Westchester News in Brief

New Guide Book by Local Acclaimed Choral Conductor

A Practical Guide to Choral Conducting, a new book by critically acclaimed choral conductor and Westchester resident Dr. Harold Rosenbaum was recently published by Routledge. It offers a valuable resource to conductors, singers, organists and music teachers about challenges that all conductors of choral ensembles face. The book reveals a behind-the-scenes look at fifty great choral works from throughout history, along with analyses and suggestions that will help to aid conductors in directing each piece. Dr. Rosenbaum lends his keen ears, observations from his forty-five-year career and personal insight to provide practical technical ideas for conductors and singers to consider during performances. Rosenbaum, the founder and conductor of The New York Virtuoso Singers, now in its 30th season. For more info about the book, visit: routledge.com.

November 2 Information Session: Insurance for Artists

ArtsWestchester will host “Every Artist Insured: Finding Affordable Coverage in a Changing Insurance Landscape,” an information session that is designed for artists who are not insured by an employer or union health plan. Led by the Artists Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRS), the free November 2 workshop will provide guidance on the Affordable Care Act and how the recently proposed changes may affect independent artists. Covered topics will include information about what options may be available in 2018, how to estimate sporadic income, how to choose a health plan and more. The workshop will take place at ArtsWestchester’s building in White Plains. To RSVP, contact Lauren Brady: lbrady@artswestchester.org.

Songcatchers Celebrates 40 Years With Documentary

The Songcatchers continues its 40th anniversary celebration with the premiere of a new documentary, 40 Years of Music-Making: A Tribute to Songcatchers, by filmmaker Nicholas Carter. Presented in tandem with New Rochelle Council on the Arts on November 19, the documentary chronicles the history of the nonprofit choral group. The documentary also honors the group’s founder, Sister Beth Dowd, who began the group with a mission to nurture programs that “create a peaceful community spirit and enable growth of body, mind and spirit.” The event will feature a performance by the group’s intergenerational concert choir, which will be joined by former members and friends to sing a selection of their favorite and signature songs. For more info, visit: songcatchers.org.

Rockland County Funding Opportunity: Deadline Nov. 7

Grants support artists and arts activity to ensure that residents throughout Rockland County have access to the arts in their communities, particularly in areas where access is limited. Available in three categories: Project, Artist and Education. For applications and more info: artsw.org/rocklandgrant.

Clay Art Center Honors ArtsWestchester

Clay Art Center recently celebrated its 60th anniversary with an event that honored four individuals: Rene Murray, Stephen Rodriguez, Jeff Schlanger and Priscilla Young, as well as two organizations: the Port Chester Village and ArtsWestchester.

A version of this article first appeared in the November issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.