Daylong celebration and benefit event features music, food, holiday shopping and more
(November 15, 2012) – The Music Conservatory of Westchester (MCW), a nonprofit community music school with students and faculty from throughout the region, has partnered with The Digital Arts Experience (The DAE), a digital media arts instruction facility in downtown White Plains, to bring Performathon 2012 to music lovers throughout the region on Saturday, December 12.
The DAE is a key event sponsor and will play a supporting role by recording the event for the Conservatory’s YouTube channel, and by giving a top prize to the student performer who raises the most funds: a full media package including studio time, a demo recording, and a music video. The DAE will also be a partner in future Conservatory offerings.
Proceeds from Performathon 2012 will support the installation of digital video andaudio recording equipment in the Conservatory’s Recital Hall, which will enable MCW to document hundreds of student recitals, play-ins, and professional performances
held throughout the year. A Kickstarter.com campaign has been quietly ongoing since October 9 to raise the first 20% of expenses for the installation. Currently, the Conservatory has no such equipment available and is eager to reach its goal.
“Our students, faculty, and staff have been bringing their handheld digital cameras to record our recitals, concerts, and other events for years. Students and their families want to capture their performances, and we utilize the videos for our social media,” said Jon Chattman, MCW’s Director of Communications. “Professional quality audio visual equipment would allow us to elevate the MCW
experience for our students and even expand into online instruction.”
Performathon 2012 will showcase the Conservatory’s youth and adult students who will perform all styles of music – from classical and rock to jazz and opera – in a variety of solo, chamber, and ensemble settings. The holiday gift boutique offers jewelry, music-themed gifts, and more. Featured vendors include musical gifts from Musically Inclined, and vibrant hand-crafted jewelry from Kiki + Naomi.
“We are so excited to share our school’s musical achievements with our community,” said Jean Newton, Executive Director of the Music Conservatory of Westchester. “We welcome everyone to join the celebration and take part in the festivities.”
Performathon 2012 takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m at the Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, and is free and open to the
public. The event kicks-off with a faculty jazz concert starting at 6:30pm on Friday, December 7 at The Digital Arts Experience, located at 170 Hamilton Avenue in White Plains.
In addition to The DAE, TD Bank is a lead sponsor for Performathon 2012. Other sponsors include Grand Prix New York Racing, MSM Designz, Inc., and Green Mountain Energy.
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 (www.musicconservatoryonline.org) is a non-profit community music school providing outstanding music programs for children and adults of all ages and abilities. The Conservatory’s 36,000-square-foot facility in White Plains offers a Recital Hall and 43 acoustically designed teaching studios. Their comprehensive programs include
individual instrumental and vocal lessons, performing ensembles, musicianship classes, student recitals and performances, master classes, workshops, and
more. Each year the Conservatory provides over $100,000 in scholarship assistance to financially deserving students. The school’s Music Therapy Institute is the largest provider of in the region of therapeutic music programs for individuals who live with disabilities. More than 100 performances by Conservatory faculty and students take place at the school and in the community each year. The Conservatory is accredited by the National Association of
Schools of Music, a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, and chartered by the New York State Board of Regents.
