Dear WCSMA Members,
As we near the end of another incredible year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the successes we have achieved together and share some exciting news for the future. It continues to be an honor serving as the President of WCSMA and witnessing the remarkable selflessness and dedication displayed by our members.
I am thrilled to report that this year’s Area All-State and All-County Festivals were resounding successes! After a long pause, we brought these cherished events back to life in 2022-2023. This year’s festivals surpassed all expectations. The performances were truly exceptional, showcasing the immense talent that exists within our students. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the students, directors, and volunteers who made these festivals possible.
Looking ahead, I am pleased to inform you that the calendar for the upcoming year is already set. Dates for our various events and festivals have been finalized and have been sent out to you via email. Please mark your calendars and make sure to keep those dates open. I am confident that next year will be even more incredible than the last.
Please find a copy of next year’s schedule for your reference:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16UqUWCVeEVWYnyXsTt8hAFNfvzjEf9An/view?usp=sharing
Furthermore, I would like to remind you that the election for WCSMA Board Officers will be taking place very shortly. Ballots will be emailed to you in the coming weeks and additional information will be provided by Jon Riss, our President-elect. Please take the time to be a part of our annual election process.
In an effort to enhance communication and provide timely updates to our membership, I am delighted to announce the launch of our brand new Instagram page. You can now find us at @wcsma.ny. By following our page, you will have immediate access to important announcements, reminders, and highlights from our events. It is another channel through which we can stay connected and share our love for music education.
Before closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support and dedication to this organization. Your commitment to nurturing young musicians and fostering a vibrant musical community is truly inspiring. WCSMA thrives because of your volunteerism and I am continually amazed by the impact we make together. With that said, we are so grateful for our members who will be retiring this year! You have been invaluable for our county’s students, districts, and our Westchester communities and you are irreplaceable. I am personally grateful to have been a colleague and friend. This group of educators includes Giocille Shaw, Ed Reisert, Debra Dashnaw, Marc Cooper, and Lisa DiNome. May the years ahead be filled with music, happiness, and good health.
Thank you once again for an exceptional year. I wish you a relaxing summer filled with beautiful moments and abundant sunshine. Stay connected, stay inspired, and continue making a difference through the power of music.
Sincerely,
Jamie Stroffolino
President, Westchester County School Music Association
New – NYSSMA Piano Festival
Please see the link under NYSSMA on the main menu.
Students with Disabilities Form can be found here
Fall Newsletter 2022
Kimberly Dunkin, NYSSMA Zone 11 Representative
Dear WCSMA members,
My name is Kimberly Dunkin and I am your new NYSSMA Zone 11 Representative. I have been teaching in the Hendrick Hudson school district since 2006, initially as a K-5 General/Choral teacher, and since 2014 I have been teaching Chorus and General Music at the middle school level.
As a WCSMA member, I have been active on the Board of Directors as the Hospitality Chairperson for the past three years. In the spring of 2019, my colleagues and I hosted the Up County NYSSMA Festival at Hendrick Hudson. I’m sure we have seen one another at the All-County and Area All-State festival rehearsals and performances, as I’m often at the piano bench accompanying!
Former Zone Rep Nancy Torrente and I have been working closely this past school year and it is a sincere honor to fill her shoes in this position as your representative. She has been an incredible mentor and friend and I am humbled to follow in her footsteps. Please feel free to reach out to me with any NYSSMA concerns if needed. I can be reached at: zone11@nyssma.org.
I so look forward to working with all of you!
Kimberly
WCSMA Member Registration
WCSMA uses the website dacapomusicfestivals.com to register new members and have existing members renew their membership.
This website also is also used by WCSMA teachers to register their students for NYSSMA festivals.
Please note that there are two different links to accomplish these tasks.
The DaCapo site for WCSMA membership can be reached at the following URL:
https://wcsma.dacapomusicfestivals.com
The DaCapo site for WCSMA teachers to register their students for NYSSMA Solo Registration can be reached at the following URL: