Music Conservatory of Westchester Celebrates 90th Anniversary Kick-off and Open House

Music Conservatory of Westchester Celebrates 90^th Anniversary Kick-off and Open House

October Community Event Encourages Music Exploration

(White Plains, NY) Celebrating a milestone year never sounded so good! The Music Conservatory of Westchester invites the Westchester County community to a 90^th Anniversary Kick-off and Open House at its White Plains location on Saturday, October 5 from 11am through 3pm. The open house will offer free demo classes and will showcase Conservatory student performances representing an array of musical genres, while sharing in the joy of making music for 90 years.

At this event, attendees will experience first-hand the magic that occurs within the Conservatory’s walls. Explore the variety of musical ensembles and performance opportunities offered at the Conservatory while attending the Anniversary Kick-Off and Open House, and enjoy impressive, entertaining student performances. An immersive musical instrument petting zoo will also bring youngsters up-close to some of the many instruments offered for lessons at the nonprofit community music school.

Free demo group classes will be available for the following popular introductory classes (no musical experience necessary!):

• First Notes (ages 3 months through 3 ½ years)
  • This is a class for toddlers and parents that teaches music fundamentals and concepts in a fun, interactive way. Songs and musical activities develop the child’s sense of hearing, sight, and touch in response to music.
• Pre-School Music Skills (age 3-4)
  • Students learn the fundamentals of rhythm, melody and harmony through ear training, creative movement, songs and improvisation. Pre-K Music Skills offers a perfect entry point for your child’s musical education, helping prepare him/her to learn an instrument.
• Beginner Group Piano (kindergarten through grade 1)
  • Using a blend of different teaching methods and materials, children learn basic piano skills in a nurturing environment with their peers.
• Beginner Group Guitar (kindergarten through grade 1)
  • Strong basic playing skills provide a foundation for students to learn classical, jazz, or rock when they reach more advanced levels, and to participate in a rock band, jazz combo or guitar ensemble. Working with their peers in the early stages helps foster the collaborative spirit necessary to make music with others.

What a fun way to celebrate music and the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s 90^th anniversary!

From its 1929 launch at Hyatt House in Scarsdale, to White Plains locations at Burling Avenue and Soundview Avenue, to the move to its current home at 216 Central Avenue, the Conservatory has had numerous “Karmic Transformations,” as its 2001 Best of Westchester plaque states. A new transformational project will enable the Conservatory to play a significant role in bridging traditional music education with 21^st century technology-based innovation. To be constructed in 3,500 square feet of unfinished space in the Conservatory building, the new facilities will include a Digital Piano Lab, Recording Studio, Percussion Studio, additional Music Therapy Studio, and large Rehearsal Studio. The Recording Studio will be networked to the Percussion Studio and to the school’s Recital Hall, which will enable the Conservatory to make quality recordings of performances and music sessions.

This major construction project is made possible with a $500,000 grant award from the New York State Regional Economic Development Corporation, requiring a dollar for dollar match from friends of the Conservatory. While at the 90^th Anniversary Kick-off and Open House, learn how this endeavor will impact 7,500 music students in the greater Westchester County community over the next 5 years and how you can contribute to making a difference in bringing music technology to the next generation at the Music Conservatory of Westchester.

Music Conservatory of Westchester’s 90^th Anniversary Kick-off and Open House

Saturday, October 5, 2019

11am – 3pm

All Ages are Welcome

Music Conservatory of Westchester

216 Central Avenue

White Plains, NY 10606

914-761-3900

www.musicconservatory.org

 

For more information about the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s 90^th anniversary and construction project, please contact Communications and Marketing Manager, Adriana Rivera, at adriana@musiced.org or 914-761-3900 x135.

 

The Music Conservatory of Westchester was founded in 1929 by a group of community members and renowned artists. Today, the Conservatory provides the extraordinary benefits of music to all in our community, from absolute beginners to advanced artists, with one-on-one instruction, performing ensembles, theory, composition, early childhood classes, lifelong learning for adults, and free community performances, serving 2,800 students each year from 4 months to over 80 years old. As a not-for-profit organization, the Conservatory is dedicated to serving the community and reaching out to those who would not otherwise have access. Our Scholarship Program provides tuition assistance for financially deserving students. The Music Therapy Institute brings music into the lives of 2,000 children and adults with disabilities each year through on-site and outreach programs. Healing Our Heroes offers military veterans a specialized music therapy program to help with recovery after their service. The Conservatory has inspired generations of students, and contributed to a vibrant musical life in the county, the region, and beyond. www.musicconservatory.org

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