Junior Musical Club Begins New Season

The Junior Musical Club, a club consisting of 8th grade and high school students from Westfield and nearby towns, will begin its 2012-2013 season with a meeting in Westfield at the home of Neeaj Shekhar on Sunday, October 21st. The new officers of the Executive Board are: Joanne Li, president; Neeraj Shekhar, vice president of auditions; Kristin Hauge, vice president of programs; Katherine Purachev, treasurer; Belle Lin, secretary; Cindy Gong, publicity; and Samantha Tropper, hospitality.

The club holds meetings once each month on Sunday evening at the homes of various club members. Each meeting consists of discussions about future ensemble concerts or events that the club could attend, and club members perform some of their current repertoire for one another. The club holds two concerts each year at the First Baptist Church of Westfield, open to the public and free of charge. The Ensemble Concert occurs on an evening in March, and it features all club members in duets and group performances. In June, the high school senior members perform at the Graduation Recital.

In order to become a member, a musician must perform at one of the auditions scheduled three times a year, in November, February and June. The next audition for the Junior Musical Club will be held on November 11, 2012 at the home of a Junior Musical Club member. It is open to rising 8th through 12th graders from Westfield and the immediate vicinity who play any instrument or are vocalists. The auditioner must perform two pieces in contrasting styles. Total playing time should be 5 to 8 minutes in length. Auditioners are encouraged to perform some portion of a piece from memory. If a musician needs an accompanist, the auditioner is expected to provide one. To obtain an audition form and/or to request the name of a possible accompanist, the musician may call Neeraj Shekhar at (908) 917-1164 or email juniormusicalclub@gmail.com.