Songcatchers Press
Songcatchers Transports Theatre at NRPL to Carnegie Hall Through Captivating Performances by Youth
On April 7, 2024, Songcatchers hosted its 16th annual Volunteer Appreciation Concert in New Rochelle. Before the show, Executive Director Jennifer Lanser hyped up the audience by promising an extraordinary performance by the talented group of young performers – and they certainly delivered. The concert kicked off with Michael DiLeo, a graduating College Senior with a Bachelor of Music Education from Manhattanville College, who wowed the audience with his rendition of Aaron Copland’s “Cat & Mouse” from the "Tom and Jerry" cartoons. Each performance that followed was unique and impressive. From a flute duet performed by the NRHS Choi twins, Jonah and Ethan, to a clarinet quintet with NRHS All-State Clarinetist, Yeray Lopez-Ibarra, who honed his skills at Songcatchers, the event was filled with musical brilliance. Not to mention, a drum-off between two NRHS seniors, Matthew Bartolini and Jake Limiero and the grand finale by the new Songcatchers Orchestra led by Director & NRHS grad Ariana Barrios elevated the concert to a level that seemed straight out of Carnegie Hall. Kathleen McEntee – Lawlor, Songcatchers’ Assistant Director coordinated the program with a total of 24 performers. The highlight midway through was Gerry Dumas playing Debussy’s Clair de Lune, a performance that could rival any professional pianist. This annual concert is a tribute to the volunteer spirit of Songcatchers. Lanser highlighted the organization's 70 volunteer teachers, guided by 10 mentors specializing in various instruments and voice by quoting the American Author Elizabeth Andrew, "‘Volunteers don't necessarily have the time, but they have the heart.’ Thanks to the power of volunteerism and the vision of their founder, Sr. Beth Dowd, OSU, Songcatchers ensures that music lessons are accessible to all.” Songcatchers provides affordable music programs to 100+ students at just $15 per lesson. To sign up to be a student or volunteer with Songcatchers call (914) 654-1178 or visit www.songcatchers.org. Located in New Rochelle, NY, Songcatchers began in 1978 with a small school choir. A sleep-away choir camp followed in 1980 and the organization was incorporated in 1994. Current programming includes an After-School Music Program which teaches 12 instruments and voice to children ages 7-13, An Early Childhood Program for children ages 1 ½ -7, and the Choral Arts Program. The Songcatchers mission is to provide accessible high-quality music education, training and enrichment for all children and families in New Rochelle and the surrounding area. They offer students a wide range of performance opportunities and venues for sharing their music with the community at large. The unique model that Songcatchers fosters community, mutual respect, kindness, self-esteem, leadership development and an appreciation and equity in the arts. The Songcatchers motto is Reaching for Peace through Music. Their programming is made possible by the New YorkState Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and the New York State Legislature and ArtsWestchester with the support from Westchester County Government and other generous donors. ###
SONGCATCHERS CELEBRATES NEW LOCATION WITH RIBBON CUTTING HOSTED BY CHAMBER
NEW ROCHELLE, NY – [March 15, 2024] – For the first time in 27 years Songcatchers has a new location and celebrated their new space with an Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday March 14th at 5:30 PM at Holy Name School Building - 74 Petersville Road, New Rochelle – with a dedicated Songcatchers’ Entrance on Sherman Street. Attending the ribbon-cutting were Crystal Collins, Westchester County Director of Policy and Programs representing CE George Latimer and Westchester County Government; Mariana Jusufaj, Small Business Relations Manager for City of New Rochelle, Department of Development; Susan Abbott, Director of Grant Programs at ArtsWestchester; Theresa Kump Leghorn, President of the New Rochelle Council on the Arts; Songcatchers President, Karenann Carty, and Executive Director. Jennifer Lanser; New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce President, Rob Hayes and Executive Director, Catherine White; and board members from both Songcatchers and the NR Chamber. Xiamena Francella, representing the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, presented a Certificate of Recognition to Songcatchers to commemorate the day. Students, Volunteer Teachers, Mentors, families, and alumni of Songcatchers joined in the festivities. Songcatchers Inc. was founded by Sr. Beth Dowd, OSU, in 1978 as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high quality music education, training, and enrichment for children and families that were both affordable and accessible to the multi-cultural population within New Rochelle. Their motto, “Reaching for Peace through Music,” represents their commitment to fostering musical education and enrichment for all. Most recently, Songcatchers received a $40,000 New Arts and Culture Grant from the New York State Council on the Arts and an ArtsWestchester matching Art$Challenge grant to support the nonprofit. Songcatchers performs annually at the New Rochelle Holiday Lighting, Street Fair, ArtsFest and other events throughout Westchester County. Songcatchers’ expanded new facility has devoted space for their large instruments, like pianos and drums, and additional classroom use for strings, woodwind, brass, and early childhood programming. Executive Director, Jennifer Lanser, said, “Our growth from three rooms to two floors of a school building is the realization of our Ursuline founder, a dedicated Board of Directors, many generous supporters, a devoted staff, and the parents and students who wholeheartedly believe in the success of the program. We are filled with hope and optimism knowing that the seeds of music and kindness sown by Songcatchers will continue to blossom in the hearts and minds of those touched by its magic.” Karenann Carty stated, “We are so excited to achieve this milestone in our history. It is a testament to the lasting legacy of our founder, Sr. Beth Dowd, and a new chapter for Songcatchers as we better serve our communities by expanding our reach and program offerings. We love our new space and will continue to live our mission of reaching for peace through music.” “The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host this ribbon-cutting as Songcatchers is such an integral part of the New Rochelle community. Beyond providing free or low-cost musical instruction for children, Songcatchers inspires a lifelong love of music,”; said Rob Hayes, owner of Beechmont Tavern and President of the NR Chamber. “;From their preschool early childhood programs through their teenage student mentorship program, Songcatchers has positively impacted thousands of students in New Rochelle. We're happy they have a new home and are glad to congratulate this valued NR Chamber Member. Cheers!” Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester said, “ArtsWestchester is thrilled with Songcatchers’ move to a larger, more accessible space for their music education programs that are essential to youth of all ages. Our friend and Songcatchers founder, Sr. Beth Dowd, would be extremely proud of how far this vibrant Westchester County arts organization has come.” Songcatchers is having a Dancing Through the Decades Dinner Dance on Saturday April 20th to support the non-profit. Visit https://www.songcatchers.org/ for more information. ### About the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Founded in 1922, the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce fosters economic growth and prosperity in the New Rochelle business community. The Chamber of Commerce is committed to advancing the concerns of the New Rochelle business community, the economic vitality of the City, and ensuring that New Rochelle presents an environment that supports growth and prosperity. Learn more at http://newrochellechamber.org/. Contact: Catherine White, Executive Director 914-632-5700 catherine@newrochamber.org About Songcatchers Songcatchers’ programs are made possible by the New York State Council on The Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor, the New York State and Westchester County Legislature and ArtsWestchester. Songcatchers is located in New Rochelle, NY, and was founded in 1978 by Sr. Beth Dowd, OSU. It offers various music programs for children and families, including After- School Music, Early Childhood, and Intergenerational Choral Arts. The organization aims to provide accessible music education and performance opportunities while promoting community, respect, kindness, and leadership development. Songcatchers' motto is “;Reaching for Peace through Music.”; They welcome volunteer musicians and mentors and new students. Visit https://www.songcatchers.org/ Contact: Jennifer Lanser, Executive Director (914)654-1178 info@songcatchers.org
Songcatchers is Awarded $40,000 Grant from NYSCA
On 2/14/2024, in New Rochelle, NY, Songcatchers revealed a $40,000 grant from NYSCA to support the nonprofit, which has been in existence for 46 years and recently relocated after 27 years. The New York State Council on the Arts has allocated over $46 million in New Arts and Culture Grants, affirming the state's commitment to arts and culture. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the economic and communal impact of arts and culture, underscoring their significance and said, “Research confirms what we’ve always known here in New York: arts and culture are a powerhouse, with a staggering return on investment for our economy and our communities…” Songcatchers, offering affordable music lessons and enrichment for youth aged 1 ½ to 18+, aims to expand its reach and welcome new students in their new location. Remaining dedicated to promoting equity in the arts and reaching more families, Songcatchers in New Rochelle continues to make a difference in the community. Executive Director, Jennifer Lanser said “We are grateful for the funding and those who helped us achieve it.” She acknowledged Sr. Beth's visionary founding of the program that positively influences children's lives through music and increased programming. The New York State Council on the Arts strives to advance arts, culture, and creativity across the state by awarding $127 million in FY 2024 and providing developmental opportunities and resources. Established in 1960, NYSCA continues to support and nurture New York's creative landscape. Founded in 1978 by Sr. Beth Dowd, OSU, Songcatchers in New Rochelle offers various music programs to children and families, emphasizing community, respect, kindness, and an appreciation for the arts. Their motto, "Reaching for Peace through Music," represents their commitment to fostering musical education and enrichment for all.
After 27 Year Songcatchers Finds a New Home
11/13/23 - New Rochelle, NY - The beloved community organization, Songcatchers, which provides high quality music education at an affordable price and offers development, leadership and enrichment opportunities in the arts for high school and college students, moved its location to Holy Name School at 74 Petersville Road in New Rochelle after 27 years of being at 50 Washington Ave. The new facility has devoted space for their large instruments, like pianos and drums, and additional classroom use for strings, woodwind, brass and early childhood programming. A ground level entrance for music and choir classes around the corner on Sherman Street makes this new space easy to access. Executive Director, Jennifer Lanser, said, “The vision of our founder, Sr. Beth Dowd, OSU, to move into a space that will allow Songcatchers to grow with accessibility for all is being realized with this move to Holy Name. Fr. Michael Chalinor and Catherine Francese of Holy Name were very welcoming and most helpful throughout the process. We are grateful to them, our Board, our staff, our families, ArtsWestchester and all those who helped us with the move, especially New Rochelle Auto Body, HOPE Community Services and Pat Tedesco Information Systems.” Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester said, “ArtsWestchester is thrilled with Songcatchers’ move to a larger, more accessible space for their music education programs that are essential to youth of all ages. Our friend and Songcatchers founder, Sr. Beth Dowd, would be extremely proud of how far this vibrant Westchester County arts organization has come.” Lanser said, because of the move and increased space, Songcatchers was able to offer lessons to ten children from their waiting lists for violin and piano. They still have availability for clarinet, trumpet, xylophone, saxophone, trombone, and early piano! Catherine Francese, Coordinator of Religious Ed. at Holy Name and Lead Collaboration Coordinator for all New Rochelle Catholic Parishes said, “We welcome Songcatchers and look forward to seeing them flourish as they continue their mission. Music helps children to become creative, collaborative and disciplined while simultaneously builds self-confidence – all vital skills to becoming successful adults in the 3rd millennium. Most importantly, music is an avenue for peace and understanding - two values that align perfectly with our parish values. Welcome!” With the new location comes added programming. For the first time this year, Songcatchers added voice lessons to its repertoire by bringing on pre-college, Juilliard voice student, Isaac Ahn, as a teacher. Isaac is the founder of a non-profit vocal training organization as well. Songcatchers also added a program for volunteer youth teachers. Youth can now participate in the new Songcatchers Orchestra which debuted at the New Rochelle Street Fair in September. The Songcatchers Orchestra is led by Ariana Barrios, graduate of the award winning NRHS Symphonic Orchestra and who is currently enrolled in the Aaron Copland School of Music. This Program gives volunteers the opportunity to grow as musicians by being a part of an orchestra with members other than their classmates. Any Songcatchers volunteer can participate. Songcatchers participated in the New Rochelle Council on the Arts ArtsFest by offering tours of their programming in the new space for prospective families and mini performances. To help pay for their new space, Songcatchers is having a New Beginning Concert and Afternoon Tea on Sunday, November 19th. Visit www.Songcatchers.org for more information. About Songcatchers Located in New Rochelle, NY, and founded by Sr. Beth Dowd, OSU in 1978 with the start of a small school choir. A sleep-away choir camp followed in 1980 and the organization was incorporated in 1994. Current programming includes an After-School Music Program which teaches 12 instruments to children ages 7-13, An Early Childhood Program for children ages 1 ½ -7, and a Choral Arts Program which includes a Youth Choir, an Intergenerational Choir, and a summer Choir Camp. The Songcatchers mission is to provide accessible high-quality music education, training and enrichment for all children and families in New Rochelle and the surrounding area. They offer students a wide range of performance opportunities and venues for sharing their music with the community at large. The unique model that Songcatchers fosters is community, mutual respect, kindness, self-esteem, leadership development and an appreciation for the arts. The Songcatchers motto is Reaching for Peace through Music. Songcatchers is always looking for students, volunteer high school and college musicians and professional musicians to mentor them. The phone number is (914) 654-1178, the website is Songcatchers.org
Songcatchers Making Ripples
Port Chester, New York – On April 16th the Songcatchers Youth Choir sang at Garcia’s at the iconic Capitol Theatre in tie-dye t-shirts they made themselves for a benefit concert honoring the late Mike Winters. Winters, the former Operations & House Manager of The Capitol Theatre and a crucial figure of the New York live music scene, passed away 5 years ago on July 1, 2018. Songcatchers chose the Grateful Dead song “Ripple”, poignantly, because it was a favorite of Mr. Winters. When Jennifer Lanser, Executive Director of Songcatchers, looked at her phone and saw a simple text from Leah Sills, a former Songcatchers board member and community philanthropist, while watching her daughter’s basketball game in December, she had a feeling that this benefit could be great for Songcatchers. Fast forward four months later and her gut was right as she said, “We are overwhelmed with gratefulness for the Winters family. We could see Mike Winters was a very special person because so many people came out to celebrate him and donated on his behalf. This really was a special night.” Lara Winters and the Winters family, who wanted to memorialize Mike, were looking for the right charity to benefit. Jim Weingast, Grateful BRO drummer, and mentor/supporter of Songcatchers suggested the beloved community organization. Mike Winters’ family chose Songcatchers, which has the tagline “Reaching For Peace Through Music” because of Mike Winters deep connection to music. The benefit concert featured local bands, Grateful BRO and Dead Meat. Garcia’s generously donated most of the ticket sales as did both bands. The Capitol Theatre and many others made generous donations. The night included a raffle with prizes ranging from vintage, mint-condition, concert posters to a “Dead Head” license plate. It also included a silent auction featuring concert tickets that were bid on as high as $2500 and a painted violin from the world- renowned artist, Charles Fazzino. All in, more than $12K was raised for Songcatchers in one night. Recently Mike’s widow, Lara Winters; Josh Cohen (Manager of Garcia’s) and Rene Pfefer of Volunteer Louder, who coordinated the fundraiser with Stefanie May visited daily performance time of Songcatchers to present the checks. After listening to the children perform Lara said, “this brought the whole experience full circle for me – seeing these kids perform for us really brought it home.”
Songcatchers Offers Valentine’s Day Music-Grams with Personalization
NEW ROCHELLE – January 13, 2023 – Need a unique idea for Valentine’s Day? Book a Music-gram with Songcatchers. For a suggested donation of $14 Songcatchers will email your personalized note along with a video of the youth choir singing your pick of one of four popular love/friendship songs to your Valentine. The songs are: Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis, Count On Me by Bruno Mars, or All Of Me by John Legend, L-O-V-E as sung by Michael Bublé. The children have been practicing for weeks and are ready to help you share the love to your favorite Valentine. Music-grams can be purchased on the Songcatchers.org website with a credit card or by calling the office at (914) 654-1178 during business hours 10 AM to 3 PM to arrange an alternate type of payment. The donation benefits the many programs of Songcatchers. These programs include the After-School Music Program (ASMP) where children are taught lessons in all types of musical instruments for less of the price of these music-grams. The Youth Mentorship Program teaches participants responsibility, leadership, teaching skills all while fine-tuning their musical abilities with professional musicians. The Early Childhood Music Program teaches violin to 4- to 7-year-olds and piano to 6 to 7-year-olds. The Songcatchers Music Camp is a reasonably priced, one-week sleep away camp in upstate New York with a music and singing concentration. The Songcatchers Intergenerational Choir joins voices of all ages to sing at various events and ends each year with a Concert for Peace. Finally, the Musikgarten introduces toddlers to the joy of music. Reserve your Music-gram today for the suggested donation of $14 starting January 10th through February 13th. Songcatchers will accommodate latecomers on 2/14 but the suggested donation increases to $20. Music-grams will be delivered on Valentine’s Day. What better way to share the love with your valentine by sending a musical greeting that not only brings music into the day of your valentine but helps give the gift of music to a child for a lifetime? About Songcatchers Located in New Rochelle, NY, founded by Sr. Beth Dowd, OSU in 1978 with the start of a small school choir. A sleep-away choir camp followed in 1980 and the organization was incorporated in 1994. Current programming includes an After-School Music Program which teaches 12 instruments to children ages 7-13, An Early Childhood Program for children ages 1 ½ -7, and an Intergenerational Choral Arts Program. The Songcatchers mission is to provide accessible high-quality music education, training and enrichment for all children and families in New Rochelle and the surrounding area. They offer students a wide range of performance opportunities and venues for sharing their music with the community at large. The unique model that Songcatchers fosters is community, mutual respect, kindness, self-esteem, leadership development and an appreciation for the arts. The Songcatchers motto is Reaching for Peace through Music. Songcatchers is always looking for volunteer high school and college musicians and professional musicians to mentor them. The phone number is (914) 654-1178, the website is Songcatchers.org ###
Songcatchers Appoints New Executive Director Jennifer Lanser
New Rochelle, December 1, 2022 – The Songcatchers Board of Directors has named Jennifer Lanser the new Executive Director of Songcatchers, Inc. “I look forward to continuing the dedication of Angela Belsole, former Interim Director, and the legacy of Sr. Beth Dowd, an Ursuline Sister who sought to reach peace in our community through music,” said Jennifer. “I am overjoyed to begin serving my hometown again; expanding and enriching the Songcatchers mission and vision.” Jennifer’s background as past Executive Director of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, along with her most recent position as Director of Development and Communications for the Ursulines of the Eastern Province, will help to advance the mission of the organization that has served as an anchor for families in New Rochelle for over 40 years. “We are so excited to have such an experienced and caring professional who shares in the spirit of Songcatchers and believes strongly in our mission,” says Karenann Carty, Songcatchers President of the Board. “Jennifer is well-respected in the New Rochelle community and is perfectly suited to leading our organization forward. We are confident that she will make a positive impact on our programs, our Songcatchers family, and our community.” Starting this month, Jennifer will manage day-to-day operations, lead fundraising, marketing and community initiatives, and lead the search for finding Songcatchers’ new home. Jennifer succeeds Interim Director Angela M. Belsole, long-time supporter and former President of the Board of Directors, who assumed the role in October 2018. “I am thrilled to pass the reins to Jennifer Lanser,” said Angela. “I am certain that we have found the right person to work collaboratively with the staff and board to continuously improve our programs and services, enhance our facilities and technological capabilities, and broaden our community reach.” About Songcatchers Located in New Rochelle, NY, the seeds of Songcatchers were planted in 1978 with the start of a small school choir. A sleep-away choir camp followed in 1980 and the organization was incorporated in 1994. Current programming includes an After-School Music Program which teaches 12 instruments to children ages 7-13, An Early Childhood Program for children ages 1 ½ -7, and a Choral Arts Program. The Songcatchers mission is to provide accessible high-quality music education, training and enrichment for all children and families in New Rochelle and the surrounding area. They offer students a wide range of performance opportunities and venues for sharing their music with the community at large. The unique model that Songcatchers is fosters community, mutual respect, kindness, self-esteem, leadership development and an appreciation for the arts. The Songcatchers motto is Reaching for Peace through Music. ###