Songcatchers’ Big Busk
Songcatchers showcased a delightful array of performances from youth musicians from their program throughout lower Westchester at the recent New Rochelle Council on the Arts weekend event. The nonprofit organization, known for providing affordable music lessons since 1997 and nurturing a youth choir since 1978, added a vibrant musical thread to the tapestry of the ArtsFest. Their mission was to raise awareness and funds for the nonprofit organization, which has offered affordable music lessons since 1997 and a youth choir since 1978.
ArtsFest featured outstanding art and artisans, while Songcatchers enriched theA atmosphere with street performers as young as 6 years old. The Community Music Pop-ups connected art lovers and musicians of all ages, creating a lively and joyful ambiance that resonated throughout the community. Last year, Songcatchers held an open house at ArtsFest, but when only a few visitors attended to explore their new location at Holy Name School on 74 Petersville Road, they decided to bring the talent directly to the public.
Some of the performances included the Songcatchers Orchestra in skeleton makeup plucked the Halloween Theme and more on their strings instruments to those waiting on the line to get into The Haunt at Wilecliff. Two ten-year-old band students, Joseph Molina on saxophone and Aileen Solano on trombone, wowed passerbys at the Huguenot Children’s Library. High school sophomore, Gerry Dumas, dazzled on keyboards at Vanda Galleries along with a lovely flute duet by sixth graders, Anelka Morales and Lia Cabo. Rachel Goldstein performed a peaceful viola serenade in Amelia Jones’ Acupuncture Studio in her serene, picturesque fall garden complete with falling leaves. Guitarists Alexa Lopez and Zoe Arteaga performed and sang, and sisters, Penelope (8) and Ava (6) played the violin at the Makers Market held at the Thomas Paine Cottage. Benicio Mercado (11) and his Aunt performed an original composition at the Pelham Arts Center while Dana & Dara plucked hot cross buns on their violins.
Jennifer Lanser, Executive Director of Songcatchers, was thrilled with the event’s success. She said, “The pop-ups at ArtsFest brought the talent of our young musicians to the public. We take great pride in highlighting the talent of the children within our program and offering them a platform to express their passion to the community.” She also thanked the venues, the New Rochelle Council on the Arts, and its Executive Director, Theresa Kump Leghorn, for their support.
Songcatchers used the Pop-ups to kick off raising money for their organization which relies on donations from the community and State Funding to sustain the programming. They are currently participating in a match grant until December 2nd in which ArtsWestchester matches any new or increased donations up to $8,500. For more information visit www.Songcatchers.org.
Looking ahead, Songcatchers will be doing more Music Pop-ups and also aims to expand their programming to include more age groups and communities. We invite everyone to join us in our mission to celebrate music and community spirit, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Everyone is invited to their upcoming Concert for Peace at 3 PM on December 8th at Holy Name Church next to the school.