Music Conservatory of Westchester’s Performing Ensembles Begin

White Plains, NY -  The Music Conservatory of Westchester, a non-profit community school of the arts, will welcome students, old and new, for the start of their Fall semester’s performing ensembles on October 15th. The Conservatory, with programs in music, musical theatre, and music therapy, provides many learning opportunities for students of all abilities and ages, from young children to senior citizens.

A wide variety of classical, jazz, and hip hop ensembles, large and small, are available for youth, teens, and adults of all skills levels. Students from outside the Conservatory are also welcome to participate. New this year is Rock Band, an ensemble geared toward students who are interested in developing the skills necessary to be in a rock group.

Ensembles meet for 12 weeks per semester, beginning October 15-23 through January 23-29. Tuition for a large ensemble is $200 per semester. Small ensembles and Jazz, Rock, and Contemporary ensembles are $400. Tuition includes one optional theory or sight-singing class. Conservatory students currently enrolled in private or semi-private lessons may register at a discounted rate of $70 per ensemble.

The Conservatory has a variety of program packages as well as financial assistance for qualifying students. A placement audition is required for most ensembles. For more information or to schedule an audition, please contact Jean Newton, Dean of Students and Faculty, at (914) 761-3900 x112 or jean@musiced.org.

Large Ensembles & Chorus

Junior Strings: An introduction to ensemble playing for beginning string students ages 7-12. Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Chamber Strings: For intermediate string students ages 11-16. Focus on ensemble skills, bowing, intonation, and sight-reading. Saturday, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Chamber Orchestra: For experienced string students ages 12-18. Focus on orchestral playing skills, knowledge of repertoire, conducting styles, section playing techniques, and sight-reading. Thursday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Youth Chorus :  Open to all students ages 7-11. Explore unison and simple two-part vocal music ranging from folk songs to pop. Audition not required. Saturday, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Teen Vocal Ensemble: Open to all vocal and instrumental students ages 12-18. Explore diversified repertoire (classical, traditional, contemporary), with a focus on part-singing, blending, and performance preparation. Saturday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Small Ensembles

Chamber Music Ensembles for Strings, Winds & Piano: Trios, quartets, and quintets for various instrument combinations coached by expert faculty. Placement based on age as well as technical and musical proficiency. Groups are scheduled individually.

Piano Partners: An excellent opportunity for intermediate and advanced piano students to perform four-hand or two-piano repertoire. Groups scheduled individually.

Baroque Ensemble: For advanced instrumental students interested in learning about 18th-century performance practice.

Harp Ensemble: Open to intermediate and advanced students on lever or pedal harp. Repertoire includes classical and traditional music. Students should be able to perform basic counterpoint with two hands and be proficient with lever or pedal changes. Alternate Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Percussion Ensemble: Explore various percussion instruments such as drum set, tympani, xylophone, bells, tom toms, snare drum, and others. Tuesday, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Flute Ensemble: Thursday, 8:00-8:45 p.m.

Brass Ensemble: For intermediate/advanced students. Trios, quartets and quintets for various combinations of brass instruments. Tuesday, 6:00-6:45 p.m.

French Horn Ensembles: An enjoyable ensemble experience with varied repertoire ranging from classical to folk and jazz styles. Beginner/Intermediate Students: Saturday, 4:00-4:45 p.m. Intermediate/Advanced Students: Saturday, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Jazz, Rock & Contemporary

Introduction to Jazz Improvisation: For intermediate/advanced instrumental students who want to learn the basics of jazz improvisation. Thursday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Jazz Ensembles: For students who play drums, bass, piano, sax, clarinet, trumpet, trombone or guitar. Students learn jazz standards and explore improvisation and chord progressions.

Beginning Jazz: Monday, 8:00-9:00 p.m., and Tuesday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Intermediate Jazz: Monday, 7:00-8:00 p.m., and Saturday, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Advanced Jazz: Monday, 8:00-9:30 p.m.

Jazz Vocal Ensemble: For experienced voice students who want to explore jazz vocal style in a group setting. Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Rock Band: Develop skills needed in a rock group setting. Learn early blues and rock influences such as Led Zeppelin, AC-DC and Metallica. Students will learn by listening to recordings as well as writing their own material. Instrumentation: vocals, guitar, bass, drums. Monday, 7:00-8:00 p.m., and Saturday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Introduction to Hip Hop Music: An introduction to the musical world of Hip Hop for youth ages 11-17. Students create and perform original works, learn how to tell stories through rhyme and explore the creative possibility of rhythm. No experience required. Saturday, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

The Music Conservatory of Westchester is at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, NY. To view their complete 2008/2009 Live on Central season, please visit www.musicconservatory.org.