Hoff-Barthelson Announces Open House For Orchestral Program

Hoff-Barthelson Music School announce a virtual Open House for its renowned Orchestral Program, taking place on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 7:00 pm via Zoom.

This event welcomes the public to join Music Directors Jun Nakabayashi (Festival Orchestra) and Robert Schwartz (Young People's Symphonette, Chamber Orchestra), along with Executive Director Ken Cole, for an informative online introduction to the School's esteemed three-tiered Youth Orchestra Program.

The Open House will delve into a multitude of exciting topics, including repertoire insights, educational objectives, performance schedules, spring enrollment procedures, audition preparation (note: only the Festival Orchestra requires auditions), the opportunity to secure Festival Orchestra Merit Scholarships, and much more.

Hoff-Barthelson Music School is unique in Westchester County for its innovative three-tiered youth orchestra structure. This program, designed to nurture students from various levels of experience, culminates in a full symphonic orchestra for high school students who have attained the highest level of technical ability and musical artistry. The Young People's Symphonette and Chamber Orchestra provide the foundation for aspiring musicians, preparing them for membership in the audition-only Festival Orchestra.

One of the distinctive aspects of Hoff-Barthelson's Orchestral Program is that it is open to all students, whether they are studying privately at the School or elsewhere. This inclusivity allows a wide range of young musicians to experience the enriching benefits of the program.

Notably, at the 2023 Music Showcase Festival in Allentown, PA, Hoff-Barthelson's Young People's Symphonette and Chamber Orchestra earned significant recognition. Both ensembles claimed first-place prizes in their respective divisions, showcasing their exceptional talent. The Chamber Orchestra further impressed by winning the overall instrument award, solidifying their status as the highest-scoring instrumental group for the day. Section-specific awards were also achieved, with the Chamber Orchestra's second violin and bass section and the Symphonette's first violin and cello sections receiving well-deserved accolades.

The Open House discussion is open to the public free of charge. To receive the Zoom link, please visit www.hbms.org,  email hb@hbms.org, or call 914-723-1169.

For those who aspire to join the Festival Orchestra, auditions will be held at the School on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Detailed audition information is available at www.hbms.org.

Hoff-Barthelson Music School has earned national recognition as a premier community music school, known for its outstanding leadership in education, performance, and community service. The school boasts a faculty comprised of the region's most talented teachers and performers, making it one of Westchester County's most treasured cultural resources. At Hoff-Barthelson, students of all ages and abilities find a welcoming, supportive music school dedicated to the highest standards of education, performance, and community service. The school's holistic approach to music education, exceptional teaching, and multifaceted curriculum ensure that students experience a joyful, enriching learning environment.

Hoff-Barthelson Music School is proud to be a grantee of ArtsWestchester with funding made possible by Westchester County government with the support of County Executive George Latimer. Programs are made possible, in part, with support from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

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