On Friday, March 16, the Music Conservatory of Westchester (MCW) will present “Dance the Night Away,” an evening of dinner and dancing celebrating the 25th anniversary of the school’s Music Therapy Institute. Held at the C.V. Rich Mansion in White Plains, the event features live music by the acclaimed Don DuPont Big Band and a special performance by an MTI alumnus.

Bill Evans, meteorologist for ABC-TV, will host the event, and two community leaders will be honored.  Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, will receive MCW’s Visionary Award for her outstanding commitment to the arts and longtime support of Westchester ARC. Alan E. Katz, MCW board member since 1997 and former board president, will receive the organization’s first Impact Award in recognition of his outstanding commitment and dedication to the Conservatory. Katz is a partner in the law firm Greenfield Stein & Senior.

“It is an honor for me to be recognized by the Music Conservatory of Westchester.  As the arts represent such an integral part of the quality of life in our County...and music is the art special to my life... the work represented by the Conservatory, using music's healing abilities to improve life is most meaningful,” Gordon said.

For 25 years, the Institute has created therapeutic programs that empower those with special needs to find their voice, overcome challenges, and heal through music.  Each year the Institute provides music therapy and adapted instruction for 2,000 children and adults with a wide variety of disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, chronic medical conditions, developmental disabilities, behavioral disorders, and learning disorders.  Its outreach programs take place at 60 sites in partnership with 25 schools and agencies, and onsite services also take place in the Conservatory’s White Plains facility.  “Dance the Night Away” aims to increase awareness of this important therapeutic intervention while raising critical funds for the program’s continued success.

“We are thrilled to celebrate MTI’s silver anniversary, applaud its dedicated faculty and students, and recognize those who have helped the program achieve such success,” noted Jean Newton, executive director of the Music Conservatory of Westchester. “The Music Therapy Institute has touched the lives of more than 25,000 individuals over the past 25 years and has become an integral part of our school.”

The Conservatory's MTI serves an ever-growing number of special needs children and adults of all ages through individual and small group sessions offered on-site and through numerous partnering agencies. MTI is the largest provider of professional music therapy services in the greater Westchester region, working with over 2,000 youth and adults each year.

“From the child with autism whose very first words are uttered in song, to the adult with cerebral palsy who joyfully masters the use of his hand through a strong rhythmic pulse, music therapy holds the key to unlock each person’s potential,” said MTI Directors Dr. Tina Brescia and Lisa Sandagata. “The need is great but our resources are limited, relying predominately on grants and fundraising events to respond to the increasing demands of the community.”

Whether in a group or individual setting, MTI’s Board Certified music therapists have demonstrated that music can open new doors for their students by helping them connect with others and improve their quality of life. “The work we accomplish at MTI would not be possible without the generous support of our dedicated donors and advocates,” explained Brescia and Sandagata. “It is with great pride that we share this anniversary with the entire MCW family and our wonderful music therapy faculty, many of whom have been with us for decades.”

CV Rich Mansion is located at 305 Ridgeway in White Plains. Dance the Night Away begins with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., followed by a live performance from the Don Dupont Big Band of Chappaqua, NY. Tickets to the event start at $250. Sponsorships and journal ads are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chris Meyer at (914) 761-3900 x106 or visit http://swingwithmcw.eventbrite.com.

In other news, the Institute was recently named as recipient of the ASCAP Foundation’s Barbara and John LoFrumento Award in recognition of its collaboration with the Eastchester School District and its Special Education PTA. The $10,000 award enabled MTI to expand its music therapy program, providing weekly music therapy sessions to special needs students in the Eastchester School District. MTI now partners with eight school districts in the county, providing music therapy programs for their students with special needs.

“MTI’s outreach program has opened so many doors for the students in my class,” said Eastchester special education teacher Melissa Schur. “Each Friday morning, the children use the power of song to explore their feelings, showcase their strengths and learn how to get along with others. Our class is so fortunate to have this program and know that the benefits of music therapy are truly magical.

In addition to its “Dance the Night Away” gala, Music Conservatory of Westchester will celebrate MTI’s 25th anniversary with WinterBOWL, a fun-for-the-whole-family evening at Grand Prix New York, 333 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco on Thursday, February 23. MCW has announced that local teen pop sensation Tiffany “Gia” Giardina will perform. Giardina is a Radio Disney chart topper who has opened for Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and more. Also performing are cellist and MCW faculty member Adriana Pera, and MCW’s popular Teen Rock & Jazz Ensembles. The event includes state-of-the-art bowling, kart racing, arcade games, food, and beer/wine (for 21+ attendees!). Festivities begin at 6pm; Giardina will perform at 8pm. Adults $60; Kids $50; MTI students $30. Purchase tickets conveniently online at www.winterbowl.eventbrite.com or call 914-761-3900.

The Music Conservatory of Westchester is located at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, NY. They can be reached at (914) 761-3900 or by visiting www.musicconservatoryonline.org. Follow the Conservatory on Facebook (Westchester MusicConservatory) and Twitter (@MusicCW), or check their new blog ( www.musicconservatoryblog.org) for the latest news and updates.