R-L: Renee Baron- Donatich, Ph.D, Coralie Gallet, Rosemarie Castellano-Parise, Jennifer Lanser, Francisco Nuñez, Karenann Carty, Ed.D., Sister Pat Schifini, OSU, Karen Selman
Annie Gombiner (a former Songcatchers and NRHS 24’ Salutatorian) Jennifer Lanser, New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Herbert- Ramos, Isabella Ashmeade (current Songcatchers Violin Student and Brunch Performer)
The gala featured cherished friends, supporters, honorees, musical performances, and heartwarming reflections
It was a delightful and crisp fall day when generous supporters of Songcatchers and young musicians came together for the Songcatchers Brunch Gala on Sunday, October 18, 2026 at the historic Davenport Mansion in New Rochelle, NY during NRCA’s ArtsFest. The “Community Music Pop-Up Performances” by a young pianist, guitarist, string players and Songcatchers’ own 11-piece orchestra, set a celebratory tone for a heartwarming reflection on the non-profit’s suite of uplifting music programs.
Distinguished honorees, Francisco Núñez, Frank Di Marco, Janice Nimetz, Clemencia Castaneda, and Ariana Barrios captivated attendees with personal stories of how music impacted their lives, including fond memories of Songcatchers’ Founder, Sr. Beth Dowd, OSU (1936—2020).
Karenann Carty, Ed.D, President of the Board, served as master of ceremonies, emphasized “Songcatchers is a place that ensures every child has accessible high-quality music education in a welcoming community” as she beamed with pride after every student performance and introduced presenters for the following awards:
· Peace Through Music Leadership Award: Francisco J Núñez
· The Legacy of Board Service Award: Frank Di Marco, Esq.
· The Music Mentor Award: Janice Nimetz, Ph.D.
· The Bridges in Harmony Award: Clemencia Castaneda, M.M.
· The Young Artist and Sr. Beth Spirit Award: Ariana Barrios
The event opened with a blessing from Sister Pat Schifini, OSU, Secretary of the Songcatchers Board and of the same Ursuline Order of sisters as their founder. The program welcomed remaining board members who planned the event, Coralie Gallet, Rosemarie Castellano, Renee Baron Donatich, Ph.D., and Karen Selman to introduce each award recipient – Lora Grantcharova (not present). Songcatchers parent, Andrea Arteaga along with her daughter, Zoe, introduced longtime employee Clemencia Castaneda, who has worked there for 22 years.
New Rochelle has served as the home of the Songcatchers Music Program since its founding in 1994, providing a fitting backdrop to celebrate the life-changing power that music delivers for every child who is touched by it. New Rochelle Mayor, Yadira Ramos-Herbert, shared, “Music is one thing that families can be priced out of, which makes Songcatchers’s affordable non-profit program so important – because children need to find the thing that will be their thing.”
Upon receiving his Peace Through Music Leadership Award, Francisco Núñez, New York EMMY® Award Winner and Founder/Artistic Director of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City (YPC), reflected on his youth: “Every child deserves a place to make music. Music was a bridge that helped me make friends that were completely different than me…and opened up a whole new world.” This was after he taught the whole room to sing as a chorus, ending in a rendition of the Beatles, “Hey Jude.”
Jennifer Lanser, Executive Director of Songcatchers was encouraged by the honoree and his interest in connecting. “The Brunch Gala was an opportunity to honor some of the standouts in our community and to join forces to strengthen funding to preserve and grow this pathway to joy, confidence, belonging, and a life-long love of music.”
A Year of Remarkable Growth and Community Impact
Songcatchers’ momentum in 2026 has been bolstered by key public and community arts grants, ensuring programs remain accessible to local youth:
· City of New Rochelle’s THRIVE Non-Profit Grants (April 2026): Awarded $15,000 for direct youth and arts programming (in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, and $6,000 (in partnership with New Rochelle Campership Fund). This funding sponsored Songcatchers’ Summer Music Program. And it enabled 40 local youth to attend a live Broadway production of Disney’s Alladin and participate in a “Dress to Impress” life-skills and mentorship lunch at Maria’s Restaurant.
· New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Grant (June 2026): Awarded $25,000 to directly support core programming providing low-cost, high-quality music classes for children ages 3 to 17.
· ArtsWestchester’s Arts Access Core Grant (October 2026): Awarded $12,100 and made Songcatchers eligible for an additional $7,000 in matching donations under the Art$WChallenge, which they have achieved.
· New Rochelle Campership Fund funded their Summer Music Program the return of their beloved Sleepaway Camp that includes learning to play instruments, drama and chorus now with adventures like boating, archery and go carting that started 46 years ago.
Upcoming events and performances
· Songcatchers Orchestra will perform at United Nations Women’s Guild Holiday Celebration
· The annual Concert for Peace (December 6)
· Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Concert (April)
Often described by supporters as a “friendraisers,” Songcatchers events bring together community leaders, sponsors, family, friends, parents, and student musicians. To support children’s education and help expand music access across the community, donations can be made online at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-543 or via www.songcatchers.org/donate/ .
During the school calendar year, Songcatchers offers an After-School Music Program, teaching 12 instruments and voice to children ages 7–13. They have availability for potential Brass and Woodwind students. They also have availability for violin and piano in their Early Childhood Program for children ages 3–6, their Choral Arts Program, and their Orchestra. The esteemed Mentorship Training Program is always looking to train teens leadership, responsibility, patience and most importantly how to teach music. Interested community members can call (914) 654-1178. Summer Programming includes a Summer Music & Instrumental Programs in July and a Sleepaway Camp in August. Songcatchers is also a host for the New Rochelle Youth Bureau’s Youth Employment Program.
About Songcatchers, Inc.
Songcatchers, Inc., a U.S. 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families through music, education, cultural exploration, and community engagement. Through accessible programming and meaningful experiences, Songcatchers helps young people develop their talents, broaden their perspectives, and build the confidence and life skills needed to reach their full potential.
Songcatchers’ work is made possible through the generous support of private foundations and donors and ArtsWestchester, the Westchester County Board of Legislators, the City of New Rochelle, and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), with support from Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, including local State Assembly representatives. These public and community arts partnerships help Songcatchers continue providing meaningful music and cultural opportunities to children, families, and y