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Dear Parents, Students, and Friends:
On behalf of everyone at The Diller-Quaile School of Music, I would like to thank you for your generous support of our 2009 Benefit–Starry, Starry Night–which was held at The Rainbow Room on April 22, 2009.
This magnificent evening featured a cocktail reception; silent auction; formal dinner; and dancing to the terrific Sean Mahony and New York Swing Orchestra. What made the event truly extraordinary was the participation of our students. Prior to the Benefit, several Early Childhood music and art classes painted and decorated rocking chairs, a bench, cubbies, and a mirror, and created a tile mural based on Jasper Johns' paintings of American flags–all of which were donated to the Silent Auction. In addition, our students created wonderful centerpieces for the tables based on New York City landmarks, including the Central Park Zoo, Belvedere Castle, the 42nd Street New York Public Library, the Little Red Lighthouse, and Times Square. Many Diller-Quaile Early Childhood art teachers helped facilitate the completion of these projects, all under the guidance of Early Childhood Department Head Erin Langston.
Prior to dinner, our program featured a student choral ensemble, conducted by Kathy Yiannoudes (Head of the Instrumental and Vocal Department) and accompanied on piano by Craig Baldwin, singing three short pieces from Benjamin Britten's Friday Afternoons, Opus 7. Additionally, a student violin ensemble led by Philip Hough (Head of the String Department) and Alan Lieb (Violin Department faculty member) played the Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043: Vivace by Johann Sebastian Bach, accompanied by Doug Lima. Both of these group performances were thrilling for their technical proficiency, emotion, and beauty–and they clearly delighted everyone in the room.
Despite the challenges of this year's economy, the 2009 Benefit raised in excess of $200,000 for the School. Proceeds from the evening are being used to help Diller-Quaile bridge the gap between tuition revenues and operating expenses, and allow the School to keep tuition increases to a minimum, while maintaining its superb faculty, program excellence, community outreach, and Scholarship Fund.
Our 2009 Benefit would not be possible without the remarkable leadership of our Chair Michelle Marie Heinemann, whose vision and support are greatly appreciated. In addition, we are most grateful to the following Benefit volunteers: Iffie Aitkenhead and Florence Peyrelongue, Auction Co-Chairs; Laurie Everett and Kathryn Sachs, Journal Co-Chairs; and Kimberley Hutfilz and Patricia Lizarraga, Decorations Co-Chairs. Their efforts could be seen and appreciated throughout the evening. Lastly, we thank all of the committee members, School administrators and staff, and other unsung heroes that made this event a success.
Thank you, again, for helping us celebrate all that makes Diller-Quaile so special.
With all best regards,
Stephen Shafer
Director of Development and Communications
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