Posts for category ‘Press’

The Music Conservatory of Westchester, a non-profit community school of the arts in White Plains, NY, has been awarded a total of $41,000 in grants from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).  The grants will support need-based scholarships and tuition assistance for students ages 7-18, as well as funding for the school’s Live on Central concert series, a partnership with area public schools to provide music education for special needs students, and the Conservatory’s extensive music and musical theatre programming for all ages. The grant-supported scholarships specifically identify students of color from low-income families to enroll.

These students have the opportunity to thrive in the school’s comprehensive program of music instruction, which includes individual instrumental or vocal instruction (classical, jazz, musical theatre), music theory, orchestra, chorus, and ensemble classes. The course of study centers on standard beginner, intermediate, and advanced repertoire for each instrument.

“We are delighted to receive this support and recognition for our work from NYSCA. Our scholarship program ensures that every child, regardless of age, ethnic origin, ability, or financial means, has access to high quality, comprehensive music instruction,” explained Executive Director Carol Shiffman. “We are committed to providing a pre-professional education for these students, all of whom will be eligible to continue with consideration for music scholarships through high school.”
In order to maintain their comprehensive scholarship program, however, the Conservatory must continually seek additional funding sources.

“The need that many of our students face is still growing,” said Shiffman. “The number of requests for financial assistance from our families continues to rise.”

In addition to the need-based scholarships, NYSCA’s grant funding helps to make possible the Conservatory’s ever-expanding list of program offerings and extensive annual concert line-up, which includes a numerous
performance opportunities for students, the school’s expert faculty, and renowned guest artists. NYSCA is dedicated to preserving and expanding the rich and diverse cultural resources that are and will become the heritage of New York’s citizens. The Conservatory’s applications for grant funding were awarded in NYSCA’s Special Arts Services, Music, and Arts Education categories. NYSCA designated the
Conservatory’s grants as part of a three-year funding cycle currently in its second year.

“The Conservatory is particularly grateful to NYSCA for their foresight in awarding this multi-year funding, as it allows for long-range planning and stability,” Shiffman explained.

The Music Conservatory of Westchester is located at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, NY. Registration is always open and financial assistance is available for qualifying students. 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.

Tweet This Post

Music Conservatory of Westchester will offer an exciting array of new programs in music, musical theatre, and dance this fall when their semester begins Saturday, September 11. Since 1929, the Conservatory has welcomed students of all ages and skill levels, from young children to senior citizens.

“This fall we’re thrilled to introduce a number of exciting new classes,” said Dr. Jean Newton, Dean of Students and Faculty. “We’ve been amazed at the response we’ve received so far from these unique offerings.”

The Conservatory’s lineup of new classes for teens and adults includes: a World Percussion Workshop in which renowned percussionist-composer John Arrucci teaches drumming styles from across the globe; Introduction to Rock Guitar; a Theatre Audition Workshop led by Broadway veteran Sariva Goetz; and a Vocal Performance Workshop with former New York City Opera leading artist Thomas Jamerson.

“Our new Vocal Performance Workshop is a wonderful opportunity for experienced voice students — from teens on up — to take their craft to the next level in a supportive setting,” said Jamerson. “Students perform various styles and languages from the classical and musical theatre repertoire in a small ensemble setting. Instruction is given in diction, stage presence, as well as musical and dramatic interpretation.” Read more »

Tweet This Post

Even before John and Patty Bottomley moved from London to their home on the Rye-Harrison border, John Bottomley knew he would be volunteering his skills in finance and real estate to the Music Conservatory of Westchester.

Full Story

Tweet This Post

The recital was like many others: an auditorium filled with nervous musicians and proud family members, a few tears, and lots of deep bows, with selections ranging from a carefully plucked “Ode to Joy” by a young guitarist to masterful original piano compositions. But there were also small reminders that these musicians face obstacles most don’t. Organizers, for example, requested that the audience applaud quietly after one pianist’s performance so as not to startle him, and a couple children required a quiet word from their accompanist to keep them focused on the keyboard.

Full Story

Tweet This Post

Months of hard work practicing the clarinet, saxophone and drums will finally pay off for Zachary Berro when he showcases his skills next month. Berro, a member of the Chamber Orchestra at the Music Conservatory of Westchester, will perform at the school’s 80th anniversary celebration in Purchase featuring the group’s other ensembles and a world-renowned pianist.  Berro, 14, of Armonk, also a member of the conservatory’s jazz and rock ensembles, has attended classes at the school three times a week since the winter to rehearse the show.

“It’s really fun because we’ve kind of been working on this (to) show people how much we’ve improved,” he said. “It just all comes together in the end.”

The Music Conservatory of Westchester will host its 80th anniversary with two benefit concerts: an afternoon performance featuring the youth ensembles and an evening show with the teen and adult ensembles. Guest artist and former conservatory student Garrick Ohlsson will also perform during the milestone celebration in the evening. The world-renowned pianist and Grammy award winner began studying music at the conservatory at the age of 8 before attending the Juilliard School five years later.

“Mr. Ohlsson is an artist very much in demand and plays to sold-out houses,” said Jean Newton, dean of students and faculty. “We are just thrilled he is coming to help celebrate our 80th anniversary.

Read more »

Tweet This Post

WHITE PLAINS — Debbie Margolis, a lively 11-year-old from Larchmont, was the first to go up.  Dancing to piano accompaniment, the curly-haired, bespectacled girl sang a piece she wrote about the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s 80th anniversary.  She started off quietly, but by the end of the song, she got the whole audience to sing the chorus along with her. Read more »

Tweet This Post

White Plains, NY – The Music Conservatory of Westchester welcomes New York Philharmonic Associate Principal Bassist Jon Deak for a February concert lineup that celebrates world renowned musicians and budding young artists alike.  Joined by violinist Joanna Jenner, founding member of Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and noted piano soloist and chamber musician Zeyda Ruga Suzuki, the trio presents “Serious But Not Stuffy,” classical music with a twist of humor, on Friday, February 26 at 7PM. The following day, February 27 at 3PM, “Piano, Percussion, and Harp” will offer children a fun, informative, and hands-on introduction to the instruments with music written and performed by Conservatory composition students.

Also a prominent composer, Jon Deak’s compositions have lead to Pulitzer Prize nominations as well as commissions and premieres by the New York Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, and numerous chamber music groups and festivals. “Serious But Not Stuffy” will feature Deak’s work mixed in with familiar favorites – Mozart, Chopin, and a variety of short salon pieces. Read more »

Tweet This Post

Read the story on MCW student Harry Bright here.

Tweet This Post

Amanda Ryckman, who moved to Chappaqua from Florida a few months ago, enrolled her daughter in music and voice classes and it is really paying off. “It’s opened a lot of doors,” Ryckman said of her 10-year-old daughter, Victoria. “My daughter, right now, her whole life is music. She’s already doing opera, she’s singing in Italian.” Victoria wasn’t singing in Italian on Saturday, but she did play the role of a rural mouse in “City Mouse-Country Mouse,” produced by the Music Conservatory of Westchester.
Full Story

Tweet This Post

Lisa Deutsch’s role in the nonprofit community can be described through a series of success stories, yet ask about any of her many accomplishments, and she will shower praise on everyone but herself. “The people who should be honored are the people on the front lines,” she said. “I’m just a facilitator.”  Whether she likes it or not, the longtime Armonk resident recently took home several honors for her dedication to the arts and other nonprofit endeavors.

The Association of Development Officers, a nonprofit organization devoted to fundraising and philanthropy in the Hudson Valley, named Deutsch the “Professional Fundraiser of the Year” last month.  Just a few weeks later, in early December, the Music Conservatory of Westchester honored Deutsch at its 80th anniversary celebration. “That they came at the same time is too much,” she said.

Full Story on LoHud.com

Tweet This Post