On Friday, March 16, the Music Conservatory of Westchester (MCW) will present “Dance the Night Away,” an evening of dinner and dancing celebrating the 25th anniversary of the school’s Music Therapy Institute. Held at the C.V. Rich Mansion in White Plains, the event features live music by the acclaimed Don DuPont Big Band and a special performance by an MTI alumnus.

Bill Evans, meteorologist for ABC-TV, will host the event, and two community leaders will be honored.  Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, will receive MCW’s Visionary Award for her outstanding commitment to the arts and longtime support of Westchester ARC. Alan E. Katz, MCW board member since 1997 and former board president, will receive the organization’s first Impact Award in recognition of his outstanding commitment and dedication to the Conservatory. Katz is a partner in the law firm Greenfield Stein & Senior.

“The Music Therapy Institute is, for me, the single most important service offered by the Conservatory,” Katz said. “It is especially gratifying to be recognized as an honoree in conjunction with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the MTI.”

Gordon shared in the excitement as well. “It is an honor for me to be recognized by the Music Conservatory of Westchester,” she said. “As the arts represent such an integral part of the quality of life in our County…and music is the art special to my life… the work represented by the Conservatory, using music’s healing abilities to improve life is most meaningful.”

For 25 years, the Institute has created therapeutic programs that empower those with special needs to find their voice, overcome challenges, and heal through music.  Each year the Institute provides music therapy and adapted instruction for 2,000 children and adults with a wide variety of disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, chronic medical conditions, developmental disabilities, behavioral disorders, and learning disorders.  Its outreach programs take place at 60 sites in partnership with 25 schools and agencies, and onsite services also take place in the Conservatory’s White Plains facility.  “Dance the Night Away” aims to increase awareness of this important therapeutic intervention while raising critical funds for the program’s continued success.

“We are thrilled to celebrate MTI’s silver anniversary, applaud its dedicated faculty and students, and recognize those who have helped the program achieve such success,” noted Jean Newton, executive director of the Music Conservatory of Westchester. “The Music Therapy Institute has touched the lives of more than 25,000 individuals over the past 25 years and has become an integral part of our school.”

The Conservatory’s MTI serves an ever-growing number of special needs children and adults of all ages through individual and small group sessions offered on-site and through numerous partnering agencies. MTI is the largest provider of professional music therapy services in the greater Westchester region, working with over 2,000 youth and adults each year.

“From the child with autism whose very first words are uttered in song, to the adult with cerebral palsy who joyfully masters the use of his hand through a strong rhythmic pulse, music therapy holds the key to unlock each person’s potential,” said MTI Directors Dr. Tina Brescia and Lisa Sandagata. “The need is great but our resources are limited, relying predominately on grants and fundraising events to respond to the increasing demands of the community.”

Whether in a group or individual setting, MTI’s Board Certified music therapists have demonstrated that music can open new doors for their students by helping them connect with others and improve their quality of life. “The work we accomplish at MTI would not be possible without the generous support of our dedicated donors and advocates,” explained Brescia and Sandagata. “It is with great pride that we share this anniversary with the entire MCW family and our wonderful music therapy faculty, many of whom have been with us for decades.”

CV Rich Mansion is located at 305 Ridgeway in White Plains. Dance the Night Away begins with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., followed by a live performance from the Don Dupont Big Band. Tickets to the event start at $250. Sponsorships and journal ads are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chris Meyer at (914) 761-3900 x106 or visit http://swingwithmcw.eventbrite.com.

In other news, the Institute was recently named as recipient of the ASCAP Foundation’s Barbara and John LoFrumento Award in recognition of its collaboration with the Eastchester School District and its Special Education PTA. The $10,000 award enabled MTI to expand its music therapy program, providing weekly music therapy sessions to special needs students in the Eastchester School District. MTI now partners with eight school districts in the county, providing music therapy programs for their students with special needs.

“MTI’s outreach program has opened so many doors for the students in my class,” said Eastchester special education teacher Melissa Schur. “Each Friday morning, the children use the power of song to explore their feelings, showcase their strengths and learn how to get along with others. Our class is so fortunate to have this program and know that the benefits of music therapy are truly magical.”

 In addition to its “Dance the Night Away” gala, Music Conservatory of Westchester will celebrate MTI’s 25th anniversary with WinterBOWL, a fun-for-the-whole-family evening at Grand Prix New York, 333 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco on Thursday, February 23. MCW has announced that local teen pop sensation Tiffany “Gia” Giardina will perform. Giardina is a Radio Disney chart topper who has opened for Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and more. Also performing are cellist and MCW faculty member Adriana Pera, and MCW’s popular Teen Rock & Jazz Ensembles. The event includes state-of-the-art bowling, kart racing, arcade games, food, and beer/wine (for 21+ attendees!). Festivities begin at 6pm; Giardina will perform at 8pm. Adults $60; Kids $50; MTI students $30. Purchase tickets conveniently online at www.winterbowl.eventbrite.com or call 914-761-3900.

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.musicconservatoryonline.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.

About the Music Conservatory of Westchester

The Music Conservatory of Westchester (www.musicconservatoryonline.org) is a non-profit community school of the arts, providing outstanding music, music therapy, and musical theatre programs for people of all ages and abilities. The Conservatory’s 36,000-square-foot facility in White Plains offers a Recital Hall and 43 acoustically designed classrooms and teaching studios. Their comprehensive programs include performing ensembles, musicianship classes, music therapy, student performances, master classes, workshops, and more. All students receive free admission to the Conservatory’s annual “Live on Central” concert series of faculty recitals and children’s concerts. This year, the Conservatory awarded $100,000 in scholarship support and tuition assistance to more than 100 of its students. The Conservatory is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, and is one of only 19 non-degree granting institutions in the country to be fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

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The MCW Kids! Series (formerly Kids on Central) kicks off this Sunday, Jan. 29 at 2:30 p.m., at White Plains Public Library. MCW faculty member Jim Ranti will lead a discussion and a performance by his students. The audience is encouraged to ask the performers questions, and to see (and touch) instruments up close. The next MCW Kids! event will be concert will take place Sunday, Feb. 12 also at White Plains Library. All Kids! events are free and open to the public.

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You are invited to attend!

On Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, celebrate the opening of Grand Prix New York’s Spins Bowl, a state-of-the-art bowling center and lounge, with a special night of bowling, racing, and music from Conservatory faculty and students at the First Annual WINTERbowl. This year’s event benefits the Music Therapy Institute at the Music Conservatory of Westchester! Proceeds go toward scholarship programs for MTI students!

For 25 years, the Music Therapy Institute has been the largest provider of professional music therapy services in the greater Westchester region, working individually and in small groups with over 2,000 children and adults each year. The Institute provides services onsite at the Music Conservatory of Westchester as well as throughout the county through the Institute’s Outreach program.

– $30 for MTI students-

Kids 16 and Under – $50/person includes:

-1 game of bowling

-access to limited buffet/soft drinks

-3 arcade tokens

-Live music

-1 Race Pass to be used on night of or any other weekday

Adults – $60/person

-1 game of bowling

-access to stationary HDS

-beer and wine service

-Live music

-1 Race Pass to be used on night of or any other weekday (guests who have consumed alcohol may bowl, but not race)

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Lawrence Harris

American Composers Recital: Former linebacker for the Houston Oilers turned world renowned opera singer Lawrence Harris (baritone) is joined by Adriana Pera (cello) and his wife, Renee Guerrero (piano), at Music Conservatory of Westchester ‘s American Composers Recital. 7:30 p.m. FREE. Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains. 914-761-3900. www.musicconservatory.org.

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Two days ago, MTI was honored with an ASCAP Foundation Award for their work in the Eastchester School District. At the event, which was held at Lincoln Center, Lisa Sandagata performed two original songs with six of the students in front of an audience of 200+.

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Photo/Cathy Pinsky

The Music Conservatory of Westchester (MCW), a non-profit community school for music and the arts, has appointed Edgemont resident Dr. Jean Newton as executive director. Mr. Rodd D. Berro, a member of the Conservatory’s board of trustees since 2008, was also recently elected as board president.

Newton has been on the Conservatory’s staff since 1995. Most recently, in her role as dean of students and faculty, she supervised 75 faculty, three staff positions, and was responsible for program development and operations as well as student recruitment and retention. Her extensive experience as an arts administrator and educator led not only to expanded performance opportunities for MCW’s students, but also a 10 percent increase in enrollment. While serving as the school’s director of development, Newton supervised the successful completion of their $7.8 million capital campaign.

“It’s such a privilege to have the opportunity to lead this stellar institution with its rich history and bright future,” said Newton. “The Conservatory is very close to my heart. My son studied piano and my daughter studied flute here. When I joined the staff 16 years ago, I had hoped it would be a long-term relationship.”

In addition to carving a successful career in arts administration, Newton has also been an active performer and teacher. She joined the Conservatory’s faculty in 1995, established the school’s Baroque ensembles, and continues teaching harpsichord and chamber music. Prior to her focus on an administrative career, Newton performed as a soloist and chamber musician with a variety of ensembles including the Cantabile Chamber Players, New York Baroque Ensemble, New York String Ensemble and Musica Antiqua. She has appeared with the 92nd Street Y Chorale, The String Section, New Jersey Chamber Symphony, City College Faculty String Quartet, and Bronx Arts Ensemble, among others.

Newton is currently secretary of the New York Metro Area Chapter of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, as well as a board member and recording secretary of the Westchester County Arts Leadership Association. She is a former board member of the SUMMIT Music Festival and Edgemont School Foundation. Newton also served on peer review panels for the United States Department of Education, New York State Council on the Arts, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

A graduate of the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College where she earned her masters degree in harpsichord and early music performance, Ms. Newton also earned a doctoral degree in English Literature from the City University of New York’s Graduate School and University Center. She additionally holds a New York State Permanent Teaching Certificate in English for grades 7-12.

Newton succeeds Carol Shiffman, who passed away in October after a long illness. Recognized nationally for her work in arts administration, Shiffman was a devoted leader and champion of music, dance and arts education. “In her two-and-a-half years at the Conservatory, Carol provided extraordinary leadership, passion and organizational development,” said Newton. “Her impact on the Conservatory will be felt for years to come as the spirit of teamwork she fostered lives on. I’m honored to continue her work and also carve new paths.”

Music Conservatory of Westchester offers music and theatre programs for students of all ages and skill levels, and music therapy for children and adults with disabilities. Centrally located in White Plains, N.Y., the Conservatory recently welcomed Faust Harrison Piano Center, nationally recognized for restoration and sales of Steinways and other high quality instruments, as an on-campus resident.

“We have some very exciting plans for the Conservatory,” Newton continued. “I’m very much looking forward to working with our wonderful community of students, parents, faculty, board and staff.”

Newton’s new role at the Conservatory leaves a vacancy in the Dean’s position. Dr. Sarah Wetherbee, who had been Assistant Dean since September 2008, will serve as Interim Dean through June 2012. Dr. Wetherbee holds a B.M. from the Curtis Institute and a D.M.A. from Peabody Institute of Music. An accomplished violinist and violist, she is known for her work as an administrator, teacher and performer, and has served in numerous faculty and staff positions at Gettysburg College, the Levine School of Music, Arlington Symphony, and Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, among others. She has been co-founder and Artistic Director of Fiori Musicali, an ensemble in residence at the Walters Art Museum, has served on the board of the American Composers Forum, and currently serves on the board of the Greenwich Village Orchestra in NYC.

“Jean has excelled in every role she’s had at the Conservatory. We are so very confident her leadership and experience as executive director will propel our school and its offerings to even greater heights,” Rodd Berro said.

Berro is the president and owner of Pegasus Assest Management Inc., a Private Wealth Management firm based in Montebello, N.Y. He received his Certified Financial Planning™ certification (CFP®) designation in 1995 and is a member of the Financial Planning Association. Before joining Pegasus, Berro was a co-founder of Arts Data Associates, a marketing and consulting firm. The former president of the Armonk Players, Berro still maintains a board member position for the organization. In addition, he is currently the treasurer of the Financial Planning Association, Greater Hudson Valley Chapter. Berro earned his B.F.A. in Theatre from North Carolina School of the Arts. He currently resides in Armonk, N.Y., with his wife, Elizabeth, and two children, Kelsey and Zachary.

“I’m truly honored to serve as board president of this community institution. This school has meant a great deal to my family and I. My daughter took lessons for years, and my son continues to. I’ve witnessed the power of MCW first hand, and am excited on what the future might bring for this arts campus in the heart of White Plains,” he said.

The Music Conservatory of Westchester is at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, N.Y. They can be reached at (914) 761-3900 or by visiting www.musicconservatory.org.

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Upcoming events at the Conservatory include a Flute Masterclass led by Mindy Kaufman, solo piccolo and flutist with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra since 1979, and an alumna of the Conservatory. The Masterclass is entitled “Phrasing, Singing, Intonation, and Breathing,” and will take place on Saturday, December 3 at 11a.m.. For more information please call 914-761-3900 or visit www.musicconservatory.org.

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