Songcatchers Celebrates New Space And Keeps The Music Going

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Shakespeare famously wrote, "If music be the food of love, play on." A New Rochelle organization that has helped feed that love for generations now has a brand new space to nourish the community.

Songcatchers has announced that for the first time in 27 years, they have a new location, the Holy Name School Building, at 74 Petersville Road, which even has a dedicated Songcatchers' Entrance on Sherman Street. They celebrated the new space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce.

Songcatchers Inc. was founded in 1978 by Sister Beth Dowd, as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high quality music education, training, and enrichment for children and families that were both affordable and accessible to the multi-cultural population within New Rochelle. Their motto, "Reaching for Peace through Music," represents their commitment to fostering musical education and enrichment for all. Most recently, Songcatchers received a $40,000 New Arts and Culture Grant from the New York State Council on the Arts and an ArtsWestchester matching Art$Challenge grant. Songcatchers performs annually at the New Rochelle Holiday Lighting, Street Fair, ArtsFest and other events throughout Westchester County.

"Our growth from three rooms to two floors of a school building is the realization of our visionary Ursuline founder, Sister Beth, a dedicated Board of Directors, many generous supporters, a devoted staff, and parents and students who wholeheartedly believe in the success of the program," Songcatchers Executive Director Jennifer Lanser said. "We are filled with hope and optimism knowing that the seeds of music and kindness sown by Songcatchers will continue to blossom in the hearts and minds of those touched by its magic."

Students, volunteer teachers, mentors, families, and alumni of Songcatchers joined in the festivities, along with representatives from government, ArtsWestchester, the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, and the Songcatchers board.

"We are so excited to achieve this milestone in our history," Songcatchers President Karenann Carty said. "It is a testament to the lasting legacy of our founder, Sr. Beth Dowd, and a new chapter for Songcatchers as we better serve our communities by expanding our reach and program offerings. We love our new space and will continue to live our mission of reaching for peace through music."

The ceremony was attended by Crystal Collins, Westchester County Director of Policy and Programs representing CE George Latimer and Westchester County Government; Mariana Jusufaj, Small Business Relations Manager for City of New Rochelle, Department of Development; Susan Abbott, Director of Grant Programs at ArtsWestchester; Theresa Kump Leghorn, President of the New Rochelle Council on the Arts; Songcatchers' President Karenann Carty and Executive Director Jennifer Lanser; New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce President Rob Hayes and Executive Director Catherine White; and board members from both Songcatchers and the NR Chamber.

Xiamena Francella presented a Certificate of Recognition to Songcatchers from the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the occasion.

Songcatchers’ expanded new facility has devoted space for large instruments, like pianos and drums, and additional classroom use for strings, woodwind, brass, and early childhood programming.

"Beyond providing free or low-cost musical instruction for children, Songcatchers inspires a lifelong love of music," New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce President Rob Hayes said. "From their preschool early childhood programs through their teenage student mentorship program, Songcatchers has positively impacted thousands of students in New Rochelle. We're happy they have a new home and are glad to congratulate this valued NR Chamber Member. Cheers!"

The celebration doesn't end with a ribbon-cutting. Songcatchers is having their 16th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Concert on Sunday, April 7 and a Dancing Through the Decades Dinner Dance on Saturday, April 20 to support the non-profit. Find out more information about these events and learn more about Songcatchers here.