District Stories

The Collective's Holiday Album EP - Christmas in Blue District

Written by Liz DeMonte | Dec 21, 2022 5:00:00 AM

Dear Whitman Faculty & Friends,

Whitman's Recording Studio Club, The Collective, co-advised by Matt Hoffman and Vito Monti, just dropped its first ever Holiday EP album, titled Christmas in Blue.

The record, which features Whitman administrators, teachers and students, is a celebration of Whitman’s amazing musical talent and artistic spirit.

Beyond Whitman’s stellar reputation in art and music, this holiday album showcases more than just a stunning array of talent; it’s a shining light that highlights our shared sense of community and the bonds our administrators, teachers and students have forged together.

The Holiday Album EP features three tracks:

This first track, “O Holy Night”, is a gorgeous duet sung by Whitman’s own Jon Varlamos and Aileen D’Addario and features a lush instrumental arrangement performed by Matt Hoffman.

The second track, “River”, is a beautiful single sung by Whitman Junior Lauren Kispert and features a piano track played by Stimson Band Director, Greg Modelewski.

The third track, “Blue Christmas," is a lush holiday folk single sung by Whitman faculty member Joseph Pipolo, and features Matt Hoffman on guitar, bass and piano and Frank Yolango on cello.

Click here to listen now! https://collectivesessions.bandcamp.com/

The Collective Recording Studio is currently raising funds to build out a new Studio B Facility in an effort to make new recording space for its growing membership of student musicians, songwriters and engineers.

If you feel inspired by our new Holiday EP Release, “Christmas in Blue,” and would like to support our student musicians, feel free to donate via Venmo @WWCollective.

We are more than humbled by your continued support and can’t thank you enough!




With gratitude,


Vito Monti & Matt Hoffman
Advisors - The Collective
WWHS Recording Studio


The Collective at Walt Whitman High School, with advisors Vito Monti (middle left) and Matthew Hoffman (top right).