For Immediate Release

March 8, 2002

WESTCHESTER PHILHARMONIC MUSICIANS PLAY FOR DOBBS FERRY CHILDREN

Musicians from the Westchester Philharmonic are leading workshops in March and April for third and fourth graders at Springhurst Elementary School. Orchestra members are giving intensive classes in woodwind, string and percussion while explaining the history and versatility of their instruments.

The workshops include demonstrations of techniques from classical and modern pieces and are aimed at giving children an appreciation for each category of orchestral instruments.

The workshops began on Monday, March 4th when Ernie Schefflein spent the day with third graders leading classes on woodwind instruments. Ernie played the bassoon, the saxophone and the clarinet demonstrating the sounds and possibilities of each instrument. On Tuesday, March 5th he returned and led similar classes for fourth graders. On Wednesday, March 6th violinist Sandra Billingsly led a string workshop for third graders; she is scheduled to return on April 11th for the fourth grade. Other upcoming appointments include percussion workshops led by Matthew Gold who will visit the fourth grade on March 13th and the third grade on April 3rd. On April 24th, all the students will go to SUNY Purchase for a Philharmonic concert.

The Westchester Philharmonic is a pre-eminent professional orchestra whose musicians also hold seats with New York City's leading ensembles including the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the New York City Ballet Orchestra. They won a Pulitzer Prize for their recording of Melinda Wagner's Flute Concerto (a work that was commissioned by the Westchester Philharmonic) and have played with internationally renowned soloists from Sarah Chang to Itzhak Perlman.

The music workshops are being sponsored by the Dobbs Ferry Schools Foundation. For further information, please contact: Susie Messina, Springhurst Assistant Principal, tel: (914) 693-1503 Sidney Freund, Superintendent of Schools, (914) 693-1506