The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Inside Press

What Music Means to Us: Music in Chappaqua

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Ava Anduze, Jeremy Goldstein, Brian Siegel, Ethan Quirke and Dhruv Franklin
Ava Anduze, Jeremy Goldstein, Brian Siegel, Ethan Quirke and Dhruv Franklin

By Kaila Allison

When you come into our studio, you’ll hear many sounds. In one room, a piano student will be blazing through scales; in another, a rock band will be plugging in and tuning up. Each day at Music in Chappaqua, students come to relax to an environment where they can express themselves freely.

I first arrived at Music in Chappaqua as an anxious ten-year-old and started piano lessons with Justin Jacobs, a faculty member since 2001. Shortly after, playing the piano became a necessary calming force for me. Justin summed up perfectly what music means to him, saying simply, “It’s life.”

That’s exactly what music is for the students here. However, the goal of the school is not to create perfect performers, but to foster musicianship and encourage students to use music in the way it will most benefit them.

Another long-time member of the faculty, Danny Golub, explained to me how music kept him out of a lot of trouble as a kid. “If it wasn’t for music, I wouldn’t be good at much else,” he said. Danny is adored by his students, who feel his unique attention pushes them to do better. His caring nature goes beyond just the students’ musical accomplishments, but extends to all aspects of their lives. Our faculty has also been responsible for motivating students to practice effectively and 
feel confident about their skills in development.

Live Pirrotti, Jake Gordon, Matty Templeton and Matthew Turk
Live Pirrotti, Jake Gordon, Matty Templeton
and Matthew Turk

Part of what solidifies the students’ musicianship is their participation in a variety of performance opportunities at different venues throughout the year. One such performance was our most recent concert on March 21st at MTK Tavern in Mt. Kisco (the pictures you see here!), featuring our rock workshop bands. Live Pirrotti, who performed, told us that music means more than just performing for fun, but also for a bandmate’s cause: “At our recent show we were able to bring awareness about the rare genetic disease, GSD, to people through music. Jake’s Dad wrote up information about GSD, and I made a speech before the last song (“My Hero” by the Foo Fighters) telling people about GSD and the need for donations to help fund the research for a cure. The Foo Fighters inspired Jake, and so our Band wanted to inspire others to help the cause… I’m very thankful to be able to be in 
an amazing band and to play shows. I’m truly my happiest when I’m singing on stage.”

The students here are impressive to say the least. They balance a full schedule of after school activities including plays, sports and academic clubs, while simultaneously maintaining their love and devotion to musical improvement.

Taylor Chiola, a high school senior and student at Music in Chappaqua, says, “All of the teachers have guided me in different ways and taught me valuable skills I need for my career as a musician.” Taylor says that her experience at the school has inspired her to want to become a music teacher herself. She is looking forward to interning at the school in May.

Tori Robinson, who plays piano, bass and sings in rock workshop bands at the school, says, “Music has given me a way to express myself in a way not a lot of people can.” Expression is a hard thing for many children, who are faced with difficulties going through school and adolescence in general. However, music can ease this journey.

As private lessons and rock workshops continue, Music in Chappaqua is getting ready for our popular summer day camp, The New York Rock Academy.

Zach Munowitz, 16, says,“Music allows me to express emotions in a way that isn’t possible through words.” He started rock workshops at Music in Chappaqua in 2009 and attended the New York Rock Academy for five summers, even working as an intern and teaching lessons of his own. His time at Music in Chappaqua has given him the skills required to form his own band and ignite his interest in music production and audio engineering. He was then able to design an electronic music course at his school. It’s this kind of success that drives Music in Chappaqua to continue its growth.

All of this and more is what music means to us. What does music mean to you?

For more information, visit 
www.musicinchappaqua.com

Remembering and 
Honoring Soldiers: 
A Special Memorial Day Celebration

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Eagle Scouts flanked by veterans at the American Legion Memorial Day Ceremony
Eagle Scouts flanked by veterans at the American Legion Memorial Day Ceremony

By Miriam Longobardi • Photos by Sam Morell

To many people Memorial Day means a long weekend, family barbeques and spending time with friends. American flags are put up all throughout town as well as on the graves of over two hundred soldiers buried in North Castle. Maintaining the flags at the graves is a tradition that dates back to the Revolutionary War. Still, over the years fewer people are taking the time to actually reflect on the true meaning of the holiday.

American Legion Post 1097 in Armonk has a Memorial Day Ceremony each year at their site next to the police station and it is open to the public. Veteran Tony Cicia shared that this event used to draw thousands of people, but the crowd has grown considerably smaller over the years–down to approximately one hundred fifty people–and this concerns him. “The trouble is, the world forgets,” he said.

The Memorial Day Ceremony includes many town groups, such as the Elks Club, Eagle Scouts and the Civil Air Patrol as the color guard. The Byram Hills band plays patriotic music and veterans are honored. Representatives from the State Assembly, the State Senate and the State Legislature attend, as well as North Castle Town Supervisor Michael Schiliro. Supervisor Schiliro said, “North Castle tradition is to celebrate Memorial Day on May 30th, the actual Memorial Day versus the Monday observance. 
I look forward to the ceremony at the American Legion each year. At the end of the ceremony I always enjoy a hot dog and a cold drink.” Each year the names of memorialized solders are read, wreaths are laid on the veterans memorials at the Legion, and there is a guest speaker.

Last year, 93 year-old Marine Colonel Alfred Ciafli, a World War II veteran and survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima, among others, was the guest speaker. His candid accounts of what it was actually like to serve there, the horrors of death and the arduous conditions under which he fought, kept the audience in mesmerized silence. “Many people in the audience were moved to tears as he spoke,” said Cicia.

The American Flag and the North Castle Eagle, symbols of the majestic beauty and great strength of our nation.
The American Flag and the North Castle Eagle, symbols of the majestic beauty and great strength of our nation.

In addition to the many people and groups involved in the ceremony, some other very special guests are in attendance–veterans from Montrose Veterans Hospital arrive by bus to attend this event. This year, the Elks Club is teaming up with the American Legion because they, too, are closely involved in working with veterans.

Elks Club president Ed Flynn said, “We had a similar ceremony planned and we were inviting the veterans from Montrose also and then we decided to team up with the Legion and merge ceremonies.” The Elks have a long-standing relationship with the veterans, visiting as often as possible. The Elks go up to Montrose for barbeques or pizza parties during the summer, have a holiday party each year where members donate and buy gifts for them, or just to visit throughout the year. “We never want to forget all that they did and we want to honor them,” Flynn added. Elks members have the opportunity to donate to the veterans as part of their annual dues, and a lot of money is raised for them each year from dues alone.

Including the veterans from Montrose Hospital at the Memorial Day Celebration is a tradition that has grown, and this year two bus loads will come, bringing about 75 people. The ceremony at the American Legion is open to the public and held in the front yard of their building in a large open area covered for shelter. Out back, barbeque food and drinks are available for anyone that comes. Following the public ceremony, the visiting veterans are taken inside and served a hot meal. “They love to get out and take part in this special day,” Flynn pointed out. He said working with the patients from Montrose has been a great opportunity to get to know veterans of all ages and histories ranging from World War II to the Korean War, and from the Vietnam War to the Gulf War. Hearing their stories and visiting with them shows that their efforts have neither been in vain nor forgotten.

This year’s ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 30th at 11 a.m. at the American Legion Post 1097, 35 Bedford Road, Armonk. Again, this ceremony is open to the public and refreshments are served. When people hear actual accounts from the mouth of someone who fought, it brings a greater appreciation for all our country’s soldiers, especially the ones who gave their lives in service to our country. As Tony Cicia said, “The most important thing is remembering the dead and why they died.” Please take some time to stop by and remember those who gave their lives and honor 
other veterans.

Miriam Longobardi is a freelance writer, fourth grade teacher and single mother of two daughters living in Westchester. 
A breast cancer survivor, she volunteers for the American Cancer Society and has completed four marathons and travels the world. Follow her on Twitter@writerMimiLong.

ART UNDER the BRIDGE: Making Connections through ART

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May 16th kicks off the Northern Westchester Artists Guild’s  “Art Under the Bridge” series running every third Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.. May through October by the Chappaqua train station  under the bridge.

Local fine artists, painters, printmakers, ceramists,  photographers, fiber artists, sculptors, and  jewelry designers all will exhibit their work under the bridge that links the   Farmers Market and the Flea Market to the shops at lower King Street.

Shop for fresh locally grown farm goods, shop at the flea market; then stroll under the bridge and see the amazing art work also locally produced!

All work is available for purchase.

NWAG is a non profit organization, and a proud member of the Chappaqua/Millwood Chamber of Commerce.

The Northern Westchester Artisits Guild supports and encourages artists in their endeavors.

We see all forms of art as a vital expression of our voice in the community.

If you would like more information about this event, contact Peg Sackler:

914-715-0575, pegsackler@optonline.net or visit: www.nwartisitsguild.org

nwag_art around town

“Peter Pan” and “High School Musical” Coming to Chappaqua Crossing Theater

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Tickets on Sale for the Late May and June Productions of the Light House Youth Theater/Standing Ovation Studios

Peter Pan JrArmonk, NY — Lighthouse Youth Theatre/Standing Ovation Studios will be performing Peter Pan and High School Musical at the at Chappaqua Crossing Theater. The Chappaqua Crossing Theater is a beautiful venue, where Peter Pan will be presented during the weekends of May 30th and June 6th. High School Musical will be performed during the weekends of June 12th and 19th.

The opportunity for Lighthouse Youth Theater to perform at Chappaqua Crossing Theater could not have happened without the support and efforts of Chappaqua Crossing, Summit Development, Greenfield Partners and the Town Board of Chappaqua. New Castle Town Supervisor, Rob Greenstein, was also instrumental in working with Lighthouse Youth Theatre Artistic Director, John Fanelli, to help facilitate the approval of these performances at the Chappaqua Crossing Theater.

Lighthouse Youth Theatre’s home base is at Standing Ovation Studios in Armonk, New York, and produces shows with young people ranging in age from 4 – 18. Dancing, Singing, and Acting classes and lessons are also available on a daily basis, as well as Rock-n-Roll and music lessons.

Lighthouse Youth Theater is so excited to bring these two live fun-filled, family-friendly shows to the Chappaqua Crossing Theater this Spring. All are welcome and tickets can be purchased through our website or by phone.

For more information, contact John Fanelli at (914) 741- 4205 or e-mail Office@Lytshows.org.

Lighthouse Youth Theater is a Not for Profit organization. Changing Lives One Show at a Time!

The “Go-To” Shop for Shades: JUST SHADES

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SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURESJUST SHADES, THE Source for custom and ready made lamp shades, has been serving the trade and public for over 40 years. This “go-to shop” for interior designers and set designers features an extensive selection of modern and traditional shades in a wide range of sizes, from shades small enough to fit a wall sconce to shades large enough to hang as pendants. Our recently opened new store in Greenwich features new and vintage lamps.

Just Shades has been featured in periodicals such as Martha Stewart Living, The New York Times,
House Beautiful, Domino, Elle Décor and Country Living to name a few.
Their custom and ready made shades can be found in restaurants, boutiques, and hotels throughout the country, as well as in numerous movie and TV shows.

Just Shades has the largest selection of ready made lamp shades in the Northeast.
Their shades are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and fabrics.
You can create your own custom shade using one of their 300 plus fabrics,
or you can bring in your own fabric as well.
They can recover, reline or create a new shade to your specifications.

A Staff of expert professionals is always at hand to provide assistance in selecting the perfect shade for your lamp. If you can’t make it in person, assistance is available by phone or email.
There is also a large selection of finials to complete that perfect shade!