December 2010
Westchester County, NY (November 19, 2010) – On Saturday, December 11, the Music Conservatory of Westchester will host Performathon 2010, an all-day marathon of student performances that also includes a holiday craft boutique and an array of foods from around the world. The daylong celebration takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Proceeds from the holiday craft boutique, food concessions, and student fundraising will support the Conservatory’s ensemble and student performance fund.
The Conservatory’s Performathon, held once every two years, is a highly anticipated event for the school’s students and faculty. Young children through adults will perform all styles of music – from classical and rock to jazz and opera – in a variety of solo, chamber, and ensemble settings. The holiday craft boutique offers jewelry, music-themed gifts, and more. Featured vendors include handmade jewelry by Lillian Wetzel, musical gifts from Musically Inclined, and Simply Irresistible’s unique scarves and accessories.
Conservatory students were also encouraged to raise funds by securing sponsors for their performances prior to the event. Sponsors pledge a pre-determined dollar amount for each piece the student performs. In addition to helping the school’s ensemble and student performance fund, the top raisers will also receive a variety of fun prizes that include New York Philharmonic tickets, a Yamaha keyboard, HD Flip Cam, iPad, a variety of gift cards, and more.
“Performathon 2010 is a wonderful opportunity for Conservatory friends, parents, and faculty to support and celebrate our students’ many achievements,” said Carol Shiffman, Executive Director of the Music Conservatory of Westchester. “For those considering joining us in the spring, we welcome you to stop by, enjoy the festivities, and learn more about what the Conservatory has to offer.”
The always exciting and popular event is expected to feature 225 performers and bring in more than 800 guests to the Conservatory.
To add to the growing excitement for Performathon 2010, the Conservatory recently held a special logo contest. 14 year-old Armonk resident Nicolette Karanfilan’s design was chosen via an online vote and a select panel of judges as the winner of the contest, which was open to students age 18 and younger. Her design will be featured on commemorative t-shits, the school’s website, and will be on display in the building.
“We were extremely impressed with the creative and inspired designs by all who entered the contest,” said Shiffman. “We are very excited for this event.”
Many opportunities for event sponsorships are available; please contact Chris Meyer, the Conservatory’s Development Director at 914-761-3900 x106, to discuss how your business can be a part of this spirited musical community event.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester congratulates Nicolette Karanfilian on her winning design for this year’s Performathon t-shirt! A special thank you to all of those who submitted designs and all who voted.
PARENTS AND MCW STUDENTS JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE!
The Five Finalists For Performathon T-Shirt Design Contest
Design One:
Design Two:
Design Three::
Design Five::
THANKS FOR VOTING! A WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY!
Last year, MCW celebrated its 80th year in style… see some highlights below:
5.14.10
The Music Conservatory of Westchester recently celebrated their 80th Anniversary milestone with a special year-end performance featuring world renowned concert pianist and Conservatory alumnus Garrick Ohlsson. The 80th Anniversary Concert, held at The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College, also highlighted the Conservatory’s performing ensembles. A second concert, showcasing the Conservatory’s youth ensembles, took place in the afternoon.
A native of White Plains, NY, Garrick Ohlsson began his piano studies at age eight at the Music Conservatory of Westchester and, at thirteen, entered the Julliard School. Since his 1970 triumph as the first American winner of the Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw, Mr. Ohlsson has established himself worldwide as a musician of magisterial interpretive and technical prowess. Long regarded as one of the world’s leading exponents of the music of Frédéric Chopin, Mr. Ohlsson delighted the Conservatory’s audience with an all Chopin program.
Performing in the first half of the evening concert were the Conservatory’s Chamber Orchestra, Teen Vocal Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Piano Quartet, and Piano Partners. The afternoon concert featured performances from the Conservatory’s Youth Chorus, Suzuki Violins, Junior Strings, Chamber Strings, Brass Ensemble, Piano Trio, Piano Partners, and String Quartets. Participating students ranged in age from 5 to 65.
At a reception following Mr. Ohlsson’s performance, Carol Shiffman, the Conservatory’s Executive Director, presented him with framed photos from a concert in the late 1970’s in which he appeared as soloist with the Conservatory’s orchestra. The photographs were provided by the orchestra’s conductor, Gabriel Banat.
“The Music Conservatory of Westchester’s 80th Anniversary Concert was a fitting end to a marvelous year filled with many wonderful anniversary-themed events,” said Shiffman. “We are privileged to have such a distinguished artist as an alumnus and proud of all our students who did such a phenomenal job in both the afternoon and evening performances.”
In addition to performing recitals worldwide, Mr. Ohlsson has appeared as a piano soloist with many of the top symphony orchestras across North America and Europe. He is an avid chamber musician who has collaborated with the Cleveland, Emerson, Takács and Tokyo string quartets, among other ensembles. A prolific recording artist and Grammy Award winner, Mr. Ohlsson can be heard on the Arabesque, RCA Victor Red Seal, Angel, Bridge, BMG, Delos, Hänssler, Nonesuch, Telarc, and Virgin Classics labels.
Shiffman continued, “The Conservatory is a center where the arts are celebrated in an integral, accessible way. Regardless of age or ability, our doors are open to all. Our faculty is dedicated to nurturing the casual enthusiast, up-and-coming performer, and everyone in between.”
12.5.09
Music Conservatory of Westchester Celebrates Esteemed Faculty and
Former Executive Director with Honors and Tribute Concert
White Plains, NY (December 9, 2009) – The Music Conservatory of Westchester’s 80th anniversary celebrations continued with its “Conservatory Honors and Tribute Concert” event on Saturday, December 5 to recognize the accomplishments of four longtime faculty members. Former Executive Director Lisa Deutsch, a leader in Westchester County’s arts culture for more than twenty-five years, was also honored with the formal dedication of The Lisa Deutsch Faculty Recognition Wall.
MCW faculty members Juliet Gopoian (of Hartsdale), Dorothy Jonas (of White Plains), Harold Jones (of Manhattan), and David Krieger (of Pleasantville) were each presented with the Conservatory’s 2009 Teaching Award by Executive Director Carol Shiffman (of Rye) and Dean of Students and Faculty Jean Newton (of Edgemont). Recipients are chosen for this honor every two years based upon their excellence in teaching, musical artistry, and longevity at the school. Gopoian, Jonas, Jones, and Krieger have taught at the Conservatory between ten and thirty-five years and were acknowledged for their outstanding reputations as consummate performers and dedicated teachers.
“Our students are guided by our wonderful faculty and nurtured by the bonds of playing music together. The sense of a creative, caring community in a warm, welcoming environment is evident from the moment you walk through our doors,” Shiffman said that evening.
Deutsch is known in the non-profit world for her unyielding dedication and drive. Named 2009 Professional Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Development Officers, she spearheaded the Conservatory’s $7.8 million Building Dreams Campaign to fund construction of school’s current home at 216 Central Avenue. The Lisa Deutsch Faculty Recognition Wall features photographs of each of the Conservatory’s 80 faculty members.
The evening, sponsored by the Goldie Anna Charitable Trust, Pegasus Asset Management, Inc., and TD Bank, also featured a special musical performance from William Wolfram, internationally acclaimed concert pianist and Conservatory alumnus.
Since studying at the school, Wolfram received the silver medal at both the William Kapell and Naumburg competitions and has gone on to perform with orchestras around the world.
“Mr. Wolfram studied in his youth with Michael Pollon, who became his mentor and a major influence on his artistry,” MCW Board President Siew Leng Chuah said during her introduction of the pianist. “Please join me in thanking Mr. Wolfram for performing in honor of the Conservatory’s 80th anniversary and for helping us celebrate our past, present, and future.”
Conservatory faculty members Thomas Jamerson, a baritone and former leading artist at the New York City Opera, and Stefani Starin, flutist and founding member of Newband Contemporary Music Ensemble, also performed at the event accompanied respectively by pianist Marianna Salzman (of Hartsdale and Jean Newton on harpsichord.
The Conservatory’s series of 80th anniversary events continues in 2010 with the first Kids on Central concert of the season, “The String Family,” on Saturday, January . 30 and a Music Therapy Institute Recital on Sunday, March 21. Anniversary programming will culminate with a concert on Saturday, May 8, 2010 featuring world-renowned concert pianist and Conservatory alumnus Garrick Ohlsson.
“This is an absolutely wonderful celebration,” Shiffman said. “I’d say this is as good as it gets, but I know better. Let’s see what our future holds in store for the next 80 years.”
The Music Conservatory of Westchester is located at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, NY. They can be reached at (914) 761-3900 or by visiting www.musicconservatory.org. Follow the Conservatory on Facebook (Westchester MusicConservatory) and Twitter (@MusicCW), or check their new blog (www.musicconservatoryblog.org) for the latest news and updates.
10.03.09
The Music Conservatory of Westchester recently kicked-off their milestone anniversary year with an 80th Anniversary Celebration. The event recognized the dedication of Conservatory families, community partners, and alumni, with performances by faculty and students, award announcements, and a message from the new Executive Director, Carol Shiffman, about the Conservatory’s future directions. Lori Sheldon of Entergy, U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey, State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, and County Executive Andrew Spano were honored for their continued support of the arts. “This event was a great beginning, kicking off a year of festivities marking our 80th anniversary,” said Shiffman. “I have been here since July, and am inspired daily by the energy, vitality, and deep sense of community that is so palpable here. Now is the time to honor our past, celebrate the present, and build our future.”
A series of special anniversary events, planned throughout the Conservatory’s 2009-2010 academic year, was announced. New York artist Rebecca Allan’s recent exhibition, Painting Music, was also unveiled and will be on display through the end of the year in the Conservatory’s Recital Hall. Guests enjoyed a slice of birthday cake and coffee service, graciously donated respectively by City Limits Diner and Tuscany Café. In addition, the Conservatory’s newly installed Faculty Recognition Wall with photographs of each of the 80 faculty members was on display. The Wall will be formally dedicated to former
Executive Director Lisa Deutsch during a special tribute concert on December 5. Deutsch has transformed the cultural landscape in Westchester and has touched the lives of many thousands of people. The Conservatory is thrilled to participate in honoring her for her achievements.
The Conservatory will also honor four longtime faculty members, Juliet Gopoian, Dorothy Jonas, Harold Jones, and David Krieger, at the December 5 event with 2009 Teaching Awards. “The four faculty honorees are the finest examples of great teaching, consummate artistry, and dedication to their students. They epitomize our school’s educational values,” said Jean Newton, Dean of Students and Faculty.
Anniversary programming will culminate with a gala concert on Saturday, May 8, 2010 featuring world-renowned concert pianist and Conservatory alumnus Garrick Ohlsson.
Founded in 1929, the Music Conservatory of Westchester is the oldest and largest community arts school in a five-county region. “Although it was certainly a difficult time to create a new school, we were serving a clear need in the community. With support from a dedicated group of people, including the esteemed cellist and conductor Pablo Casals, we grew,” noted Shiffman. Today the Conservatory serves 3,700 students ranging in age from two to 87 years, representing more than 30 nationalities, and hailing from 102 communities. A variety of program packages are offered and financial assistance is available for qualifying students. Registration is always open. For more information, or to learn about 80th Anniversary sponsorship opportunities, contact Jon Chattman, Communications Manager, at jon[at]musiced.org.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester is located at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, NY. They can be reached at (914) 761-3900 or by visiting www.musicconservatory.org. Follow the Conservatory on Facebook (Westchester MusicConservatory) and Twitter (@MusicCW), or check their new blog (www.musicconservatoryblog.org) for the latest news and updates.
Your donation in any amount is greatly appreciated! To donate, contact us here.
BUILDING FUND – RED LEAVES
Naming Rights for the Building $2,000,000
Recording Studio $50,000
Keyboard and Composition Lab $30,000
SMART Board $5,000
Wireless Internet $3,000
Sound System for the Music Therapy Institute’s Observation Room $1,000
SCHOLARSHIP FUND – BROWN LEAVES
Scholarship Support for 2 Semesters – 45 minute lessons $3,200
Scholarship Support for 2 Semesters – 30 minute lessons $2,500
Scholarship Support for 1 Semester – 45 minute lessons $1,600
Scholarship Support for 1 Semester – 30 minute lessons $1,250
PROGRAMS AND NEW INITIATIVES FUND – ORANGE LEAVES
Monthly Support Group at Gilda’s Club, Cancer Recovery Program $3,000
“Adopt an Ensemble” – 1 Large Ensemble for a Year $1,500
“Adopt an Ensemble” – 1 Large Ensemble for a Semester $750
“Adopt an Ensemble” – 1 Small Ensemble for a Year $750
“Adopt an Ensemble” – 1 Small Ensemble for a Semester $375
One Support Group at Gilda’s Club, Cancer Recovery Program $250
General Operating Contribution Any Amount
INSTRUMENT FUND – YELLOW LEAVES
Rebuilding a Piano $6,000
Timpani $2,000
Piano Regulation and Tune-Up $1,500
Adult-Size Guitar for the Music Therapy Institute $600
Portable Keyboards for the Music Therapy Institute $500
Cymbal for Drum Set $200
Tongue Drum $150
Child-Size Guitar for the Music Therapy Institute $150
Seat for Drum Set $100
Kids Djembe for the Music Therapy Institute $60
Set of Twelve Small Maracas $50
Rainsticks for the Music Therapy Institute $2
