A capital projects grant of $150,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) for replacement of a HVAC
system is good news for the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains. Its 23-year-old units, which are past their useful life, will be replaced with a modern, energy-efficient system that will optimally heat and cool the building while lowering energy costs.
The Conservatory has been the recipient of NYSCA funding for its programs since the mid-1980s. This is the third capital projects grant it has been awarded. Most recently, the school received a $500,000 capital grant under the regional economic development program, to build five new teaching studios in 3,500 square feet of unfinished space in the building.
NYSCA preserves and advances the arts and culture that make New York state an exceptional place to live, work and visit. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960, NYSCA is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch.
Music Conservatory of Westchester was founded in 1929 in the American settlement house tradition of community service and the European conservatory tradition of excellence. Legendary cellist Pablo Casals was
among its founders, and jazz legend Cab Calloway once served on its board. Today, the Conservatory serves 2,500 students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, with one-on-one instruction, performing ensembles, theory, composition, early childhood classes, lifelong learning for adults and free community performances.
