Posts tagged ‘music’

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.

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Hi! My name is John Arrucci, and I am a percussionist and composer. I am looking forward to joining the MCW faculty this fall. I will be presenting a percussion sampler class called World Percussion Workshop which will have three separate modules – Samba Drumming, West African Drumming and The Art of Improvisation (through the drum circle). You can take one, two, or all three modules, and there are no pre-requisites for any of them (beginners are very welcome). The modules will all 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!

In addition to the workshop, I will also be offering private lessons on percussion instruments from a variety of traditions from around the world (classical orchestra percussion, drumset, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, West African). My private lessons are structured to address the individual student’s needs and goals with an emphasis on relaxed movement, attention to sound production , phrasing and musical expression. I am excited about meeting lots of new people and being part of the MCW community.

For more info on the new World Percussion Workshop, call 914-761-3900 or email info@musiced.org

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Music Conservatory of Westchester2010 Vocal Performance Academy. Stepsister’s Lament with Emma Boisitz as Joy and Georgia Rehbock as Portia.

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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 »

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The Vocal Academy performs Friday night at 7 p.m.!

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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.

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Support good live music!
Can’t get to the city- let the city come to you! Come out to the first of many “NYC Comes To You” concerts from thecheappop.com!

Anna Rose is a singer/songwriter from NYC with deep roots in Westchester. Her mother used to dance ballet and her father is Alan Menken, the celebrated and widely influential pianist and theater and film composer arguably best known for “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin.” Rose …just debuted her full length album Nomad, which features standout songs “Wilshire Boulevard,” “Whispers,” and “Pictures.”

The August Infinity are a NYC band who released their debut album “Voices of a Generation” last year. Everything on the album was written, recorded, mixed and produced solely by the band in the confines of their NYC apartments. To date The August Infinity has been featured on Sirius XM’s Octane channel as well as a growing number of college and internet radio stations.

Comedian Dante Mercadante will open the show!

The event is presented by Jon Chattman’s thecheappop.com. All proceeds go toward the Music Conservatory of Westchester.

TICKETS ARE $12 ONLINE OR $15 AT THE DOOR.

Get tix here:
http://www.augustconcert.eventbrite.com/

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