drawings by Keith Bendis

“Take a Seat” is a mentoring program for serious-minded music students to intern and perform with members of the CFO and ClaverackLanding Ensemble.

Participants rehearse and perform with their mentors in various situations.  Students have the opportunity to interview their mentors, socialize with them, and learn what it is like to be a professional musician.

Our inaugural program took place during the CFO’s residency at PS21 (Performance Spaces for the 21st Century, www.ps21chatham.org) in Chatham, New York, July 25-27, 2008.  Eighteen student interns performed with the Columbia Festival Orchestra in the world premiere of Overture to a New Theater by Chatham High School alumnus, David Grunberg.

Tuition is free. The application procedure is straightforward: a recommendation from the student’s teacher. Players of all instruments are invited to apply.