Purchase College Conservatory of Music Jazz Ensemble plays for Elementary School Students

On April 24, 2023, a jazz ensemble from the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College put on a thrilling program of Afro-Cuban music for over 100 4th grade students from New Rochelle’s Columbus Elementary School.  Coordinated by the School’s music teacher, Courtney Bullen, and Principal, Michael Galland, over 100 students and teachers enjoyed meeting with the musicians and the Jazz Program’s director, David DeJesus.  The students learned about the roots of this exciting music, the instruments used to play it and its traditional rhythms.  The 4th grade class had many questions for the musicians including how each decided on the instruments they played and how old they were when they started learning about music.

For the musicians it was an opportunity to perform live for a school audience and gain practical experience in a music education setting.  The children’s enthusiastic response was a terrific encouragement and the Purchase students enjoyed interacting with their young audience, sharing their experience and love for the music they performed.

And for Young Musicians of Westchester, the concert represented the close of a successful initial season of three performances – two for the elementary school students in addition to a well-attended chamber music concert also featuring students from the Conservatory of Music.  Plans are underway for our exciting Fall 2023 and Winter/Spring 2024 seasons.