Q: How do I know which band is right for my child or for me?
A: In Scarsdale. Tarrytown and Bedford/Mount Kisco, the Westchester Klezmer Program operates bands for youth musicians in the 5th through 8th grades and for high school students and adults.
Q: Do I have to join the band closest to my home?
A: No, you can participate at whichever location best fits your schedule. Some of our musicians even participate in more than one band.
Q: Where are the rehearsals?
A: There are several rehearsal venues:
| Locations | Bands |
| JCC on the Hudson 371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY (meets alternate Wednesdays see calendar for details) |
All |
| JCC of Mid-Westchester 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale, NY (meets alternative Tuesdays see calendar for details) |
All |
| Bet Torah Synagogue 60 Smith Avenue, Mt. Kisco, NY (meets alternating Thursdays see calendar for details) |
Youth |
| Temple Shaaray Tefila 89 Baldwin Road, Bedford Corners, NY (meets alternating Thursdays see calendar for details) |
Youth & Teen/Adult |
You pick the rehearsal location that is most convenient for you!
For complete information about rehearsal and performance locations (including directions), dates, and times, please go to our calendar.
Q: Can I really get mitzvah credit from my synagogue?
A: Yes. Westchester Klezmer Program is an approved mitzvah project in many area synagogues. Current program participants come from several area congregations representing Reform, Conservative and Orthodox movements.
Q: Is there room for adults too?
A: Absolutely! The program is for musicians of all ages. Adult and teen klezmer musicians not only participate at concerts, but also support the Youth Bands by rehearsing with and helping them learn the music genre.
Q: How did it start?
A: Click here to find out.
Q: What is Klezmer
A: At its core, klezmer is dance music. The word actually comes from two Hebrew words: klay, meaning vessel, and zimmer, meaning song. According to the band Hester Street Troupe, the music is played on an instrument (e.g., a violin or clarinet) that takes on human characteristics
like laughing or crying, and is played with a joyous exuberance or a soulful wailing. The Klez Dispensers describe klezmer as “a little bit Polish, a little Russian, and a little Near Eastern, klezmer is the music of the Eastern European Jews.” For a very detailed explanation, check out Wikipedia by clicking here.
Q: Where have you performed?
A: Dozens of venues. To list just a few, we’ve appeared at the Hebrew Hospital Home (Valhalla), the Pleasantville JCC, Bet Torah (Mount Kisco), the Hebrew Home for the Aged (Riverdale), Beth El of Northern Westchester, Temple B’nei Yisroel, Burke Rehabilitation Center, and Shaaray Tefila (Bedford).