Music Conservatory Launches First of “Ten Wednesdays of Music”

Ten-week series engages seniors through sing-alongs and special performances

Westchester County, N.Y. (April 24, 2013) - “There were bells on the hill, But I never heard them ringing, No I never heard them at all, Till there was you…” Scarsdale couple Dr. Walter and Babette Sonneborn enthusiastically sing along to Broadway hits from Gershwin and Porter in a studio at the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, N.Y. They occasionally take a quick break to smile at one another, but within seconds they go back to their singing. “It’s a very pleasant concert,” Babette said. “A pleasant afternoon,” Walter added immediately.  And it’s an enjoyable, relaxing way to spend a Wednesday for this active couple who, until recently, have bicycled all around the U.S and the world. “We haven’t sung in a group like this since elementary school,” Babette said with a grin. We should mention she and her husband are respectively 92 and 101 years old and have three children, 11 grandchildren, and seven - soon-to-be eight - great grandchildren.

The Sonneborns were among the first to sign up for the Conservatory’s all-new music series for older adults - “Ten Wednesdays of Music” – which launched on Wednesday, April 3^rd.  Produced in cooperation with the Center for Aging in Place, which is publicizing the events to its members and helping organize transportation and volunteers, the series runs for ten consecutive Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. through June 5^th.  Each week features a short concert performed by members of the Conservatory’s distinguished faculty, preceded by either a group singing class or a music appreciation talk.  At this first event, the Sonneborns and their fellow attendees raised their voices in song, led by Benjamin Niemcyzk, conductor of the Westchester Oratorio Society and the New Westchester Symphony Orchestra.  They were then treated to a riveting performance of music for clarinet and piano by MCW faculty musicians Justin Stanley and Irena Portenko.  In subsequent weeks, participants will enjoy a wide variety of music ranging from toe-tapping jazz to classical favorites.

“In the past few years I’ve encountered many local residents who have not moved away when they retired and are spending their golden years right here in Westchester,” said MCW Executive Director Jean Newton.  We wanted to provide a unique music experience older adults where they can be musical participants as well as audiences, learn something new, and spend quality time with old and new friends. My mom, who is 91 and was a cabaret singer when she was young, came to our first event and had a great time.”

The series, which is open to all ages, takes place at the Conservatory, located at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, NY. Tickets are $12 at the door via cash or check, or $10 per concert for five or more purchased in advance. Reservations can be made by phone at 914-761-3900 x101 or emailinfo@musiced.org to purchase in advance or for more information. For a full calendar of events, visitwww.musicconservatory.org.

The Music Conservatory of Westchester is located at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, N.Y. They can be reached at (914) 761-3900 or by visiting www.musicconservatoryorg. Follow the Conservatory on Facebook (Westchester MusicConservatory) and Twitter (@MusicCW), or check their new blog                     (www.musicconservatoryblog.org) for the latest news and updates.

About the Music Conservatory of Westchester

Founded in 1929, the Music Conservatory of Westchester today continues to be the largest music organization in the Westchester region, serving more than 2,500 students of all ages and abilities each year.  The school’s comprehensive programs include one-on-one instrumental instruction in all genres from classical to jazz and rock, music theory and composition, performing ensembles, young children’s classes and Suzuki instruction, programs for adults and senior citizens, and more than 100 recitals and performances each year.  Throughout its history, the Conservatory’s programs have proactively embraced everyone in the community regardless of age, background, ability or financial means.  Over $100,000 in scholarships is awarded annually to financially deserving students.  The school’s Music Therapy Institute is the largest professional program in the region, working in partnership with 29 agencies at 65 sites. The Conservatory’s campus consists of a 36,000 square-foot fully renovated building, with 43 teaching studios, two dance studios, and a state-of-the-art recital hall. The Steffi Nossen Dance School and Westchester Choral Society are in residence in the building.  The Conservatory is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education.