Virtual Notes from the Westchester Philharmonic March 2007 Winds blow jazz and classical this spring No strings attached April 21 and 22 at the Performing Arts Center. Read more. Not your typical Friday night Philharmonic musicians spice up wintry Friday nights in downtown White Plains. Read more. Introducing... the orchestra Families slap, stomp and whistle their way to learning about the instruments of the orchestra. Read more. 4,000 kids + Team Philharmonic = Fun Teamwork makes beautiful music from the classroom to the concert hall. Read more.

Winds blow jazz and classical this spring Music Director Paul Lustig Dunkel and the Westchester Philharmonic will take audiences to new horizons with two performances of works never before heard on a Philharmonic program. “There is a wealth of music written solely for woodwind and brass ensembles by top composers that almost never gets performed,” commented Maestro Dunkel.  “After 24 seasons, it’s time for the Phil to perform these gems.” The Phil will cover almost 400 years of music starting in the Renaissance with brass antiphonal selections by Gabrieli, and concluding in the 20th century with jazz classics by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington. Included will be the rarely heard Dvořák Serenade for Winds. In a letter to a friend, Johannes Brahms remarked, “it would be difficult to discover a finer, more refreshing impression of really abundant and charming creative talent. Have it played to you; I feel sure the players will enjoy doing it!” Take Brahms’ advice and attend what will be a unique and equally enjoyable performance! Click for ticket prices and more infomation. back to top

Not your typical Friday night Wandering in from the street to an intimate and historic hall, a relaxed crowd of music lovers, with their wine glasses in hand, take their seats. Musicians tune their instruments, there is silence, a short word about the work, and sounds of classical music fill the air…it’s a typical Friday with the Phil(harmonic, that is). “I stepped in from the cold and immediately felt warm,” commented one concert-goer. “I had been meaning to come to Fridays with the Phil for some time. What a wonderful setting to enjoy music, relax after a long week, and meet the musicians.” For the second year in a row the Westchester Philharmonic's principal musicians and local music lovers get closer together with the Fridays with the Phil chamber music series. A partnership with the Westchester Arts Council and part of the Live@ the Arts Exchange series, Fridays with the Phil offers audience members something they won’t get at a traditional concert hall: face-to-face with the musicians. “These types of events display the versatility and talent of our orchestra musicians. They are able to play in venues large or small, performing in symphonies or chamber works. They also hold a wealth of knowledge about their craft and are delighted to share it with the audience,” says Joshua Worby, Executive Director. “If you haven’t been to one of these events, join us on March 9th, it’ll be a real treat.” Click for ticket prices and more information. back to top

Introducing...the orchestra What do a plastic straw, a bucket, cowbells or even your own body have in common? They’re all used to make music at a Kids On Central concert!  The Westchester Philharmonic knows the best way to get kids excited about music is to let them make some. So, the Phil has teamed up with the Music Conservatory of Westchester for Kids On Central, a series of concerts for families intended to introduce young children to the instruments of the orchestra through hands-on and listening activities. “Kids on Central combines the expertise of two great music organizations in bringing the joy of music to children and families in a fun, non-intimidating environment, while imparting lasting lessons about musical instruments and the orchestral form,” commented Philharmonic Executive Director, Joshua Worby.  These 40 minute performances held at the Music Conservatory and led by teaching artists from the Philharmonic are guaranteed to have the kids in your life asking for more. Ideal for ages 5 and up, a pre-concert instrument petting zoo even lets kids try all kinds of instruments on their own.  "Into the Woodwinds" is next, taking families deep into the life of the oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon, on March 3. Then, on March 17 "The String Thing" teaches kids about the strings and things that make classical, folk, jazz and bluegrass music come alive. Click for ticket prices and more infomation. back to top

4,000 kids + Team Philharmonic = Fun The Concert Hall at the Purchase College Performing Arts Center will be abuzz when the Westchester Philharmonic brings nearly 4,000 elementary school students together to experience Team Philharmonic this April. Music Director and Conductor, Paul Lustig Dunkel will lead a group of professional musicians from the Philharmonic in two interactive performances showcasing string, wind, and brass instruments. The concerts will utilize familiar folk songs and works from the classical music repertoire to teach kids about the sections of the orchestra and how teamwork makes beautiful music. "We're always trying to make classical music accessible and fun for young children. Using sports metaphors and everyday language, Team Philharmonic demonstrates that, like sports, music promotes communication, cooperation and teamwork," said Maestro Dunkel. The concerts are the culminating experience for these students who benefit from teaching artists dispatched into academic classrooms. Teaching artists offer local schools and teachers the unique experience of collaborating with musicians in the classroom; utilizing music as a springboard for learning. Team Philharmonic provides children across Westchester County the opportunity to hear, see, and enjoy live music; something not every child has the opportunity to do as part of a normal school day. According to a third grader at Trinity Elementary in New Rochelle last year, "I never heard anything so beautiful in my life! Hopefully, I can grow up to be a great musician." To find out how your school can become involved in the Westchester Philharmonic Education Program call (914) 682-3707 ext. 11. back to top