Fall Open Houses and Orientation Sessions

Learn more about Hoff-Barthelson’s offerings by joining us at one or more of our Fall Open Houses!

Chamber Music and Piano Ensembles Open House

chamber music cello and violin

PLEASE NOTE: Due to weather and concern for participant safety, this event will be held remotely on Zoom.

Wednesday, September 1, 7:00-8:00 pm
Parents, current and prospective K-12 string, wind, brass and piano students are invited to join us at our Chamber Music Open House to learn about the School’s Chamber Music and the New Piano Ensembles Programs. The discussion will be led by program directors Donna Elaine and Tomoko Uchino and Deans Kathy Jones and Christopher Kenniff.

RSVP HERE

Hoff-Barthelson’s Chamber Music Program offers small ensemble experiences to intermediate and advanced instrumentalists and pianists. The program is open to students committed to maintaining the highest standard of dedication, commitment, and attendance.

We are excited to announce a new Piano Ensemble Program within our larger Chamber Music Program. The Piano Ensemble Program is available for intermediate to advanced piano students who would like to develop ensemble and sightreading skills as well as enjoy the social and emotional benefits of participating in music-making with others. The program will be held in our state-of-the-art piano lab.

Placement Auditions for both Chamber Music Divisions will be held on Tuesday, September 7, and Wednesday, September 8 from 3:00-9:00 pm.

Learn more about the Chamber Music Program here.

Parent Orientation

Saturday, September 11, 1:30-2:45 pm (Hybrid)
Join HBMS Executive Director Ken Cole, Dean Christopher Kenniff and Associate Dean Kathy Jones in-person or online to learn about the 2021-2022 school year. Our discussion will center on the new semester, safety protocols, how to make the most of our programs — lessons, musicianship classes, ensembles, accompaniment, Suzuki and Early Childhood, and the School’s general operations.

Masks, social distancing, adherence to our Fall Safety Guidelines and RSVP required for all in-person attendees.

RSVP HERE

Suzuki Open House and Porch Party

suzuki violin

Saturday, September 11, 4:00-5:00 pm (In-person)
Current and prospective Suzuki violin students and their parents are invited to join us for a Suzuki Fall Playdown and Open House! Come learn more about our exciting plans for our 2021-22 Suzuki program, meet Suzuki faculty, other Suzuki families, and help us kick off the year!

Conditions permitting, this event will be held in person; masks, social distancing, adherence to our Fall Safety Guidelines and RSVP required for all attendees. Should conditions necessitate, the event will be moved online.

RSVP HERE

Learn more about the Suzuki Program here.

Early Childhood Program Open House

Early Childhood Music Class

Monday, September 13, 10:00-11:30 am (In-person)
Families eager to enroll their very youngest members in high-quality, safely delivered music education are invited to attend an in-person Open House. Join us to learn more about our Dalcroze-based music and movement program and get a taste of program activities parents and children can look forward to together.

Children ages 9 months to 5 years and their adults are invited to join in the fun of a music and movement class at 10:30 am, followed by a brief Q & A with faculty

Masks, social distancing, adherence to our Fall Safety Guidelines and RSVP required for all attendees.

RSVP HERE

Learn more about the Early Childhood Program here.

Youth Orchestras Open House

Youth Orchestra

Tuesday, September 14, 7:30-9:00 pm (via Zoom)
Join music directors Jun Nakabayashi (Festival Orchestra), Robert Schwartz (Young People’s Symphonette, Chamber Orchestra), Joseph Piscitelli (Wind Ensemble), Dean Christopher Kenniff, and HBMS Executive Director Ken Cole for a lively online discussion via Zoom about the School’s four-tiered Youth Orchestra Programs. The discussion will include information about repertoire, educational goals, performance schedules, safety protocols, and more!

Students enrolled in private lessons elsewhere are welcome to enroll in these ensembles on an a la carte basis.

RSVP HERE

Hoff-Barthelson is the only community music school in Westchester with a four-tiered orchestral pyramid, culminating in a full symphonic orchestra for high school students at the highest level of technical ability and musical artistry. Students hone their technical skills and musical sensibilities in Young People’s Symphonette, Chamber Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble in preparation for membership in the audition-only Festival Orchestra. Each ensemble rehearses 15 times per semester and performs 3 times a year.

The Young People’s Symphonette is a beginning string orchestra for string players in grades 2-5 conducted by Robert Schwartz. Students must be ready to study the last piece in Suzuki Book 1 (or its equivalent) and be able to read the notes on all four strings. Rehearses Tuesdays from 7:00-8:00 pm beginning September 21.

The Chamber Orchestra is an intermediate string orchestra for string players in grades 6-10 conducted by Robert Schwartz.  Rehearses Mondays from 7:00-8:30 pm beginning September 20.

Led by Joseph Piscitelli, the Wind Ensemble is for woodwind, brass and percussion players in grades 6-12. Audition required. Rehearses Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 pm beginning September 29.

The Festival Orchestra is a full symphonic orchestra for high school students at the highest level of technical ability and musical artistry. Under the direction of conductor Jun Nakabayashi, the orchestra performs three concerts annually; two are with guest artists of international stature. Festival Orchestra members also receive coaching from members of the NY Philharmonic. Audition required. Rehearses Tuesdays from 7:15-9:30 pm beginning September 29.

Adult Programs Open House

Adult Flute Students

Saturday, September 18, 2:15-3:15 pm (Hybrid)
Join Dean Christopher Kenniff and Associate Dean Kathy Jones (in-person or online) for a discussion centering on the new semester, safety protocols, how to make the most of our programs, course offerings including the Adult Jazz Ensemble, Ring Your Bell Handbell Ensemble, Group Piano Class, Scarsdale Singers, as well as other opportunities for adult learners.

Masks, social distancing, adherence to our Fall Safety Guidelines and RSVP required for all in-person attendees. Online attendees should RSVP to receive the Zoom link.

RSVP HERE

Learn more about our offerings for adult learners here.