» jazz

Conservatory Raises $37,000 for Programming and Scholarship Support

MCW — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:03:11 +0000

Music Conservatory of Westchester (MCW) faculty musicians Harold Jones (flute) Alfred Renino (bass), Irena Portenko (piano) and Nick Mangini (percussion – not pictured) receive a standing ovation the crowd at MCW’s jazz brunch, which raised $37,000 for the Conservatory. Photo: Jon Chattman

Music Conservatory of Westchester (MCW) recently culminated this year’s jazz series with a special brunch held at Shenorock Shore Club in Rye. With the support of the Ruth and Marvin Silverman Memorial Fund in the New York Community Trust, the brunch raised $37,000 benefiting MCW’s 21st century programming goals and its scholarship support for students from low-income families.

The jazz brunch was attended by over 150 people and included performances from MCW distinguished musicians Harold Jones (flute), Irena Portenko (piano), Alfred Renino (bass), and Nick Mangini (drums), who performed a rousing rendition of Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio. The MCW teen jazz ensemble also performed.

“It was an honor to be part of the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s jazz brunch,” said MCW Trustee and Events Committee Chair Rodd Berro. “Everything the Conservatory stands for was clearly on display. Extraordinary music from both students and faculty, a profound community spirit, and genuine generosity.”

MCW faculty musicians are renowned for their professional accomplishments, many of whom have played in famed venues around the world and recorded with industry masters. Jones’ credits, as a performer and recitalist, include performing with the Bach Aria Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and Metropolitan Opera. Mangini has recorded, performed, and toured with such greats as Wynton Marsalis, Hank Jones, and Ronnie Spector. Portenko made her solo debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall two years ago, and received accolades from many publications including the New York Times. Renino has performed live with such acts as John Oates, Rick James, and George Benson.

In addition to the New York Community Trust, the MCW Jazz Brunch was sponsored by The MOCA Foundation, Gary Bashian, Rodd and Elizabeth Berro, George Drapeau and Sheila Smith, Nancy and Richard Goodman, Laurence Keiser of Stern Keiser & Panken, LLP, Georgia and William Pollak, the Pundyk family, and Webster Bank.

Carol Shiffman, the Conservatory’s executive director said of the event, “It was a wonderful gathering in a beautiful setting with extraordinary music. The overwhelming generosity of our community will make possible the musical dreams and aspirations of many deserving young students.”

MCW trustee John Bottomley, Nancy and Jon Pundyk and Patricia Bottomley (of Rye) attend the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s (MCW) jazz brunch in Rye. The brunch raised funds for the Conservatory’s programming and for scholarship support. Photo: Jon Chattman

The Music Conservatory of Westchester jazz ensemble entertained jazz lovers during the Conservatory’s jazz brunch at the Shenorock Shore Club in Rye. The event raised $37,000 benefiting the school’s programming and scholarship support for deserving students. Photo: Jon Chattman

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Video Highlight: MCW Jazz Ensemble at Jazz Brunch

MCW — Mon, 16 May 2011 19:14:09 +0000

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Photo: KJ Denhert Live At MCW

MCW — Thu, 12 May 2011 20:24:34 +0000

Award-winning singer/songwriter KJ Denhert of Ossining performs a selection of festive urban folk and jazz music during a concert at the Music Conservatory of Westchester celebrating her 2011 Independent Music award and her birthday. Upcoming Conservatory events include its 10th Annual Golf & Tennis Classic which honors Terry and Jerry Feldman of Bedford Hills. Pianist Hiroshi Yamazaki of Tarrytown will perform at the event’s dinner. For details visit www.mcw-golf-and-tennis.eventbrite.com.
Photo by: Jon Chattman

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MCW Jazz Brunch This Sunday!

MCW — Thu, 12 May 2011 19:54:58 +0000

Photo/Pinsky Studio
Distinguished Music Conservatory faculty musicians Harold Jones (flute — pictured above), Irena Portenko (piano), Alfred Renino (bass), and Nick Mangini (drums) will unite the sound of their instruments for a fine performance of Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio. 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. All ages. Tickets starting at $75. To benefit MCW’s programming for the 21st Century and for scholarship support for deserving students from low-income families. Shenorock Shore Club, 475 Stuyvesant Avenue, Milton Point, Rye. 914-761-3900 www.mcwjazzbrunch.eventbrite.com.

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KJ Denhert Birthday Concert May 7 at MCW!

MCW — Fri, 06 May 2011 16:21:50 +0000

Saturday, May 7, 2011…
An Evening with KJ Denhert Join award-winning singer/songwriter KJ Denhert as she celebrates both her 2011 Independent Music Award and her birthday with a festive concert of urban folk and jazz music. She will be joined by a number of special guests. Champagne reception to follow. 8:00 p.m. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains. 914-761-3900. www.kjdenhertlive.eventbrite.com

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It Might Get Loud in Mt. Kisco Sunday

MCW — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:50:22 +0000

Sunday, May 1, 2011
Eat, drink, and jam as the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s jazz and rock ensembles play an array of upbeat tunes at Via Vante in Mount Kisco near the train station. 2:00pm. FREE. All ages. 2 Kirby Plaza, Mount Kisco, NY. 914-761-3900. RSVP here.

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Trio Shalva Performs April 16 at MCW

MCW — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:15:42 +0000

Jazz lovers are invited to join Assaf Gleizner (piano/melodica), Koby Hayon (bass/guitar/oud) and Nadav Snir-Zelniker (drums/percussion), also known as THE ISRATrio Shalva, as they perform original music from their recent album, “Riding Alone.” 8:00 p.m. $15 general admission; $10 seniors and MCW alumni. 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY. 914-761-3900. www.trioshalva.eventbrite.com

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Video Highlights From 3.31 Japan Benefit

MCW — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:45:30 +0000

Hiroshi Yamazaki, Kenny Wessel, Bill Crow, and Nadav Snir Zelniker play “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

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Jan Leder, Ted Rosenthal, Takeshi Ogura, Noriko Ueda, and Nadav Snir Zelniker
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Barber Centennial Performance, Jazz Trio, And MCW Upcoming Events

MCW — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:24:34 +0000

Friday, November 19, 2010 at 7 p.m. Samuel Barber Centennial Performance: The Music Conservatory of Westchester presents acclaimed pianists Irena Portenko (of Dobbs Ferry) and Frank Pavese, alongside esteemed cellist Adriana Pera, in a collaborative performance of solo and chamber music by Samuel Barber in honor of the celebrated composer’s centennial anniversary. Free and open to the public. 7:00pm.

Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 8 p.m. Music Conservatory of Westchester is pleased to present The Pete Malinverni Trio, featuring singer Jody Sandhaus, in celebration of their new recording, “A Beautiful Thing!” The Pete Malinverni Trio, with bassist Lee Hudson and drummer Nadav Snir-Zelniker, will perform a program of music from their critically acclaimed new release November 20, 2010, 8 p.m. at the Conservatory. They will also join Sandhaus on selections from her new recording “Afterglow.” Tickets are $15 or $10 for students/seniors/MCW alumni. Tickets may be purchased here: http://abeautifulthing.eventbrite.com/.

Friday, December 3, 2010 at 7 p.m. Live on Central: Holiday Jazz – Celebrate the holidays with festive selections from the American Songbook and original compositions by guitarist Rale Micic, pianist Hiroshi Yamazaki, drummer Nick Mangini, and bassist Steve LaSpina. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students/seniors/MCW alumni. For tickets, please visit www.holidayjazz.eventbrite.com.

Saturday, December 11 at 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Performathon! Music Conservatory of Westchester students perform in an all-day marathon of music to raise funds for the Conservatory’s ensemble and student performance fund. Young children through adults will perform all styles of music from classical and rock to jazz and opera. Performathon also features an exclusive holiday crafts fair offering jewelry, musical-themed gifts, and more, as well as an array of foods from around the world. To be involved, please reply to this email.

- – -

* ALL EVENTS HELD AT:

Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains. 914-761-3900.

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MCW Travels the Globe and Back in Time with its World Percussion Workshop and Sing! Class

MCW — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:31:10 +0000

This fall, the Music Conservatory of Westchester is placing an even greater emphasis on its offerings for adults of all ages to express their inner musician and discover hidden talents. Two new classes, World Percussion Workshop and Sing!, strive to make music enjoyable and accessible with one overriding emphasis – no experience necessary.

Word Percussion Workshop, led by renowned percussionist-composer John Arrucci, will explore drumming styles from across the globe. A composer, performer, and instructor for over 25 years, Arrucci has studied on three continents, written for all mediums, and received numerous honors. His intimate knowledge of classical, jazz, North Indian, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, and other indigenous traditions gives him a singularly rich perspective on the creation and impact of music.

“My percussion sampler class, called World Percussion Workshop, is comprised of three separate modules – Samba Drumming, West African Drumming, and The Art of Improvisation (through the drum circle),” explained Arrucci. “You can take one, two, or all three modules, and there are no pre-requisites. Beginners of all ages are very welcome.”

Offered in both the fall and spring semesters, the 12-week workshop series is divided into three 4-week modules. In the first module, students explore samba drumming as they learn to play as part of a group using drums such as the agogo bells, tamborim, ganza, and reco-reco. The second module continues with West African drumming and the traditional rhythms of the djembre and other accompanying drums such as the dununba, sangban, and kenkeni. In the final four weeks, students learn to improvise in a drum circle setting with “user friendly” percussion instruments. Each participant will explore his or her creativity through beat, sound quality, dynamics, phrasing, and more.

Arrucci studied tabla in Benares, India; Bahian music in Brazil; Shekere and Agbe with the renowned Chief James Hawthorne Bey; as well as conga and Afro-Cuban drumming with one of its leading exponents, Frank Malabe. An Eastman School of Music graduate, Arrucci has made Princeton University his classroom home for nearly 20 years, where he has educated, inspired, and engaged thousands in the art of percussion.

“I’m very excited to share what I’ve learned while travelling the globe,” said Arrucci. “Each module will cultivate a strong sense of ‘inner pulse,’ listening, creativity, and ensemble playing. My hope is that all participants leave the class feeling confident in their own creative potential, sense of rhythm, and ability to have a lot of fun with music!”

The Conservatory’s newest adult vocal ensemble, Sing!, covers selections from the American songbook, musical theatre, and folk traditions from around the world. The 12-week course is a unique opportunity for beginners to explore their hidden vocal talents with other like-minded adults — while having lots of fun in the process.

“Many singers have dreamed about being part of a singing group, but never had the opportunity growing up,” said Sing! instructor Nils Neubert. “Sing! is the perfect musical outlet for adults interested in exploring their voice for the first time, as well as for those who already enjoy singing. Students will experiment with a variety of singing styles, vocal coordination, solo and group singing, as well as music reading and interpretation.”

Nils Neubert, born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, made his debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall as a First Prize Winner of the 2010 Barry Alexander International Vocal Competition. His voice, described by The New York Times as an “attractive tenor, [with] beautifully controlled vibrato,” has been heard in numerous operatic roles, recitals, and concerts across the United States and abroad.

“My focus, whether in a class or private lesson setting, is on developing a healthy, natural, and consistent vocal coordination that will enable each student to sing music they love while discovering new repertoire and vocal possibilities,” he explained. “With Sing!, we’ve fostered a supportive, collaborative, and relaxed environment where participants are encouraged to experiment and explore; there is no competition involved. It’s about having fun while doing something you love.”

Neubert has performed widely as a concert soloist, recitalist, and with opera companies including the Pocket Opera New York, Opera Company of Brooklyn, Amore Opera, the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera, Underworld Productions Opera Ensemble, and Encompass New Opera Theater. He holds a Master of Arts from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Music from the Juilliard School. In addition to the Music Conservatory of Westchester, Neubert is on the voice faculties of William Paterson University, the International Academy of Music in Italy, and the Burgos International Music Festival in Spain.

Founded in 1929, the Music Conservatory of Westchester is the oldest and largest community arts school in a five-county region comprising Westchester, Rockland, Bronx, Putnam, and Fairfield counties. Today the Conservatory serves 3,700 students of all skill levels, ranging in age from two to 87 years, representing more than 30 nationalities, and hailing from 102 communities in a five county area.

The World Drumming Workshop will be held Thursday evenings from 7:00–8:30PM beginning October 14th. Sing! classes are on Mondays from 7:00-8:00PM and start October 18th. For more information or to register, please contact Jon Chattman, Director of Communications, at (914) 761-3900 x140 or jon@musiced.org. Registration is always open and enrollment is rolling. A complete list of programs is available by visiting www.musicconservatoryonline.org.

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