faq
(frequently asked questions)
Q: What is the Westchester Klezmer Program?
A: It's an
intergenerational klezmer band program in Westchester County, New York.
It also is among the largest, if not the largest, program of its kind in
the country. Perhaps, in the world!
Q: How do I, or my child fit in?
A: There are 3 bands:
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1 |
Youth Band |
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6th through 8th graders |
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1 |
Youth/Adult Band |
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6th grade through adult |
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1 |
Teen/Adult Bands |
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9th grade through adult |
There are 2 rehearsal venues:
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Locations |
Bands |
Time |
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Temple Beth Abraham |
Youth/Adult |
7:15p -8:45p |
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25 Leroy Avenue |
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Tarrytown, NY |
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(meets alternate Wednesdays
see calendar for details) |
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Temple Shaaray Tefila |
Youth |
7:00p -8:15p |
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89 Baldwin Road |
Teen/Adult |
7:15p -8:45p |
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Bedford Corners, NY |
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(meets alternating Thursdays
see calendar for details) |
You pick the rehearsal location that
is most convenient for you!
For complete information about
rehearsal and performance locations (including directions), dates, and times,
please go to our calendar.
Q: What are the requirements?
A:
We welcome musicians in fifth grade and up, with one year of instrument
instruction, along with the ability to play a chromatic scale, read music, and
play in a band setting with other musicians. *Musicians in the 5th grade and
younger, by audition only.
Q: Can I really get mitzvah credit from my synagogue?
A: Yes. KlezKidz is an approved mitzvah
project for our participating synagogues. Current program participants
come from several area congregations representing Reform, Conservative
and Orthodox movements. For a current list of participants,
click here.
Q: Is there room for adults too?
A: Absolutely! The program is for 'kidz'
of all ages. That's what makes us a KlezKommunity. Adult and teen
klezmer musicians not only participate at concerts, but also support
KlezKidz by rehearsing with and helping them learn the music genre.
Q: How did it start?
A: Click here to find out.
Q: What is Klezmer?
A: At its core, klezmer is dance music. The word actually
comes from two Hebrew words: klay, meaning vessel, and zimmer, meaning
song. According to the band
Hester Street Troupe, the music is played on an instrument
(e.g., a violin or clarinet) that takes on human characteristics
like laughing or crying, and is played with a joyous exuberance or a
soulful wailing.
The Klez
Dispensers describe klezmer as "a little bit Polish, a little
Russian, and a little Near Eastern, klezmer is the music of the Eastern
European Jews." For a very detailed explanation,
check
out Wikipedia by clicking here.
Q: Where have you performed?
A: To list just a few, we've appeared at
the Hebrew Hospital Home (Valhalla), the Pleasantville JCC, Bet Torah
(Mount Kisco), the Hebrew Home for the Aged (Riverdale), Beth El of
Northern Westchester, Temple B'nei Yisroel, Burke Rehabilitation Center,
and Shaaray Tefila (Bedford). 
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