The Music Conservatory of Westchester (MCW), a non-profit community music school in White Plains, NY, that sponsors a regular series of art exhibitions in their 260-seat recital Hall, will hold their Inaugural Alumni Reunion and Concert June 1st. The event will feature an exhibition of paintings, performances by MCW students and faculty, cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, and the unveiling of a new photo exhibit chronicling the school since its founding in 1929. Alumnus and celebrated New Rochelle artist, educator  and musician David Tobey will be honored at the event.

Over the past 20-plus years, Tobey has participated in dozens of one-man and group exhibitions of his paintings and sculptures in Westchester County, New York City and elsewhere in the tri-state area, with the proceeds of many of his shows benefiting not-for-profit organizations and causes he supports. Tobey has allowed the Conservatory to use images of his paintings on benefit invitations and posters, including the 75th anniversary in 2004, and the current alumni event. An exhibition of his latest abstract paintings will be shown at the Conservatory through June 30.

MCW began reaching out to its alumni across the generations this fall via social media and through researching the school’s archives that date back to the 1950’s.  Executive Director Jean Newton said that with the school’s 85th anniversary approaching in 2014-2015, this was the perfect time to celebrate its rich history and many generations of former students.  Among the school’s high-profile alumni are concert pianists Garrick Ohlsson and William Wolfram; New York Philharmonic flutist Mindy Kaufman; composer and MIT professor Todd Machover; and up-and-coming young conductor Ken-David Masur. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing some of the alumni who’ve graduated in the 17 years I’ve been involved with the Conservatory,” said Jean Newton. “Since we started planning this event, I’ve been amazed to find how many people have a past connection to our school. David is a very special alumnus who has given back so much to the community and enriched many lives with his music and his art.”
  
After attending the Conservatory in the 1960’s, Tobey was admitted to The Juilliard School where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1975. In 2005, on the occasion of Juilliard’s Centennary, he was named by Juilliard President Joseph Polisi as one of 100 of their top graduates. A founding member and violinist of the Westchester Philharmonic, Tobey performs with many other musical groups in the tri-state area and has played for numerous celebrity events. An experienced music educator, Tobey teaches strings and directs the orchestra at Albert Leonard Middle School in New Rochelle.  In addition to his music credentials, Tobey holds a Master’s Degree in Studio Art from the College in New Rochelle. His wife Moira Tobey teaches violin and leads the string ensembles at the Music Conservatory.

”I feel very strongly that the nurturing, inspirational and highly professional instruction I received at the Conservatory is what set me on my life’s career as a musician and teacher,” Tobey said.

Conservatory programs proactively embrace everyone in the community regardless of age, background, ability or financial means. Over $100,000 in scholarships are awarded annually to financially deserving students.  The school’s Music Therapy Institute is the largest professional music therapy program in the region, working in partnership with 29 other agencies at 65 sites. The Conservatory’s White Plains campus comprises a 36,000 square foot building with 43 teaching studios, two dance studios and a state-of-the-art recital hall, and houses two resident arts organizations - the Steffi Nossen Dance School and the Westchester Choral Society.

Additional information on the Alumni event and David Tobey exhibition can be found at musicconservatory.org as well as at davidtobey.com.

All alumni, their guests and members of the public who are interested in art and music are cordially invited to attend. R.S.V.P. (914) 761-3900 or email: info(at)musiced(dot)org.