October 13, 2009

YONKERS MIDDLE SCHOOL PARTICIPATES IN CARAMOOR'S
ARTS-IN-EDUCATION PROGRAM

Katonah, NY - During October and November, every student from Yonkers Middle School will participate in a two-day arts-in-education program at Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts.

"Caramoor is best known for our public performances during the summertime International Music Festival, our new Fall Festival the first weekend of October, and concerts in the Music Room of the Rosen House during the Fall and Spring," said Michael Barrett, Chief Executive and General Director of Caramoor. "However, our extensive educational programs, which occur throughout the year, are in many ways as important as our public performances.  These programs are directly addressing the next generation of audiences for great music."

The program for Yonkers Middle School, What's in a House?, utilizes Caramoor's beautiful 90-acre campus, the historic Rosen House, and talented visiting artist-educators to provide an unforgettable experience for these schoolchildren. They will draw, tour the Rosen House, work with a volunteer architect on creating their own block structures, and create a musical composition with a renowned musician and perform it for their peers in the beautiful Music Room.

Since 1986 Caramoor has provided local children with enriching arts education opportunities. Today, over 5,000 local students take part in Caramoor's arts-in-education programs annually, with a significant portion receiving funding support, thanks to generous foundation and corporate grants. The staff of Caramoor places an emphasis on accessibility for schoolchildren from underserved school districts such as Yonkers Middle School by waiving or reducing program fees, providing transportation underwriting when possible, and maintaining scheduling priority.

Says Marilyn Reynolds, Caramoor's Director of Education, "By exposing children to the arts in a welcoming and participatory manner we hope to plant seeds of excitement for the arts that last a lifetime.  Our programs are designed to demonstrate the remarkable inter-relatedness of disciplines, how there is music in art and architecture and nature for example."

Edie Rosenbaum, the teacher coordinator from Yonkers Middle School says, "What we see on the faces of the children when the bus pulls to a halt and they disembark is unbelievable - sheer joy."

For more information about Caramoor's arts-in-education programs, contact the Education Department at 914-232-5035 x242.

Editors Note:  Opportunities for coverage by photographers and reporters will take place at the Rosen House at Caramoor on October 15th, 16th, 22nd, and 23rd as well as November 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 19th, and 20th.  Please call David Mayhew at 203.533.5621 for specific time and location information.