Matt Heck has only been at Rivers a few weeks, but he’s already developed a handy way to describe the school’s Conservatory Program: “It’s varsity music.” It’s a useful shorthand, and it’s only natural that Heck would have come up with it: As the Conservatory Program director, a newly created position, Heck is charged with overseeing and coordinating all aspects …
Dear Mr. Sussman, I can’t believe a whole year has passed since this pandemic started. Your uplifting and positive attitude over Zoom has been a bright spot in our week. Thank you for your continued patience and encouragement. Best regards, Bettina Eikeboom ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ It has been great having Catherine as a guitar teacher and I look forward to having more …
The pandemic did not stop RSC from providing students with abundant educational opportunities in 2020-2021. In fact, the calendar was as packed as ever, with concerts, competitions, master classes, rehearsals, recitals, and more. Here are some highlights! Rivers Youth Orchestras Operated In-Person All Year Long The Rivers Youth Orchestra program was a trailblazer in the return to in-person ensemble playing. …
Did you know that The Rivers School Conservatory has an Executive Committee, made up of 15 dedicated community, staff, and ex-officio members who are instrumental in helping the organization to succeed? The committee functions as a governing body, meeting regularly to oversee the operations of RSC. Committee members also work with RSC Director Gabriella Sanna to institute goals and policies …
Siblings Audrey and Henry Tushman have been studying with RSC piano faculty member Sandra Hebert since they were about five years old. Together, this faculty-student trio has built a meaningful foundation for music education. Eighth-grader Henry says that he looks forward to every lesson because of Ms. Hebert’s positive and caring demeanor. “She knows all of her students really well,” …
The Rivers School Conservatory is quickly approaching its 42nd year of the Annual Seminar on Contemporary Music for the Young, designed to introduce audiences and young musicians to music of our time, all composed in the past 25 years. Since its founding in 1978, the seminar has presented 3,107 pieces, representing more than 1,842 composers and 683 premieres, including 207 …
289 students. 47 rehearsals. 14 performances. These numbers represent the scope of activities of the Rivers Youth Orchestras, Camerata Strings, Rivers Youth Wind Ensemble, and ChamberMusicLab in the 2020-2021 school year. Evidently, the ongoing pandemic hasn’t been able to stop them from continuing the art of musical collaboration. Keep reading to learn more! Rivers Youth Orchestras (RYO) From the emergence …
The Rivers School Conservatory is pleased to announce the creation of a new fund, designed to invest in the development of innovative practices and programs. Established with a gift from Sarah and Bob Bua, parents of Cecily and Griffin (The Rivers School Classes of ’21 and ’19), the Innovation Fund will increase access to the high-quality music education that RSC …
According to Jazz Department Director Philippe Crettien, jazz musicians must always keep learning in order to remain fluent in the evolving art form. “Jazz is a music of convening influences,” he says. “It’s a vibrant, living thing, so you have to stay on top of it if you want to be relevant.” Crettien models this commitment to continuing education, having …
The Rivers School Conservatory is delighted to welcome esteemed cellist Eugene Kim to the string department. Kim, who began learning to play the cello when he was twelve years old, has since become a conscientious and inspiring teacher for many young students. He takes an individualized approach to instruction, keeping in mind students’ unique circumstances and learning styles: “Everybody has …
