Kinnelon CLL Performing Arts Program 5/15/2011

Have you attended a Kinnelon CLL [Center For Lifelong Learning] Performing Arts program yet? If not, the next one takes place on May 15, 2011, and features the Westerhoff School of Music and Art in a program of classical music.

Below you'll find details on the upcoming event and background from Ron Leavesley on the CLL Performing Arts Program.

About the 5/15/11 CLL Performing Arts program, here is how the flyer reads:

Another Center For Lifelong Learning Performing Arts program

A Program of Classical Music

Featuring the Talented Faculty and Students of the

Westerhoff School of Music and Art

Helga Westerhoff, Executive Director and Founder

David Iskowitz, Music Director

A Great Musical Experience

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 3:00 PM

Community Church of Smoke Rise

38 North Road, Kinnelon, NJ 07405

Admission is $5.00 at the door

Students and children are free

Refreshments will be served

The Westerhoff School of Music and Art has been a dedicated supporter of the CLL Performing Arts series including their regular performances of classical music featuring the talented music department faculty. Join us for a truly stimulating afternoon of music.

These CLL Programs are supported by generous grants from the Westerhoff Foundation, Columbia Bank, and by you, the audience.

Background on the CLL Performing Arts Program:

I asked Ron Leavesley, president of Kinnelon's Center For Lifelong Learning for background on the CLL Performing Arts Program. Here is what he shared with me.

CB: Ron, when did the CLL Performing Arts Program start?

RL: The program started in 1998. At that time its objective was to make available programs on music and the arts that were not being provided by the library and that could be funded by CLL as part of the developing and expanding CLL effort. Bob Frank, our current CLL Vice President, has been the coordinator of the program committee from the beginning.

CB: How did the CLL Performing Arts Program get started?

RL: It all started with a jazz concert in November 1998 featuring a group from William Patterson University. Over the years the program has featured ragtime, classical presentations and music, Shakespeare performances, opera vocalists and individual performers and groups from Kinnelon High School. The Westerhoff School of Music and Art has been a participant and supporter since 2002.

CLL has received support from companies such as Exxon, local banks, the Westerhoff Foundation and the audience. These funds are all invested back into the programs.

CB: How has the CLL Performing Arts Program evolved?

RL: Over time, with increased library funding by the Friends of the Kinnelon Library and CLL, more and more comparable programs were by design being initiated by the library. Today the CLL Performing Arts program features a reduced schedule, but continues concerts by the Westherhoff School of Music and Art and a Shakespeare program.

We have always had a nominal charge of $5.00 and that includes refreshments. Attendance has been from 50- to 100.

In summary, we started off with a bang and were averaging 4-6 programs per year. As the program and the Library evolved, it made more sense to consolidate efforts and support and fund Library programs that could publicize and provide the same service to the community. We have all worked to get the best return on our investment and it was worked out well.

Ron, thank you for sharing with us perspective on the Kinnelon CLL Performing Arts Program. 


I hope many readers will participate on 5/15/11 in this fabulous program of classical music!