Hoff-Barthelson Music School

The Music of Poetry: Riffs and Celebrations
2024-11-17 14:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
The relationship between poetry and music is as old as time itself–from the earliest poems accompanied by music on the lyre to contemporary spoken-word poetry. The Scarsdale Library, Hoff-Barthelson Music School, and the Scarsdale Library’s poetry community invite you to enjoy an afternoon of poetry and jazz! Join us for a captivating exploration of the timeless bond between these two ancient art forms. This one-of-a-kind event will showcase the Hoff-Barthelson Music School Adult Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Ed Palermo, alongside members of the Scarsdale Public Library’s poetry community. Whether you are a music enthusiast, a poetry lover, or simply curious about the magic that happens when these two art forms combine, this festival promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience.
As part of the celebration, there will be a brief open mic; local poets are invited to participate. Refreshments will be served.
View flyer here.

Junior Flute Club Open House
2024-11-19 16:00 - 16:45
RSVP here.
Are you a young flutist looking for an exciting musical opportunity? Don’t miss the Junior Flute Club Open House at Hoff-Barthelson! This is a fantastic opportunity for flutists in grades 1-7, performing at NYSSMA Levels 1-4, to explore a vibrant community where young musicians can thrive.
The Junior Flutes perform under the direction of longtime HBMS faculty member Joseph Piscitelli at the School’s major festivals and combine with other flute groups for the annual Flute Plus! event —a celebration of all things flute featuring performances, premieres, clinics, and seminars with renowned flute experts.
View flyer here.

Youth Orchestras Winter Concert
2024-12-15 15:00 - 16:30
UNITED IN PURPOSE
Hoff-Barthelson’s Orchestra Program Winter Concert
Dr. Leandro Gazineo Director of Orchestral Programs
Featuring the Young People’s Symphonette and Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Robert Schwartz and the Festival Orchestra under the direction of Leandro Gazineo.
Performing works by George Frideric Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Edvard Grieg, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Giacomo Puccini, Johann Strauss, Jean Sibelius, Leroy Anderson, and Camargo Guarnieri.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
For the first time in HBMS history, all three orchestras will unite to perform Sibelius’ Andante Festivo in a spectacular collaborative performance!
Suggested Donation $20; HBMS Students Free of Charge
View flyer.

Placement Auditions: HBMS Orchestra Program
2024-12-17 19:15 - 22:00
Hoff-Barthelson Music School invites you to audition for our prestigious Youth Orchestra Program! Auditions for the Chamber Orchestra and Festival Orchestra will be held from 7:15 – 10:00 pm.
Reserve an audition time here.

Audition requirements:

Two pieces of your choice that showcase your technical and musical abilities
Scales and Rolls

Violin and Cello: One 3-octave scale of your choosing
Viola, Bass, and Harp: One 2-octave scale of your choosing
Winds and Brass: One 1-octave scale of your choosing
Timpani: Rolls in crescendo and diminuendo

Short sight reading exercise

View flyer here.

Alumni Recital and Reunion
2025-01-11 15:00 - 17:00
This special event provides a chance for alumni to reconnect, make music, and reflect on the shared experiences that were a part of their time at HBMS. It is sure to be an afternoon full of joy and nostalgia!
We welcome you to showcase pieces up to 8 minutes long. Whether you’re stepping back into the spotlight or simply savoring the experience, let’s celebrate our shared musical journey and create new memories together!
Let us know by Wednesday, December 18, 2024, if you are performing or attending by clicking here.

Open House
2025-01-12 13:00 - 15:45
We warmly invite you to join us for an exciting and interactive Open House! This is a fantastic opportunity for prospective students to explore our vibrant musical community and discover all we have to offer.
Space is limited- early registration is encouraged!
RSVP here (RSVP required.)
Join us at our Mini-Lessons Open House! Students of all ages — PreK through 12th grade, as well as adults — are invited to sign up for a 15-minute mini-lesson with one of our expert HBMS teachers. Experience the joy of private lessons on piano, violin, cello, or guitar, and discover the perfect instrument for you.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to begin or enhance your musical journey with us in a fun, relaxed, and welcoming setting!
Tuition is prorated from the time of enrollment.
Snow Date: Sunday, January 26, 2025, 1:00-3:45 pm

Honors Program Student Recital
2025-01-17 20:00 - 21:00
Student recital featuring students enrolled in the Honors Program.
Scheduled to perform:

Meera Chari, cello
Elliott Levine, violin
Audrey Li, viola

The Honors Program for gifted and committed students, selected through auditions, has produced prize-winning performers in national and international competitions. The program is designed for students 12 years or older who have been recommended by their teacher and are motivated, dedicated, and working up to their potential. Honors students perform stylistically diverse programs for a faculty jury in special recitals at the end of each semester, take musicianship classes, attend professional performances, and participate in HBMS ensembles.
Honors recitals are open to all HBMS students and families as well as members of the general public.
Performers are subject to change.

Honors Program Student Recital
2025-01-18 14:30 - 15:30
Student recital featuring students enrolled in the Honors Program.
Scheduled to perform:

Felix Fidock, violin
Rachel Horn, flute
Phoebe Lai, voice
Lucius Liu, piano

The Honors Program for gifted and committed students, selected through auditions, has produced prize-winning performers in national and international competitions. The program is designed for students 12 years or older who have been recommended by their teacher and are motivated, dedicated, and working up to their potential. Honors students perform stylistically diverse programs for a faculty jury in special recitals at the end of each semester, take musicianship classes, attend professional performances, and participate in HBMS ensembles.
Honors recitals are open to all HBMS students and families as well as members of the general public.
Performers are subject to change.

Honors Program Student Recital
2025-01-24 18:30 - 19:30
Student recital featuring students enrolled in the Honors Program.
Scheduled to perform:

Melody Dong, violin
Ciara Walker, voice
Adele Xie, piano

The Honors Program for gifted and committed students, selected through auditions, has produced prize-winning performers in national and international competitions. The program is designed for students 12 years or older who have been recommended by their teacher and are motivated, dedicated, and working up to their potential. Honors students perform stylistically diverse programs for a faculty jury in special recitals at the end of each semester, take musicianship classes, attend professional performances, and participate in HBMS ensembles.
Honors recitals are open to all HBMS students and families as well as members of the general public.
Performers are subject to change.

Honors Program Student Recital
2025-01-24 20:00 - 21:00
Student recital featuring students enrolled in the Honors Program.
Scheduled to perform:

Roland Sadre, piano
Chihoko Saito, piano
Ariana Thomas, piano

The Honors Program for gifted and committed students, selected through auditions, has produced prize-winning performers in national and international competitions. The program is designed for students 12 years or older who have been recommended by their teacher and are motivated, dedicated, and working up to their potential. Honors students perform stylistically diverse programs for a faculty jury in special recitals at the end of each semester, take musicianship classes, attend professional performances, and participate in HBMS ensembles.
Honors recitals are open to all HBMS students and families as well as members of the general public.
Performers are subject to change.

Honors Program Student Recital
2025-01-25 14:30 - 15:30
Student recital featuring students enrolled in the Honors Program.
Scheduled to perform:

Natalie Jong, violin
Luke Padovano, cello
Nikhil Saxena, cello

The Honors Program for gifted and committed students, selected through auditions, has produced prize-winning performers in national and international competitions. The program is designed for students 12 years or older who have been recommended by their teacher and are motivated, dedicated, and working up to their potential. Honors students perform stylistically diverse programs for a faculty jury in special recitals at the end of each semester, take musicianship classes, attend professional performances, and participate in HBMS ensembles.
Honors recitals are open to all HBMS students and families as well as members of the general public.
Performers are subject to change.

Honors Program Student Recital
2025-01-25 16:00 - 17:00
Student recital featuring students enrolled in the Honors Program.
Scheduled to perform:

Adhijay Arvind, cello
Madeline Margulis-Ohnuma, cello
Zoe Verduin, violin
Annika Yogaratnam, cello

The Honors Program for gifted and committed students, selected through auditions, has produced prize-winning performers in national and international competitions. The program is designed for students 12 years or older who have been recommended by their teacher and are motivated, dedicated, and working up to their potential. Honors students perform stylistically diverse programs for a faculty jury in special recitals at the end of each semester, take musicianship classes, attend professional performances, and participate in HBMS ensembles.
Honors recitals are open to all HBMS students and families as well as members of the general public.
Performers are subject to change.

Lunar New Year
2025-01-29
Lunar New Year – The School is closed for regularly scheduled lessons and classes.

HB Artist Series
2025-02-07 19:30 - 21:00
The HB Artist Series features the exceptional talents of Hoff-Barthelson’s distinguished faculty. Held in Scarsdale, these concerts offer riveting music-making in an intimate setting at affordable prices, showcasing Hoff-Barthelson’s commitment to excellence in music education and performance in Westchester County.
Purchase tickets here.
General admission is $20; HBMS Students are admitted free of charge.
Program and performers are subject to change without notice.
Snow date: Thursday, February 13, 2025.
View flyer here.
PROGRAM
Sonata – Bohuslav Martinů
Allegro poco moderato
Le Merle Noir – Olivier Messiaen
Nightingale Polka – Ernesto Koehler
Donna Elaine, flute
Emily White, piano

Piano Trio (2003) – Jennifer Higdon
I. Pale Yellow
II. Fiery Red
Sunhwa Kim, piano
Eric Tsai, violin *
Connor Kim, cello *

String Quintet, Op. 39 – Alexander Glazunov
Allegro – Poco più tranquillo – Animato
Allegro moderato
Eriko Sato, violin
Lani King Chang, violin
Leslie Tomkins, viola
Mike Finckel, cello
Mark Humburg, cello *

Piano Trio – Rebecca Clarke
Laura Giannini, violin
Lila Ainsworth, cello
Vered Reznik, piano
* Guest artist

Flute Master Class with Chelsea Knox
2025-02-09 14:30 - 16:45
Master Classes are open to the public to observe free of charge.
View flyer here.
Master class coaching by guest artists has been part of Hoff-Barthelson’s curriculum since the School’s founding in 1944. This distinguished tradition continues this season with a roster of world-class musicians and educators including David Madsen, guitar; composers Nils Vigeland and Matt Browne; Almita Vamos, violin; Paul Watkins cello; Chelsea Knox, flute; Victor Rosenbaum, piano; and members of the New York Philharmonic.
Master classes provide a transformative experience for both students and audiences. Following meticulous preparation, students showcase their talents, receiving invaluable feedback and guidance from master teachers. This interaction challenges students to approach their pieces in new and critical ways, resulting in inspiring and enlightening performances. Yet the impact extends beyond those on stage—all attendees can learn by observing the creative process firsthand. As iconic performers coach the next generation, the audience gains insight into musical artistry and interpretation. Even developing musicians are granted a rare glimpse into the mastery of world-class artists.

Chelsea Knox is the principal flutist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. A sought-after performer, Ms. Knox has held positions as assistant principal flute of the Baltimore Symphony and principal Flute of the New Haven and Princeton Symphonies. She has been hailed by The New York Times for her warmth, precision, and clarity, as well as by the New York Classical Review for her “expressive life and full tone.”
An active orchestral and chamber musician, Ms. Knox has appeared with numerous orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra, All-Star Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and IRIS Orchestra. As a soloist, Ms. Knox has performed concertos with the Baltimore Symphony, Princeton Symphony, Hartford Symphony, Manchester Symphony, Juilliard Lab Orchestra, and Connecticut Youth Symphony. She has won competitions including the New York Flute Club Young Artists Competition and the Hartford Symphony Young Artists Competition.
Ms. Knox earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Juilliard School in New York City as a student of Jeffrey Khaner. A native of Litchfield, CT, she received her early training at the Hartt School of Music, where she studied with Greig Shearer. In her spare time she is an active visual artist and her work has been displayed in galleries in New York and Connecticut.

HB Artist Series
2025-03-02 15:00 - 17:00
The HB Artist Series features the exceptional talents of Hoff-Barthelson’s distinguished faculty. Held in Scarsdale, these concerts offer riveting music-making in an intimate setting at affordable prices, showcasing Hoff-Barthelson’s commitment to excellence in music education and performance in Westchester County.
Purchase tickets here.
General admission is $20; HBMS Students are admitted free of charge.
Program and performers are subject to change without notice.
View flyer here.
PROGRAM
Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23 – Amy Beach
Violin Sonata, HC. 705 – Henry Cowell
Ballade
Jig
Joan Forsyth, piano
David Fulmer, violin *
Sonata for Violoncello and Piano, Op. 6 – Samuel Barber
Allegro ma non troppo
Adagio—scherzo
Allegro appassionato

Peter Seidenberg, cello
Hui-Mei Lin, piano *
1.X.1905 (Piano Sonata) – Leoš Janáček
Die Ahnung (The Presentiment)
Der Tod (The Death)
Maxim Pakhomov, piano
Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano – Charles Ives
Moderato
TSIAJ
Moderato con moto

April Johnson, violin
Peter Seidenberg, cello
Tomoko Uchino, piano
* Guest Artist

Cello Master Class with Paul Watkins
2025-03-08 13:00 - 15:15
Master Classes are open to the public to observe free of charge.
Master class coaching by guest artists has been part of Hoff-Barthelson’s curriculum since the School’s founding in 1944. This distinguished tradition continues this season with a roster of world-class musicians and educators including David Madsen, guitar; composers Nils Vigeland and Matt Browne; Almita Vamos, violin; Paul Watkins cello; Chelsea Knox, flute; Victor Rosenbaum, piano; and members of the New York Philharmonic.
Master classes provide a transformative experience for both students and audiences. Following meticulous preparation, students showcase their talents, receiving invaluable feedback and guidance from master teachers. This interaction challenges students to approach their pieces in new and critical ways, resulting in inspiring and enlightening performances. Yet the impact extends beyond those on stage—all attendees can learn by observing the creative process firsthand. As iconic performers coach the next generation, the audience gains insight into musical artistry and interpretation. Even developing musicians are granted a rare glimpse into the mastery of world-class artists.

Acclaimed for his inspirational performances and eloquent musicianship, Paul Watkins enjoys a distinguished career as concerto soloist, chamber musician and conductor. He is the Artistic Director of the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival in Detroit (since 2014), and Visiting Professor of Cello at Yale School of Music (since 2018). He took first prize in the 2002 Leeds Conducting Competition, and has held the positions of Music Director of the English Chamber Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra.
As a cellist, Watkins has given regular concerto performances with prestigious orchestras across the globe. Also, a dedicated chamber musician, Watkins was a member of the Nash Ensemble (1997-2013) and the Emerson String Quartet (2013-2023). As a conductor, Watkins has conducted all the major British orchestras, and a wide range of international orchestras. In 2006 he made his opera debut conducting a critically praised new production of Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine for Opera North.

Baroque and Beyond Festival Student Recital
2025-03-13 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-03-14 18:00 - 18:45, 2025-03-15 15:00 - 15:45
Student recital celebrating music composed from 1600-1750; featuring music of great Germanic composers Bach, Telemann, and Handel, as well as masters from other lands.
The Baroque and Beyond Festival is made possible, in part, with a grant from the Westchester Community Foundation, a division of The New York Community Foundation.

Baroque and Beyond Festival Student Piano Recital
2025-03-14 19:15 - 20:15
Student recital celebrating keyboard music composed from 1600-1750; featuring music of great Germanic composers Bach, Telemann, and Handel, as well as masters from other lands, performed by selected HBMS pianists.
Followed by a presentation by harpsichordist and internationally renowned pedagogue and performer of Baroque and contemporary music Arthur Haas.
The Baroque and Beyond Festival is made possible, in part, with a grant from the Westchester Community Foundation, a division of The New York Community Foundation.

Baroque and Beyond Festival Student Recital with Suzuki Violins
2025-03-15 14:00 - 14:45
Student recital celebrating music composed from 1600-1750; featuring music of great Germanic composers Bach, Telemann, and Handel, as well as masters from other lands.
The recital will include a special performance by students enrolled in the Suzuki Violin Program, under the direction of Barbara Berg.
The Baroque and Beyond Festival is made possible, in part, with a grant from the Westchester Community Foundation, a division of The New York Community Foundation.

Baroque and Beyond Festival Student String Recital
2025-03-15 16:00 - 17:00
Student recital celebrating music composed from 1600-1750; featuring music of great Germanic composers Bach, Telemann, and Handel, as well as masters from other lands, performed by selected HBMS string players.
Followed by a presentation by internationally acclaimed violinist, musicologist, and early music specialist Dr. Alberto Sanna.
The Baroque and Beyond Festival is made possible, in part, with a grant from the Westchester Community Foundation, a division of The New York Community Foundation.

Baroque and Beyond Festival Large Ensembles Concert
2025-03-16 13:00 - 14:30
Large ensembles concert celebrating celebrating music composed from 1600-1750; featuring music of great Germanic composers Bach, Telemann, and Handel, as well as masters from other lands.
Scheduled to perform:
Handbells — Donna Elaine, Director
Beginner Voices — Yuki Charlesworth, Director
Junior Voices — Kathryn Jones, Director
Adult Flute Choir — Joseph Piscitelli, Director
Flute Club — Donna Elaine, Director
The Baroque and Beyond Festival is made possible, in part, with a grant from the Westchester Community Foundation, a division of The New York Community Foundation.
Performers and program subject to change.
Suggested donation: $20
HBMS Students – Free of charge

Baroque and Beyond Festival Large Ensembles Concert
2025-03-16 17:00 - 18:30
Large ensembles concert celebrating celebrating music composed from 1600-1750; featuring music of great Germanic composers Bach, Telemann, and Handel, as well as masters from other lands.
Scheduled to perform:
Young People’s Symphonette — Robert Schwartz, Director
Chamber Orchestra — Robert Schwartz, Director
Festival Orchesta — Leandro Gazineo, Director
The Baroque and Beyond Festival is made possible, in part, with a grant from the Westchester Community Foundation, a division of The New York Community Foundation.
Performers and program subject to change.
Suggested donation: $20
HBMS Students – Free of charge

Violin Master Class with Almita Vamos
2025-04-06 13:00 - 15:15
Master Classes are open to the public to observe free of charge.
Master class coaching by guest artists has been part of Hoff-Barthelson’s curriculum since the School’s founding in 1944. This distinguished tradition continues this season with a roster of world-class musicians and educators including David Madsen, guitar; composers Nils Vigeland and Matt Browne; Almita Vamos, violin; Paul Watkins cello; Chelsea Knox, flute; Victor Rosenbaum, piano; and members of the New York Philharmonic.
Master classes provide a transformative experience for both students and audiences. Following meticulous preparation, students showcase their talents, receiving invaluable feedback and guidance from master teachers. This interaction challenges students to approach their pieces in new and critical ways, resulting in inspiring and enlightening performances. Yet the impact extends beyond those on stage—all attendees can learn by observing the creative process firsthand. As iconic performers coach the next generation, the audience gains insight into musical artistry and interpretation. Even developing musicians are granted a rare glimpse into the mastery of world-class artists.

Almita Vamos, a Juilliard graduate, studied with Mischa Mischakoff and Louis Persinger. She has won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching six times and the ASTA Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award. Mrs. Vamos has been featured on CBS’s “Sunday Morning” and in the best-selling book Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mom by Amy Chua. She has taught at Western Illinois University, University of Minnesota, Oberlin Conservatory, and Northwestern University, and is currently an artist teacher at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. For over 35 years, she has taught at the Music Institute of Chicago and during summers at the Chautauqua Music Festival. She has also taught at Aspen, Meadowmount, and other renowned programs.
Her students have won top prizes in national and international competitions, including the Tchaikovsky, Menuhin, Paganini, and Montreal competitions. Her former students are members of major orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, and Chicago Symphony, with some holding concertmaster positions. Notable students include Rachel Barton Pine, Ben Beilman, and Simin Ganatra (Pacifica Quartet).
As a performer, Almita Vamos has concertized globally, with performances in prestigious venues like Carnegie Recital Hall and the 92nd Street Y. She was a member of the Lydian Trio and Antioch Quartet and has recorded for Coronet and Rizzoli labels. She continues to perform and collaborate with her husband, Roland, in violin/viola duos.
View flyer here.

HB Artist Series
2025-04-11 19:30 - 21:00
The HB Artist Series features the exceptional talents of Hoff-Barthelson’s distinguished faculty. Held in Scarsdale, these concerts offer riveting music-making in an intimate setting at affordable prices, showcasing Hoff-Barthelson’s commitment to excellence in music education and performance in Westchester County.
Purchase tickets here.
General admission is $20; HBMS Students are admitted free of charge.
Program and performers are subject to change without notice.
View flyer here.
PROGRAM
Sonata for Flute – Francis Poulenc
Sonatine – Darius Milhaud
Joseph Piscitelli, flute
Emily White, piano
Quintet No. 4 in D Major, G. 448 – Luigi Boccherini
Andrew Marino, guitar
Claire Bright, violin
Lani King Chang, violin
Mark Kushnir, viola
Amy Anwar, cello
Selections by George Gershwin
Porgy and Bess Fantasy arranged by Percy Grainger
The Man I Love
Tomoko Uchino, piano
Katsura Tanikawa, piano

AP Classes & Chopin to Ligeti Information Session
2025-04-23 19:45 - 20:15
Explore HBMS’s musicianship offerings in a series of informative sessions led by Dr. Derek Cooper and HBMS faculty on Zoom. Learn about courses in theory, composition, improvisation, and more. Open to students and families interested in deepening their musical understanding.
Join via Zoom
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86932179546
Meeting ID: 869 3217 9546
Upcoming Sessions:

Musicianship Labs – April 25, 4:00 pm
Improvisation for Piano 1 & 2 – April 25, 5:00 pm
Elementary Musicianship 1 & 2 – April 26, 5:15 pm
Composition, Film Scoring, Music Technology – April 30, 7:45 pm
Adult Theory – May 2, 5:00 pm
Through the Ages – May 3, 5:15 pm

Musicianship Labs Information Session
2025-04-25 16:00 - 16:30
Explore HBMS’s musicianship offerings in a series of informative sessions led by Dr. Derek Cooper and HBMS faculty on Zoom. Learn about courses in theory, composition, improvisation, and more. Open to students and families interested in deepening their musical understanding.
Join via Zoom
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81676971778
Meeting ID: 816 7697 1778
Upcoming Sessions:

Improvisation for Piano 1 & 2 – April 25, 5:00 pm
Elementary Musicianship 1 & 2 – April 26, 5:15 pm
Composition, Film Scoring, Music Technology – April 30, 7:45 pm
Adult Theory – May 2, 5:00 pm
Through the Ages – May 3, 5:15 pm

Improvisation for Piano 1 & 2 Information Session
2025-04-25 17:00 - 17:30
Explore HBMS’s musicianship offerings in a series of informative sessions led by Dr. Derek Cooper and HBMS faculty on Zoom. Learn about courses in theory, composition, improvisation, and more. Open to students and families interested in deepening their musical understanding.
Join via Zoom
With Jamie Reynolds and Derek Cooper
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88646115024
Meeting ID: 886 4611 5024
Upcoming Sessions:

Elementary Musicianship 1 & 2 – April 26, 5:15 pm
Composition, Film Scoring, Music Technology – April 30, 7:45 pm
Adult Theory – May 2, 5:00 pm
Through the Ages – May 3, 5:15 pm
