named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Continuo Concert
Workshop performance featuring early music repertoire with continuo accompaniment, coached by specialists such as Bob Eisenstein and lutenist Hideki Yamaya
Mount Holyoke College Workshop in Ensemble Singing
Annual summer workshop offering 3-day, 5-day, and 8-day sessions for adult singers, featuring small-group coaching, vocal warm-ups, repertoire rehearsals, and performances in medieval, Renaissance, folk, jazz, and contemporary styles
Pop & Jazz Concert
Performance component of the workshop where participants sing jazz and pop arrangements under the guidance of guest faculty, including arranger Yumiko Matsuoka
Silly Seminar
Informal performance event during the workshop featuring skits, a T-shirt contest, and humorous renditions of choral works such as the Hallelujah Chorus
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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Music Education and Training Programs 1 activity
- Conducts vocal ensemble workshops for singers of all levelsOffers multi-day a cappella singing workshops since 1981, providing small-group ensemble instruction led by members of The Western Wind, with specialized coaching in vocal jazz, early music with continuo, and contemporary styles. Workshops include master classes, interactive sessions with guest specialists, and events such as the "Silly Seminar" featuring musical skits and themed performances. Programs are held annually and have expanded to include summer sessions at institutions like Miss Porter's School and Mount Holyoke College.
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Comprehensive K–12 Arts Education 1 activity
- Delivers arts-in-education programs in New York City schoolsImplements in-residence and outreach arts education programs for students ages 8–18 in NYC public schools, including Talent Unlimited High School, Edward R. Murrow High School, Washington Heights Chorus School, and P.S. 229 Dyker. The program, launched in 1991–1992 as "The Western Wind Goes To School," teaches music fundamentals and advanced vocal repertoire interpretation, with documented student performances at major concert venues and recognition in national media.
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Classical and Chamber Music Performances 1 activity
- Performs diverse a cappella repertoire in public concertsPerforms a wide range of a cappella music including Renaissance motets, medieval carols, 1950s rock 'n' roll, Duke Ellington arrangements, avant-garde compositions, folk melodies, colonial American anthems, Italian madrigals, contemporary works by Philip Glass and Tania Leon, vocal jazz, holiday music across traditions, and Shakespearean songs. Concerts include themed programs such as "Towards a More Perfect Union" on civic engagement, "In Sweet Music Is Such Art" featuring Shakespeare settings, and interfaith celebrations of Christmas and Hanukkah.
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Nonprofit Music Recording and Distribution 1 activity
- Produces and distributes radio programs and recordingsProduces a series of nationally distributed radio programs on topics including historical love songs and Jewish High Holy Days music, broadcast through National Public Radio and Public Radio International. Has produced over 30 full-length albums and radio shows since 1969, with 26 recordings released through Western Wind Records and distributed worldwide by Naxos, including a digitized archive shared on streaming platforms.
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Music Education Support 1 activity
- Provides need-based scholarships for workshop participationOffers need-based partial and full scholarships, as well as discounted tuition for first-time participants, funded by donors to support access to its vocal ensemble workshops.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$258K
Contributions & grants$128K50%
Program service revenue$129K50%
Investment income$1630%
Other revenue$429
expenses
Total expenses$290K
Program expenses68%
Admin / overhead31%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$162K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$68K
Cash$16K
Investments$0
Liabilities$51K
Net assets$17K
Liquid reserves0.7 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +7.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILLIAM ZUKOF | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | — | $30K |
relationships · 41
Who they work with
- Alice Kirwan Murray Partner — Performing artist and teaching artist who returns for seasonal workshop instruction.
- American Sephardi Federation Partner — Sponsored the performance of "Mazal Bueno: A Portrait of the Spanish Jews" for New York Ladino Day.
- Arts Exposure Partner — Collaborated with The Western Wind on educational initiatives
- Bob Eisenstein Partner — Specialist in early music who guides participants in performing Early Music with continuo accompaniment.
- Brian Mummert Partner — Returning guest coach who contributes to vocal ensemble training across genres.
- Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Partner — Collaborated with The Western Wind as part of its arts in education program in 1989 and 1990
- Consolidated Edison Funder — Funded the Western Wind Arts-in-Education program
- District #3 Funder — Funded the Western Wind Arts-in-Education program
- District 21 Funder — Funded the Western Wind Arts-in-Education program
- Emerson Sieverts Partner — Choral musician and returning summer workshop coach.
- Harlem School for the Arts Partner — Collaborated with The Western Wind on educational initiatives
- Hideki Yamaya Partner — Lutenist and early stringed instrument performer who collaborates in early music instruction.
- Lincoln Center Institute Partner — Collaborated with The Western Wind on educational initiatives
- Meet The Composer Funder — Funded the Western Wind Arts-in-Education program
- Miss Porter's School Partner — Host site for summer vocal workshops conducted by The Western Wind.
- Mount Holyoke College Partner — Host site for summer vocal workshops conducted by The Western Wind.
- Mount Holyoke College Partner — Hosts The Western Wind's summer workshop on its campus in South Hadley, MA.
- Mount Holyoke College Partner — Hosts the Western Wind workshop in collaboration with the ensemble.
- NAXOS of America Partner — Digitized and archived the ensemble's recordings and distributed 26 to streaming platforms.
- Nassau County BOCES Partner — Collaborated with The Western Wind on educational initiatives
- Nathan Fletcher Partner — Ensemble singer and composer who participates in coaching activities.
- National Public Radio Partner — Distributes The Western Wind's radio programs nationally.
- Naxos Partner — Worldwide distributor of recordings released on The Western Wind's record label.
- New York Philharmonic Max Program Partner — Collaborated with The Western Wind on educational initiatives
- PS 163 PTA Funder — Funded the Western Wind Arts-in-Education program
- PS 75 PTA Funder — Funded the Western Wind Arts-in-Education program
- Public Radio International Partner — Distributes The Western Wind's radio programs nationally.
- Suffolk County BOCES Partner — Collaborated with The Western Wind on educational initiatives
- The Ann Pinkerton Foundation Funder — Funded the Western Wind Arts-in-Education program
- The C. M. Paul Foundation Funder — Funded the Western Wind Arts-in-Education program
+ 11 more
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Arts Integration in Educationmethodology: arts_integrationBy integrating vocal music training into school settings, the organization develops student musicianship and performance skills, because embedding the arts in education enhances learning, engagement, and access for young people.
- Diverse and Inclusive Repertoire as Artistic and Educational Toolmethodology: inclusive_repertoireBy curating a diverse repertoire spanning historical, popular, and cross-cultural genres, the organization expands the expressive boundaries of a cappella music and promotes inclusivity, because varied musical traditions increase audience and participant engagement while reflecting a broader human experience.
- Inclusive Skill-Based Ensemble Grouping with Mentorshipmethodology: level_based_groupingBy grouping singers according to musical skill level and providing expert mentorship, the organization creates an inclusive learning environment that supports growth for singers of all experience levels, because tailored instruction and peer-led guidance enhance engagement and musical development.
- Small-Ensemble A Cappella Pedagogymethodology: small_ensemble_pedagogyBy using small, un-conducted ensembles, the organization ensures active participation and individual responsibility in performance, fostering collaborative musicianship and deeper engagement because each member's contribution is essential to the group's success.