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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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MCW faculty member Irena Portenko, Shiffman, and MCW Trustee Mary Bianco smile following an event last year.

Music Conservatory of Westchester (MCW), a non-profit community school of the arts, will celebrate the life of their recently deceased Executive Director Carol Shiffman with a special tribute concert, Share the Light: Celebrating the Life of Carol Shiffman, on Friday, Nov. 18 at  7 p.m. The evening will include performances by Shiffman’s Conservatory “family” and friends.

Shiffman, 65, passed away on Oct. 24 from breast cancer after a long, courageous battle.  She was appointed as Executive Director in July 2009 during the Conservatory’s landmark 80^th anniversary. Previously the Dean of the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance, Shiffman led one of the country’s preeminent arts institutions with world renowned faculty. She was nationally recognized for her work in arts administration, music, dance, arts education, and was a former dance instructor, performer, and choreographer.

“While we mourn Carol each day, we wanted to celebrate all that she meant to us at the Conservatory with a grand concert featuring her MCW family and friends. To paraphrase a speech she once gave, she may have been small in stature but took mighty big steps,” said Jon Chattman, director of communications.

In two-and-a-half years at the Conservatory, Shiffman provided extraordinary leadership, passion, and organizational development.  Specifically, she increased student opportunities, chartered innovative partnerships, and received sizable grants for both educational programming and building preservation.

“She was a true champion of the arts who cared so very deeply for this organization. Her impact on the Conservatory, its students, faculty, board, and staff will be felt for years to come,” Board President Rodd Berro said.

“Her enthusiasm and dedication to the Conservatory was remarkable,” he added. “She was a person who was always moving forward, always pushing for improvement yet always cognizant and caring of the people around her. She will be greatly missed at the Conservatory. I will miss her friendship.”

Adding to that, MCW Trustee Mary Bianco, said, “She told me on more than one occasion, ‘this is my dream job………what I spent my life preparing for’ and how evident this was in Carol’s eyes, smiles and words. How fortunate we are to have Carol to remind us of the wonders and the possibilities going forward; and how we shall delight her by accomplishing her dreams and ours.”

In partnership with Shiffman’s husband, Larry Harbison, the Conservatory has created The Carol Shiffman Fund in honor of its namesake and her lifelong passion for the arts.

For more information on this free concert event on Nov. 18, please visit www.sharethelight.eventbrite.com. If you would like to donate to The Carol Shiffman Fund, please visit www.musicconservatory.org or send donations to Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, N.Y., 10606. Please make checks out to “Music Conservatory of Westchester” with “Carol Shiffman Fund” in the memo line.

The Music Conservatory of Westchester can be reached at (914) 761-3900 or by visiting www.musicconservatory.org.

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The Music Conservatory of Westchester will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. We will reopen, as scheduled, on Saturday, Nov. 12.

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Dear Students and Parents,

We would like to let you know about an important change in our Saturday Student Recital sign-up procedure (excluding adult students). Students will still perform in recitals (12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm, 5pm) only upon recommendation by their teachers. Again, this is NOT changing. However, students and parents will need to sign-up for their preferred recital time with our Office Manager Katie Goulart, at the front office, either by phone, email or in person. Katie’s contact information is:

Katie@musiced.org or 914-761-3900 ext. 103.

Katie’s desk is located to the right of our front desk.

There will be a limited number of slots for each recital time as we don’t want our recitals to get too long. If your preferred recital time is full, please choose another time.

Sign-up opens on Saturday, November 12 and closes on Wednesday, November 16.

There is also another recital later this semester, in December. Please check those recital dates with your teacher.

Best regards,

Sarah Wetherbee

Sarah Wetherbee, D.M.A.
Assistant Dean of Students and Faculty
Music Conservatory of Westchester

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Dear Music Conservatory Family,

The Board of Trustees would like to thank our MCW families and friends for their words of sympathy and continued support throughout this difficult time. Carol Shiffman’s presence and leadership will greatly be missed but her work and vision will continue.

In the spirit of moving forward and recognizing the past, the Board is proud to announce the appointment of the current Dean of Students & Faculty, Dr. Jean Newton, to the position of Executive Director. We look forward to working with Jean to continue the wonderful work of community at the Music Conservatory of Westchester.

Sincerely,

Rodd Berro,
President – Board of Trustees

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Acclaimed children’s entertainer David Gonzalez (fourth from left) was the featured performer at the Music Therapy Institute’s (MTI) 25^th Anniversary Celebration, held recently in White Plains. MTI, which is part of the Music Conservatory of Westchester, addresses the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well being of children and adults with a wide variety of special needs. Also in attendance were (left to right) Lisa Sandagata, Phyllis Bethel, Donald Stevens, David Gonzalez, James Maxson, and Tina Brescia.

Upcoming events benefiting MTI include Novembowl at Grand Prix New York’s Spins Bowl, a state-of-the-art bowling center and lounge located at 333 Bedford Road, Mount Kisco. The event will take place on Thursday, November 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Cost ranges from $50 – 60 and includes bowling, kart racing, food, drinks, and live music from the Conservatory. For more information on this event or to learn more about MTI, please call 914-761-3900. www.musicconservatory.org  Photo by: Jon Chattman

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This video was filmed partially in MCW last spring. Enjoy!

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Join Irena Portenko as she celebrates her new release with an exclusive performance and Q&A session at MCW – Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 3:00 PM

At
Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Ave.
White Plains, NY

For tickets, click here.

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