjudicator.  Prior to joining the staff at JSHS, Mr. Pitzulo was principal percussionist with the USAF Band of the Golden West and toured the country extensively as a performer and clinician with the concert and jazz bands.  During his tenure with the Air Force, he served as Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) and co-produced two successful CD projects for the percussion and Latin pop ensembles.  Mr. Pitzulo is an active freelance musician and has performed with the Marin Symphony, Napa Valley Symphony, Sacramento Choral Society, Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, Monterey Symphony, and many others. 

Mr. Pitzulo began his musical theater career in 1986 as a percussionist in the Villa Marie High School production of Godspell.  Since then he has performed, conducted, or directed productions with the Ohio Light Opera, Youngstown Playhouse, and the Point Park Playhouse in Pittsburgh, PA (go Steelers!)  His credits include Godspell, Fiddler on the Roof, Into The Woods, Anything Goes, Pirates of Penzance, Guditta, Princess Ida, La Belle Helene, Lady Kate, The Great Waltz Countess Maritza, Der Vogelhandler, The Pajama Game, A Chorus Line, Sunday In the Park with George, Man of La Mancha, Once Upon a Matress, and Peter Pan.

San Francisco native Dallis Craft has earned a reputation as a talented and versatile entertainer. As a keyboard/rhythm guitar player and vocalist, she has performed and toured with K.T. Oslin, David Frizzell, Mandy Barnett, and actor Bruce Willis as a featured vocalist in his band, The Accelerators. She can be heard on numerous recordings, including those of Pee Wee Ellis, Huey Lewis and the News, John Lee Sanders, Melvin Seals, Jesse Colin Young and Greg Kihn. National television commercials include Red Lobster, AT&T, and Rice-a-Roni. With a stage presence that is energetic and charismatic and vocal performances that can be described as world class, she has become a popular audience pleaser opening for such notables as Shawn Colvin and Steve Winwood to sold-out amphitheater crowds and other rock and pop headliners with her band. Her CD titled Leap of Faith, released early in 2001, contains 12 songs that are an Americana blend of R &B, Country, Rock, and Pop. Over half are penned by Dallis and special guest appearances are featured from some of the finest musicians the Bay Area has to offer.

     When not being a teacher (English and Theatre Studies at John Swett High School), Dallis performs with various corporate and wedding bands and orchestras as well as doing recording session work for songwriting demos, radio and TV jingles, and backing vocals for other recording artists. Dallis brings her music and performing professionalism to all aspects of her teaching and living.