November 2024

Dear Hoff-Barthelson Community,

As we settle into the rhythm of the school year, it’s heartening to see the energy and creativity that have already filled our halls. In this November newsletter, we shine a spotlight on our vibrant Chamber Music Program, led by the talented Laura Giannini. Though it began only a month ago, it is already fostering a spirit of collaboration and growth among our students.

Additionally, we’re excited to highlight our Outreach Program in collaboration with the White Plains Youth Bureau, where we are providing free music classes to students in grades 5-12, an initiative that reflects our commitment to making music education accessible to all.

With the holiday season soon to be upon us, I invite you to join us for the Holiday Music Festival on Sunday, December 8, a joyful celebration of music and community that promises to be a highlight of the year. As we look forward to this festive time, let’s embrace the spirit of togetherness and joy that the season brings. I hope to see you there, ready to celebrate the magic of music.

With best wishes,

Gabriella Sanna 
Executive Director

Laura Giannini Leads Hoff-Barthelson’s Chamber Music Program into a New Era

Earlier this year, Hoff-Barthelson Music School announced the appointment of Laura Giannini as the new director of its Chamber Music Program. With her rich background in performance and education, Giannini brings a fresh vision and energy to the program, aiming to foster both musical growth and community among the students.

A Lifelong Passion for Music

Giannini’s musical journey began in Italy, where she was mentored by a dedicated maestro who came from a family of musicians. “He had the charisma a violin teacher needs, especially with young children,” Giannini recalls. Her early exposure to music at home, combined with rigorous training at the conservatory, laid the foundation for her lifelong passion. She continued her studies at the prestigious Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome, where she also honed her chamber music skills, and later in Germany.  Over the years, Giannini has performed in a wide range of ensembles across Europe and New York City, and since 2019, she has co-founded two chamber music projects.

Giannini views chamber music as a powerful tool for holistic learning, where collaboration fosters personal and academic growth. She believes it’s not just about playing notes; it’s about creating an interactive educational environment. In ensemble performance, students engage in a complex learning experience that goes beyond technical skills. Each rehearsal promotes deep listening, quick adaptation, emotional awareness, and effective communication—key skills that are valuable in both academics and careers.

Through chamber music, Giannini fosters a space where artistic expression and intellectual development come together, providing students with a rich learning experience that equips them for collaborative challenges in the future.

Giannini brings ambitious plans to the Chamber Music Program, focusing on two key objectives: expanding ensemble opportunities and guiding advanced students through the rich sonata repertoire. Her vision encompasses both increasing the variety of chamber groups and preparing students to tackle the technical and interpretive challenges found in sonatas and other core chamber works.

For Giannini, the social aspect of chamber music is key to students’ growth. “Chamber music is about forming musical friendships, counting on each other’s support and ideas,” she says. This supportive, collaborative environment is central to her vision of what the program should offer.

Exciting Opportunities for Students

This year, students will have the opportunity to participate in several festivals, including the Holiday Festival, Baroque and Beyond, and Music of Our Time. In preparation for these events, the school has planned workshops to help students fine-tune their performance skills. Furthermore, selected ensembles will receive external feedback through HBMS’s collaboration with musicians from the New York Philharmonic. Along the same lines, Giannini has also forged partnerships with the Westchester Chamber Music Society and Caramoor, providing students with opportunities to perform in high-profile settings.

Below is a video performance of the first movement of Beethoven’s “Ghost” Trio, from last year’s Spring Benefit featuring HBMS students Sarah Spitzer, violin; Jad Benslimane, cello; and Ian Chow, piano. This powerful piece, full of energy and intricate dialogue between instruments, exemplifies the rich learning and growth students experience in the Chamber Music Program. For Giannini, this performance is a testament to the skill and dedication of the students and a glimpse into the kind of collaborative excellence she aims to cultivate. 

In Giannini’s capable hands, the HBMS Chamber Music Program is set to flourish, offering students the opportunity to grow as musicians and as collaborators. “The exchange with other players and the coaches, the joy of performing new repertoire—these and others are the experiences that chamber music offers,” says Giannini. Under her leadership, students will have every chance to thrive in this unique musical setting.

A Musical Celebration of the Season: Hoff-Barthelson’s Holiday Music Festival

Join us for a festive day of music, merriment, and community spirit at Hoff-Barthelson’s Holiday Music Festival! This beloved annual event, held on Sunday, December 8th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, showcases the incredible talents of our student ensembles, including choruses, Suzuki groups, jazz bands, instrument clubs, chamber music, and handbells.

As our Executive Director, Gabriella Sanna, shares, “The Holiday Music Festival is not just a celebration of music; it’s a celebration of our community coming together to support our talented students. We’re excited to share this joyous occasion with everyone!”

After having to pause several Festival activities due to the pandemic, we’re excited to reintroduce a selection of them on a smaller scale.

Highlights of the Festival

• Live Performances: Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of our talented students performing a variety of musical genres.
  
  
• HB Holiday Boutique: Discover unique gifts at our HB Holiday Boutique, featuring artisanal floral designs by Muriel Fleurs, exquisite wearable art and home décor by Janet Sikirica Fiber Arts, hand-thrown functional and decorative ceramic vessels by Mako Pottery, and HB-inspired merchandise.
  
  
• Silent Auction: Bid on an array of fantastic items and experiences, perfect for holiday gifting or treating yourself. (The Auction opens November 24.)
  
  
• Delicious Food: Indulge in a selection of light fare and sweets from our HB Café while enjoying the musical performances.

All proceeds from the festival directly support our programs, enhancing educational opportunities and providing financial aid to ensure that every student has the chance to thrive.

Performance Schedule

• 11:00 am: Handbells and Petite, Beginner, and Junior Choruses
  
  
• 1:00 pm: Advanced and Adult Jazz Ensembles
  
  
• 2:30 pm: Handbells, Flute, Clarinet, and Viola Clubs
  
  
• 4:30 pm: Suzuki Strings, Piano and Guitar
  
  
• 5:15 pm: Chamber Music

Opportunities to Volunteer Abound!

The Holiday Music Festival thrives on the amazing support of our Hoff-Barthelson families! We invite you to sign up for a volunteer shift and bring a friend to help ensure this year’s festival is a great success. You can also contribute a food donation to support the cause. High school students are welcome to earn community service hours while joining in the fun. Together, let’s create a memorable celebration! Sign up to volunteer here.

A Look Back: Fun Facts About the Festival’s Evolution

The Holiday Music Festival has a rich history that dates back to the early 1970s. Did you know that in its early years, the Friends of Hoff-Barthelson, who organized the event, wore long hostess gowns? The Elsevier family generously provided all the food, including vats of a special soup and homemade bread.

Originally, the festival featured a giant tag sale; Boy Scouts even sold wreaths, the fireplace was decorated with poinsettias, and the Japanese community crafted mini-trees with origami ornaments.

By the 1980s, the festival had grown to include international foods and guest vendors, and the full array of HBMS ensembles began to perform, showcasing the vast talents of our students. A Silent Auction was introduced during this time, adding an exciting new element to the festivities. In the late 1990s, a Live Auction was even held on Friday nights for several years.

Today, the Holiday Music Festival stands as the most festive event of the year, a testament to our community’s enduring support and the growth of our musical programs.

We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you at this year’s Holiday Music Festival! Join us for a day filled with laughter, joy, and the beautiful sounds of music echoing through our halls. Let’s make this holiday season truly unforgettable together!

Photo by Steven Schnur

HBMS and White Plains Youth Bureau Partner for Second Year of Free Music Classes

Hoff-Barthelson Music School is excited to announce the continuation of its successful partnership with the White Plains Youth Bureau, offering free guitar and percussion classes for White Plains students in grades 5 through 12. Entering its second year, this initiative is made possible in part by a grant from ArtsWestchester’s Arts Alive Program, which receives funding from the New York State Council on the Arts, with support from the Governor’s office and the New York State Legislature.

“We are delighted to partner with the White Plains Youth Bureau once again to provide these enriching music classes,” says Gabriella Sanna. “Music education fosters creativity, builds confidence, and offers a rewarding outlet for self-expression. We’re committed to making these opportunities accessible to all.”

The program features percussion classes led by Broadway veteran Glenn Rhian, who guides students through various musical styles from around the world. Participants explore rhythmic notation and a diverse array of instruments while gaining a global perspective on music. Meanwhile, guitar students, under the mentorship of acclaimed guitarist Daniel Conant, learn fundamental techniques, music reading, and musical styles that range from Latin American to rock ‘n’ roll to pop.

Glenn Rhian has been a faculty member at Hoff-Barthelson since 1999 and brings extensive experience from his career as a Broadway musician, jazz performer, and classical artist. Daniel Conant, known for his vibrant sound and engaging teaching style, is an avid performer with a rich background in classical music, and is also a member of the HBMS faculty.

Through this partnership, students are provided with instruments and all necessary music materials at no charge. Both classes are held onsite at the White Plains Youth Bureau on Saturday afternoons.

“Hoff-Barthelson Music School has a long history of providing free group music instruction to children and teens in the community,” says Christopher Kenniff, Dean of Hoff-Barthelson Music School. “Our collaboration with the White Plains Youth Bureau demonstrates our ongoing commitment to making music education available to everyone. This partnership allows us to extend our reach and continue offering these valuable programs for years to come.”

Gina Covington, Director of Neighborhood Services at the White Plains Youth Bureau, adds, “The White Plains Youth Bureau is excited to continue offering the Guitar and Percussion Clubs as part of our musical arts programming. These clubs foster community growth and provide essential skills that all students should have access to. This partnership exposes students to new possibilities and experiential opportunities through diverse music programming, engaging even more youth in our mission to help them realize their full potential.”

The classes will culminate in Spring 2025 with performances at events sponsored by the Youth Bureau and Hoff-Barthelson.

Photo by Gina Covington