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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 07 August 2023

Created: 07 August 2023

Last Updated: 07 August 2023

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In anticipation of the arrival of fall and a new school year, Hoff-Barthelson Music School, Westchester’s premier community music school, will hold a series of Open Houses and Information Meetings for several of its acclaimed programs. Events will be held at the School, located at 25 School Lane, or online via Zoom, and are free of charge; however, reservations are requested and can be made by clicking here.

Chamber Music, Piano Ensembles, and Adult Chamber Music
Thursday, August 24, 7:00-7:30 pm – Online via Zoom
Join Dean Christopher Kenniff and Associate Dean April Johnson for an online introduction to Hoff-Barthelson’s Chamber Music and Piano Ensembles Program. Participants will also learn about private lessons, musicianship, and performance opportunities that support students looking to grow in their knowledge, ability, and appreciation of chamber music.

Jazz Ensembles for Children and Adults
Thursday, August 24, 8:00-8:30 pm – Online via Zoom
Students in grades 6-12 and adults are invited to join Dean Christopher Kenniff and HBMS Jazz Program Director Ed Palermo, for a lively online introduction to the School’s Jazz and Adult Jazz Ensembles. Jazz enthusiasts will also learn about private lessons, musicianship, and other ensemble opportunities that support students looking to grow in their knowledge, ability, and appreciation of jazz.

Youth Orchestra Program
Tuesday, August 29, 7:30-8:15 pm – Online via Zoom
Music directors Jun Nakabayashi (Festival Orchestra) and Robert Schwartz (Young People’s Symphonette, Chamber Orchestra), along with Executive Director Ken Cole will provide participants with an introduction to the School’s three-tiered Youth Orchestra Programs for students in grades 2-12. The discussion will include information about repertoire, educational goals, performance schedules, how to prepare for auditions (only the Festival Orchestra requires auditions), Festival Orchestra Merit Scholarships and more! HBMS orchestras are open to all students, whether studying privately at HBMS or elsewhere.

Early Childhood Music Program
Saturday, September 9, 9:30-10:30 am
Families eager to enroll their very youngest members, ages 9 months to 5 years, in a high-quality music education program are invited to attend this Early Childhood Open House at which they will learn about the School’s music and movement program and get a taste of program activities children and their adults can look forward to together. Families will have the opportunity to join in the fun of a music and movement class at 10:00 am and a brief Q & A with faculty.

Junior Flute Club, Flute Club, and Adult Flute Choir Drop-in Days
Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9
Drop-in on the first meeting of each of the School’s Flute Clubs! Attendees are invited to bring their flute and play along with students already enrolled in the clubs, or simply attend the drop-in as an auditor to learn about the clubs.

Junior Flute Club (grades 1-6) Drop-in, Friday, September 8, 5:30-6:15 pm
Flute Club (grades 6-12) Drop-in, Saturday, September 9, 11:45 am–1:00 pm
Adult Flute Choir Drop-in, Saturday, September 9, 1:00–2:00 pm

Suzuki Program
Saturday, September 9, 2:15-3:30 pm – Hybrid: Online and In person
Learn about Hoff-Barthelson’s renowned Suzuki Program from Dean Christopher Kenniff and members of the School’s Suzuki Faculty. The Suzuki Program is offered to students in violin, viola, cello, flute, guitar, and piano. Student performers will be featured during this event.

First Instruments and Meet the Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion Instruments
Sunday, September 10, 1:00-3:00 pm
Students in grades Pre-K through 5 and their families are invited to join members of the School’s Faculty for a First Instruments Open House. Families will meet instructors, sample class activities, and join in a Q&A. These classes are specially designed to prepare children for private lessons in piano, flute, cello, violin, guitar, and singing. Information about musicianship classes and ensembles that support private instrumental instruction will also be shared. In addition, the event will include a special Meet the Instruments session for students who wish to learn a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument.

About Hoff-Barthelson Music School:
Hoff-Barthelson Music School has achieved national recognition as a premier community music school for its unsurpassed leadership in education, performance and community service. With a faculty drawn from the region’s most talented teachers and performers, the School has long been one of Westchester County’s most cherished cultural resources. At Hoff-Barthelson, students find a warm, friendly music school dedicated to the highest standards of education, performance, and community service. Students of all ages, aptitudes, and levels of interest enjoy a supportive, joyful learning environment; a focus on the whole person; exceptional teaching; and a multifaceted curriculum.

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.

Photo credit and caption: A Violin Together Class at Hoff-Barthelson Music School. Photograph by Mark Jessamy.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 03 August 2023

Created: 03 August 2023

Last Updated: 03 August 2023

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Gabriella SannaHoff-Barthelson Music School announces the appointment of Gabriella Sanna as its next Executive Director as of January 1, 2024, following the retirement of current Executive Director Ken Cole on December 31 of this year.

Sanna is a visionary leader with a proven track record of program development, enrollment growth, successful fundraising, and recruiting at several of Boston's leading community music institutions. She will join HBMS following her position as Director of The Rivers School Conservatory and Co-Chair of The Rivers School's Performing Arts Department.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Gabriella begin as our new Executive Director in January," said Dana Matsushita, Chair of Hoff-Barthelson’s Board of Trustees. "Her extensive experience and passion for excellence in music education make her exceptionally qualified to serve as the next leader of HBMS."

Prior to serving as Director of The Rivers School Conservatory, Sanna served as RSC’s Chamber Music Department Chair, Registrar for the Conservatory, and Private Piano Instructor. Before that, she served as Executive Director at Project STEP (String Training Education Program), founded in 1982 to provide rigorous string training, performance opportunities, and family support to children from underrepresented communities in the Greater Boston Area. As Executive Director of the Dedham School of Music from 2010 through 2016, she exponentially increased enrollment and developed an array of programs, including early childhood classes, private lessons, ensembles, outreach programs in local public schools, partnership programs with private schools, and public concerts.

“I am delighted by the Board’s selection of Gabriella Sanna to serve as the next Executive Director of Hoff-Barthelson Music School,” said Cole. “Her proven track record of successful leadership, commitment to excellence, and unbounded enthusiasm for community music education bodes well for the future of HBMS and the hundreds of students we serve.”

Beyond Sanna’s administrative achievements, she is an active performer in solo piano recitals, chamber music performances, and collaborative piano work with vocal and instrumental groups in the Boston area and throughout Italy. Sanna has also served as the Artistic Director of the Steinway Society of Massachusetts Piano Competition, Assistant Director at the Dana Hall School of Music, and Chamber Music Director and Artist-in-Residence at Beaver Country Day School.

"It is an incredible honor to be entrusted with leading Hoff-Barthelson Music School, an institution with such a rich legacy in music education," said Sanna. "I am dedicated to building upon the school's strong foundation and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore their musical potential in a nurturing and supportive environment. Together, we will cultivate a vibrant musical community that resonates with creativity and excellence."

Sanna holds a Master's degree in piano performance from the Longy School of Music, an Artist Diploma in piano performance from the Accademia Internazionale di Novara, Italy, and a diploma, equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, in piano performance from the Conservatorio di Musica "L. Canepa," Sassari, Italy.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 17 July 2023

Created: 17 July 2023

Last Updated: 22 November 2023

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School Board Leaders Suzie Hahn Pascutti and Ron SchulhofFresh off a successful year at the Scarsdale School Board, newly elected leaders Ron Schulhof and Suzie Hahn Pascutti met us at the dining tent in the Village to look back and forward to the coming school year. Schulhof, who had served as Vice President for 2022-23 was elected to be the Board President, and Pascutti, who was elected to the board in 2022 will serve as Vice President.

Together the two form an upbeat and optimistic team, poised to take on new challenges, to work with Dr. Patrick and his cabinet and to respond to whatever new requests or concerns they hear from the public.

Looking back at the 2022-23 school year, they reflected on what had gone well. Among notable developments were:

The passage of a $4.7 million bond to renovate the Scarsdale High School auditorium, which was stalled on the school’s to-do list since 2014. Worn carpet, broken seats, poor acoustics, dangerous rigging and inadequate dressing rooms were just a few of the many issues that plagued the high school’s primary performance space. However with pressure to keep the tax increase below the state tax cap, financing the renovation without bumping up taxes was challenging. With little pushback, a separate bond was proposed, passed by the Board and passed with an 83% approval rate.

Another subject was the inclusion of Asian holidays in the school calendar. The board heard many pleas from parents and students wishing to be given time to observe their holidays without missing school or being pressed to complete homework assignments. The 2023-24 calendar includes celebrations of Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Eid al-Adha, with Eid al-Fitr observed as a Superintendent’s conference day. In addition, in order to accommodate requests from elementary school families, the school calendar for the upcoming year moves school conference days to be contiguous with weekends.

The team was proud of a new budget process where several budget scenarios were proposed and examined to permit the Board to review various options for the use of fund balance, financing facilities improvements and the resulting tax increases. The process permitted collegial conversation of the budget rather than a yea or nay disagreement.

Probably their most significant accomplishment was the search for a new school superintendent which ultimately led to the appointment of interim superintendent Dr. Andrew Patrick as the next Superintendent of the Scarsdale Schools. Dr. Patrick’s promotion left a vacancy in his prior position of Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Leadership Development. A search for that opening concluded with the appointment of Scarsdale Middle School Principal Meghan Troy to the district cabinet. Furthermore, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Stuart Mattey announced his retirement earlier in the year. After a search to fill that key job, the district hired Andrew Lennon. So, many of the faces around the dais at the July 6, 2023 organization meeting were new ones.

Other developments were the completion of work on auditing of the payroll system, the addition of mental health staff and the acceptance of gifts from the PTA’s at four of the five elementary schools to improve courtyards and exterior spaces for outdoor learning. The District worked in partnership with the Village on a number of projects, including cell service improvements around the High School and Fox Meadow (which should be completed in the coming months), funding a joint athletic field study, and safety and security initiatives.

Most notable was the change in the vibe since this time last year, when the board faced a financial and leadership crisis due to errors in the payroll process system, a lack of transparency, the resignation of the Superintendent and low community confidence. This team appeared to be commited to open communication with the administration and the community and resolved to learn from past mistakes.

What’s next?

The board will meet in August to discuss their goals for the coming year and to begin the process of designing a strategic plan.

Public input into the process and priorities is welcome. The two encouraged residents to attend board meetings this year where they can speak at two public comments sessions or to write to the board at [email protected].

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 23 June 2023

Created: 23 June 2023

Last Updated: 25 June 2023

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Though this was my 15th Scarsdale High School Graduation, there is always something new to report from this tightly orchestrated event.

What stood out? This year was the first time I saw a class president break into song during his graduation speech and depart the stage by taking a selfie, the first time that Principal Ken Bonamo raised the question of what the advent of Artificial Intelligence will mean to future graduates, the first time I saw girls smoking cigars and the first time the Nicholas family, with their last of five children graduating, will no longer have one to cheer at the high school.

Ken Bonamo, Amber Yusuf and Drew Patrick

What remained the same? This year as always, the weather played a key role in the graduation. In the days leading up to the ceremony there was a good deal of uncertainty about where and when it would be held. With rain forecast for Thursday and Friday at all three of the possible times for graduation, the Superintendent finally made the call at noon on Wednesday, that the graduation, originally planned to be outside at Butler Field would be held in the SHS gymnasium on Thursday June 22 at 6:30 pm. That meant that each grad would only be allotted two tickets forcing siblings, grandparents and friends to watch the ceremony on live stream in the high school’s auditorium.

Student Government Leaders, Class of 2023

But for the 360 graduates of the SHS Class of 2023, last minute changes were nothing new. They had experienced the ups and downs of the pandemic for much of their high school careers. As a result, they had learned to be flexible and resilient. An indoor graduation, rather than a sunset ceremony, was just one more bump in the road.

On Thursday evening, after assembling for a final class photo in Gyms 1 and 2, the seniors lined up and strode into Scarsdale’s new gymnasium, led by their class advisors to the sound of the Scarsdale Band playing Pomp and Circumstance. It was a moving moment and brought tears to the eyes of many in the room.

Speaking for the Board of Education, President Amber Yusuf said, “We are so proud of each and every one of you, and just thrilled to celebrate you today. Over the past four years, you have worked hard and displayed incredible resilience, determination and focus, learning, experiencing and accomplishing so much both inside and outside of the classroom. You're now knowledge base and skills are strong, and you are ready for the many exciting and formative opportunities that await you.”

…. Your experience at Scarsdale has also emphasized the importance of being engaged citizens and living our school's motto of non sibi.. They've encouraged you to live lives of kindness and compassion, to embrace diversity and to help build welcoming and inclusive environments and to spend time talking to others with different perspectives and seek other experiences that widen your frame. They have shed light on the importance of personal wellness and well-being so that you may remember to take good care of yourselves, that you cultivate meaningful relationships that you find time to laugh, move, sleep and nurture your whole person, that you allow for mistakes and be patient with yourselves, that you always remain optimistic and filled with gratitude, and that you'd be happy, proud and authentically you. …Graduates the board is excited for your future and is confident that you will embrace it fully.”

Class Secretaries Hana Pitchon and Juliet Schneider introduced Class Advisors Kevin Viviano and Jen Wagner saying, “They've been more than advisors to us and have gone above and beyond to help us and the entire class of 2023 have the best high school experience possible. We cherish our time in homeroom planning events and working to make our school and community a better place. From standing outside in the freezing cold running toy drives to grilling at football games and spending countless hours working to produce our senior class to play on top of their responsibilities as teachers.” ….. They fought to restore class spirit after it was lost to COVID with our sophomore Movie Night, and even as recently as our senior Six Flags trip.”

01/23 

   

Advisors to the Class of ’23 Mr. Viviano and Ms. Wagner shared a secret saying, “We have a confession to make. We slumped worse numbers. While your senior slump may have started in January. Our senior slump started in September. We knew that we had to write this speech for today. And we continue to say that we would get it done as early as possible. But we procrastinated and wrote it yesterday. But like any good Scarsdale student, who waits until the very last minute hopefully, we have risen to the occasion.”

“… We have had the pleasure to guide and mentor over these past four years. As Professor advisors, we have witnessed your growth, dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence. From the moment you'd stepped foot on campus, we recognized your potential. We saw the sparks of brilliance in your eyes… And now, as you stand here on the cusp of a new chapter in your lives, we can say with certainty that you have exceeded our wildest expectations.”

“…But it's not just about the subjects you study. It's about the friendships you forged, the bonds you created, including the one with us, and the memories you will carry with you. As your advisors, we have witnessed your collective spirit, and how you uplift one another. It was not just your successes that defined you as a class. You could navigate adversity, you face setbacks, disappointments, and moments of doubt. Yet you rose above them stronger and more determined than ever.”

…Now, as you prepare for the next phase of your journey. Let us remind you that the world needs your unique talents, your passions and your drive. Each one of you has the power to shape the future, to make a difference in the lives of others, and to leave an indelible mark on this world. Be the exception. be inspiring. Be the person who doesn't judge. Be the person who makes someone smile. Be the person who finds humor in every day. Be the person who stands for what you believe to be the person that we know each one of you can be. Life will change you often in unexpected ways. Embrace the changes. meet the challenges with courage. Believe in yourself and your success. You have accomplished remarkable things and the future is yours to shape. We cannot wait to see the incredible heights that you will reach.”

“…May your journey be filled with purpose, joy, and endless possibilities. Your worst days will give lessons and your best days will get memories.”

“…Full disclosure. writing this speech was in a slump. We didn't really procrastinate. We realized that we kept delaying and denying the inevitable of having to say goodbye to you, knowing how difficult that would be for us. But we quickly understood that this is not really a goodbye. We will always be there cheering you on, ready to offer guidance and support whenever you may need it.”

Class Treasurers Anna Feldstein and Ali Schwartz thanked the administrators Dean's, counselors, custodians and aides. They said, “thank you for helping us navigate the unprecedented challenges and uncertainty of the pandemic. To our teachers. You have shaped our academic journeys not only through the knowledge you have imparted, but also through your kindness and compassion. So thank you for turning your classrooms into communities, smiling us in the hallway, and teaching us that we are worth more than our mistakes. Thank you to the entire custodial staff, and to all the aides who work tirelessly to make each day run smoothly to all of the administrative staff, the backbone of our school. And we all know that our high school experience wouldn't be the same without all of the deans and counselors who aid us in navigating the many pressures of school, family, friends, and of course college.’

Class Vice President Isabelle Goldban extolled the virtues of getting involved in student government, saying “without hesitation it was one of the best decisions I have made. Student Government has been one of the most memorable and meaningful parts of my high school experience.”

She encouraged her classmates to embrace new opportunities saying, “As I have learned, you never know how far a simple yes will take you.” By far the best part of Student Government has been the amazing people that I do it with.”

Class President Mihir Barlinge told his classsmates, “Don't fall asleep yet, Seniors, we've made it! Let's give ourselves another round.”

Tall and lanky, Barlinge explained, “As a freshmen I was awkward, goofy, maybe a little stinky. I mean, most of us were. But anyway, I didn't think that high school was going to be a good four years of my life. But it actually turned out being some of the best.”

He continued, “A wise man who also happens to be my best friend once said, I'd rather live a life with the pain of letting something good go than the regret of not having it in the first place. And I'm so glad that even though we technically only had one and a half real years of high school, we were able to make the most of it. It was things like singing in the hallways on Halloween and tailgating in the teachers’ lot. “

He recounted an unsuccessful attempt at gridlocking the stairways, when he “heard a small voice sing “Every time We Touch. He sang the lyrics and invited the whole class to join in singing,

'Cause every time we touch
I get this feeling
And every time we kiss
I swear I could fly
Can't you feel my heartbeat fast
I want this to last
Need you by my side”

He said, “We've been able to take mediocre situations and turn them into unforgettable moments throughout high school. This is how we live our lives with no regret…. after four years of finding ourselves and what makes us happy, we've created our own Maps to the Stars. And they look beautiful. So now as we move on to this new, unfamiliar part in our lives, let these maps serve as a guide. But never forget to keep coloring and drawing all over them. Because what lies ahead of us is unpredictable but absolutely thrilling.”

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SHS Principal Kenneth Bonamo took the stage for his last remarks to the Class of 2023.

…First, let me say how truly wonderful it is to be together on this occasion. It is good to see you here. Celebrating this moment filled with meaning as it represents both the accomplishment of having graduated and the commencement of your adult lives. Let us pause here for a moment to let it sink in and appreciate what this moment means.”

“….The vantage point of graduation allows you to appreciate the impact of your work, and developing your academic skills and fostering your growth as individuals. This accomplishment also represents the hard work you have put into getting here. Individually and collectively. You faced formidable and unprecedented challenges during your high school career. And you responded with tenacity and ingenuity. You have excelled in athletic and extracurricular activities, finding ways to maintain continuous engagement in the most difficult of circumstances.”

“The common thread between the start and end of your high school years has been the importance of personal relationships. Being an isolation for so long, with contact with all contact mediated through technology made us realize how important shared experiences are. And now, with artificial intelligence able to do increasingly complex tasks, the qualities that make us truly human will become ever more valuable. Compassion, curiosity, leadership, the ability to sense a need and set about trying to address or taking care of those less fortunate than ourselves. original, creative and critical thinking, setting worthy goals to achieve in your life, and creating your own assessment of your progress. Taking with the power of true human interaction, these human capacities are no match for AI. So make the most of your humanity, your independence, your ability to think and reason. Engage in academic tasks that will sharpen these skills and use the memory of isolation and the challenge of AI to remind yourselves that humans are meant to connect in order to thrive.”

“…I hope you use the elevated privilege of being engaged in study as your primary occupation, to search broadly and then deeply to find the subject that brings you the most intellectual satisfaction. Each class stands out for the way they navigated adolescence and their high school journeys, and your class is no exception. While we came to know each other, primarily through zoom meetings about weird class schedules, in time and the time we had been together in school, I have come to appreciate the overall tone of your class.”

“…I hope you will endeavor to make the world a better place. In order to make real change. And to bring about progress, you will need to add personal courage to what we have learned in school. When you take stock of the news of our day of domestic problems, international relations, income inequality, social justice, educational policy and environmental challenges. It should be clear that regardless of what side of any one question you take, in order to advance the cause, you will need courage.”

Hats Up!

“….Your success will be measured not by how much you take for yourself, but by how much you give of yourself. Finally, I urge you to build a legacy of love. The key to your success and taking advantage of the many opportunities and meaning the many challenges that lie ahead will be to infuse love into your work, your relationships, and your self regard. This evening you see your family and friends who demonstrated love and supporting you. You see your teachers and Dean's who loved being in the classroom with you and guiding you on the side. Most importantly, you should look at yourselves and love what you see an intelligent, curious, responsible person poised to continue learning in order to take on the challenges of life and society. I wish you all a wonderful graduation and health and happiness in the future.”

With that, Superintendent Drew Patrick came to the podium to certify the graduation and begin the presentation of diplomas to each member of the Class of 2023.

Add your pictures to our graduation photo galleries. Email them to [email protected].