Music Conservatory of Westchester to Premiere Virtual Faculty Concert of Music by Black Composers
In solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, the Music Conservatory of Westchester will present a virtual faculty concert featuring music by Black composers on Wednesday, July 15 at 12pm on Facebook and YouTube.
“This concert will be a first step in highlighting the work of under-recognized composers and introducing our community to new musical treasures that will broaden their horizons,” says Conservatory Executive Director Jean Newton. “Over time, we aim to influence, through our music education programs, public perceptions of the wealth and diversity of great music.”
As a nonprofit music school based in White Plains, NY, the Conservatory’s mission – to provide the extraordinary benefits of music to all in our community – is amplified in this concert. In sharing the music of Black composers such as Florence Price, Duke Ellington, and Thelonious Monk, as well as spirituals, all performed by esteemed Music Conservatory of Westchester faculty members, the school is honoring the cultural contributions of African Americans in a dedicated spotlight.
Known for broad diversity in its community of students, faculty, and staff, the Conservatory now aims to make change by presenting introductions to music that reflects the various cultures making up the school’s population. Plans are in progress to expand the school’s teaching repertoire as well.
According to Dean of Students and Faculty, Douglas Bish, “while the Music Conservatory, for its 90 years, has upheld the high standards of the European musical tradition, we also recognize the beauty, excitement, and vitality of music from around the world, especially as are reflected by the wealth of different ethnicities that comprise our student body.
Following the teachin
g of one of America’s greatest composers, Duke Ellington, who said, ‘If it sounds good, it IS good,’ our instructors seek to teach and perform music of exceptional breadth and quality, reflecting a wide variety of cultures.”
Tune in on Wednesday, July 15 at 12pm for the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s virtual faculty concert featuring music by Black composers. Links to watch on Facebook and YouTube will be available at https://musicconservatory.org/community/ prior to the concert.
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 onsite and virtual instruction, performing ensembles, theory, composition, early childhood classes, lifelong learning for adults, and free community performances, serving 3,000 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
For more news from the Music Conservatory of Westchester, please contact Communications and Marketing Manager, Adriana Rivera, at adriana@musiced.org or 914-761-3900 x135.
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About Music Conservatory of Westchester
Founded in 1929, the Conservatory is a 501(c) 3 organization that provides quality music education for all ages, abilities and backgrounds. We offer one-on-one instruction, performing ensembles, theory, composition, early childhood classes, lifelong learning for adults, summer programs and free community performances. Our unique Music Therapy program incorporates adapted instruction for children and adults with disabilities. Our esteemed faculty, who are performing artists, help to enrich the lives of more than 2,500 students each year from Pre-K to Adults. We offer scholarships to finically deserving students, so that all have the chance to experience the transformative power of music.