Music Conservatory of Westchester Celebrates 90 Years!
“Scarsdale Women Back It” read the sub-headline in The Scarsdale Inquirer’s announcement of the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s opening in 1929 (originally the Westchester Conservatory of Music). This year, as the Conservatory commemorates its 90th anniversary, its history in the greater Westchester County community has helped continue the nonprofit music school’s mission for the future.
The school’s staying power is undeniable. Facing the challenges of starting a music school on the cusp of The Great Depression, the Music Conservatory of Westchester valued the diversity of their surrounding community and provided equal opportunities for anyone interested in studying music. Thus, its Scholarship Program was born, providing students from financially-deserving families with access to quality music training. Since then, a comprehensive Music Therapy Program for children and adults with disabilities (founded in 1986) and Healing Our Heroes music therapy program serving U.S. military veterans (founded in 2013) have also been established benefiting generations of students.
From its launch at Hyatt House in Scarsdale, to White Plains locations at Burling Avenue and Soundview Avenue, to the move to its current home at 216 Central Avenue, the Conservatory has experienced numerous “Karmic Transformations,” as its 2001 Best of Westchester plaque states.
As quoted in The New York Times in a March 24, 1985 article by Roberta Hershenson, former Executive Director Michael Pollon, who dedicated more than 50 years of his life to the Conservatory’s growth through teaching and leadership said, “In music you’re not just teaching skills. You’re communicating and sharing a whole world.”
Not only have influential leaders built the legacy of the Conservatory, influential figures continue to support its fundamental mission. Iconic comedian, entertainer and Westchester County resident Robert Klein, who was honored for his lifetime achievements in the performing arts at the Conservatory’s 18th Annual Golf & Tennis Classic & Gala on June 24, 2019 said, “The Music Conservatory of Westchester puts its resources into the most wonderful and imaginative pursuits, proving that the gift of music can do so much.”
Celebrate with us this year as the Music Conservatory of Westchester commemorates this extraordinary milestone at our upcoming 90th Anniversary Kick-Off on Saturday, October 5th and at Performathon on Saturday, December 7th!
To learn more about our event and Legacy Project: https://musicconservatory.org/events/90th-anniversary-open-house/