program information
2007-2008 Term
Welcome to the Westchester Klezmer Program's 2007-2008 website! We look
forward to another exciting year of music. As we start this new season, we
have three
bands, one youth band for grades 6 through 8; one teen/adult band for 9th
graders on up, and one youth/adult band for 6th graders on up.
Rehearsal Sessions
We divide the year into two terms: fall-winter and winter-spring. Bands meet
approximately seven times each term, on alternate Wednesday or Thursday
nights. The schedule is posted on the calendar, which can be found by clinking
on the link at the top of the left margin of our web site. The participation
fee for each term is $118, payable to Westchester Klezmer Program, Inc, plus a
$15 sheet music fee.
Enrichment
At least one guest artist class, open to all band members, will be scheduled
during the winter-spring term.
Concert Schedule
Our program performs approximately 12 concerts over the course of the year.
Traditionally, these concerts are held at our participating synagogues and at
area nursing homes. The schedule will be posted on the
our
Calendar link.
Attendance
Lower Band and pre-bar/bat mitzvah Upper Band members must attend at least
three rehearsals per term and at least four concerts during the year in order
to get "mitzvah credit" toward bar/bat mitzvah. Attendance will be taken. At
the end of the year, the program notifies synagogues regarding which musicians
qualify for mitzvah credit. Musicians are expected to practice concert music
and to come prepared to all rehearsals and concerts.
Music
We welcome musicians in sixth 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. *Younger musicians may be invited
to join by audition only.
Musicians are expected to bring their sheet music, along with a music stand,
to every rehearsal and concert. Musicians are asked to write their name on
their sheet music, instrument case, music stand, and any other possessions
that they bring with them.
Kippah/Yarmulke
Our band "uniform" for concerts is a Bokharan or other colorful oversized
kippah/yarmulke, required for boys and suggested for girls. Purchase the
Bokharan kippah/yarmulke at a Judaica store (for example, the
Aesthetic Sense
in Mount Kisco or Jewish Quarter in White Plains), the
Temple Beth Abraham
gift shop, the Jewish Museum (NYC), the
Museum of Jewish Heritage (NYC), or Eichler's (62 West 45th Street, NYC, or
www.eichlers.com). It is best to try
them on rather than order on-line, as sizes vary tremendously.
Note: For all concerts, we request that musicians wear a white or light
colored shirt, without writing, and dark colored pants or skirt.
Communications
We communicate primarily by email. Musicians must either provide us with an
active email address that is checked on a regular basis or request alternate
communications.
In the event that a rehearsal has to be cancelled (bad weather,
emergencies), it will be posted on the web site calendar which can be accessed
by clicking here.
An email
will also be sent out, and
WHUD.com and
WFAS.com will be notified. These will be the only methods of
communication to band members. |
