Performing Arts School Opens in Croton

Thank you to the Cortlandt School of Performing Arts for submiting this information: Longtime teacher, musical director and choral leader Carol Arrucci has announced she is opening the Cortandt School of Performing Arts in Croton. The school will offer lessons at all levels on piano, guitar, voice, acting and percussion. During a Grand Opening Celebration on Sunday, September 9th, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, the public will be invited to tour the new school and participate in free classes and demonstrations. The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts is located at 24 Old Albany Post Road, Croton, NY. For more information about the school, or to register for fall classes, visit www.cortarts.comor call (914) 402-4250.

“This has been my dream for a long, long time, says Ms. Arrucci. “The core of any school is the quality of the teaching. All of our teachers are either conservatory trained, recording artists, and/or professional educators who love to teach music and unravel inner creativity.”

While the school’s emphasis is on grades K-12, classes will also be offered for adults and special programs have been planned so parents and children can enjoy the arts together.

Ms. Arrucci, who has been teaching at the Hendrick Hudson School District since 1989, has been recognized as an award winning music and theater director in the school system as well as on Broadway, as musical director of The DreamCoat Singers and Jenna’s Dream Choir. She has also worked with adults in church choirs, community and regional theatre and in her private home studio for more than 30 years. 

Ms. Arrucci explains that finding the right teacher can have a lasting influence on a student’s development. “In my teen years, I had a private voice teacher named Dorothy Visca, from Pleasantville,” she recalls. She was an amazing vocalist and loving teacher and she remains an inspiration.”

Ms. Arrucci selected the location of the school at 24 Old Albany Post Road with the idea of creating an ‘arts hub’ for Croton on Hudson and the surrounding communities. She notes, for example, that Peggy Izzo’s reputable “The Dance Workshop” is located next door.

An original program at the new school entitled “Family Arts” encourages parents and their children to experience the arts together. They can either sing together in a Community Choir or have fun with World Drumming in an ensemble. No experience is necessary for these programs – This is a place where families can spend quality time together and have a great time creating music. The “Family Arts” program at the Croton School of Performing Arts exemplifies the school’s motto of “Learn… Grow… Live!”

In addition to the private lessons and unique Family Arts programs, K-12th graders will choose from an array of group classes including actor’s improvisation, Kid’s Kabaret (a singing class where kids can perform in a cabaret at the culmination), REVOLUTION! : A Teen Show Choir (Like the popular TV show, “Glee” with full choreography), a teen theatre troupe that will perform for young audiences and exciting percussion ensemble classes. 

The staff is particularly excited about the drumming program. It will feature percussion instruments from around the world, taught by a world class teacher.”

“Whether or not these young people decide to pursue a professional career in the arts, or are just looking for something fun to do after school, involvement with the arts is always enriching,” adds Ms. Arrucci. “We are excited to offer a place where we can all explore and enjoy the arts together.”

The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts can be contacted through the website, www.cortarts.com. Call914-402-4250 for more information.