Honoring the Past Through Action Today

Manhattan School of Music, in coordination with its Alumni Council, has established the Josephine Whitford Fund. This annual fund has been established to provide emergency financial assistance to current students and to honor the late Josephine C. Whitford, one of the School’s most important administrators. The Fund will be administered through the Office of the Dean of Students and the Senior Staff.

From 1931–1980, Mrs. Whitford’s commitment to the School — first as assistant registrar, then registrar, and later as dean and alumni liaison — was a guiding force in the advancement of Manhattan School of Music as an institution of excellence in higher education. The personal welfare of students was such a major concern of the work of Josephine Whitford that it is fitting that her legacy be perpetuated by a project such as this fund.

Inaugural Event — November 1, 2004

The inaugural event to establish the Josephine Whitford Fund was held November 1, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. in John C. Borden Auditorium.

The program featured the Kenny Barron Quintet, led by the noted jazz pianist and esteemed member of our faculty. The Quintet is comprised of flutist Anne Drummond (Class of 2003), bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa, drummer Kim Thompson (Class of 2003), and vibraphonist Stefon Harris (Class of 1995/97). These artists, who graciously agreed to contribute their talents to the evening’s event, performed selections from their recently released CD Images (Universal France) as well as additional works announced from the stage.

A group of talented jazz students was also featured on the program. The quintet, coached by jazz faculty member Phil Markowitz, was comprised of Walter Smith III, tenor saxophone; Patrick Cornelius, alto saxophone; Bob Albanese, piano; David Ephross, bass; and Obed Calvaire, drums.

The successful evening furnished an opportunity to bring alumni, faculty, and students together in music and celebration. A post-concert reception was held for tickets purchasers.

Planning and Involvement

The Steering Committee has been established with alumni support (see list in right hand box). In addition to his/her time and advice, each of these devoted individuals has made an ongoing financial pledge for the future of this fund. A Faculty Committee has also been formed and is chaired by Frank Morelli, an alumnus and a member of the School’s woodwind faculty. A Tribute Committee, chaired by alumnus and vice president Richard Elder Adams, has also been created. The inaugural program has been developed with the input and assistance of the Alumni Council and members of the School’s Senior Staff. We are especially grateful to Justin DiCioccio, assistant dean and chair of the jazz department, for his help with this program.

We invite and welcome participation on various levels for this project and would like to hear from you. Questions and comments should be directed to John Blanchard, director of alumni affairs, by e-mailing jblanchard@msmnyc.edu or by calling 917-493-4496.

• To make a donation to this Fund, please download and complete the form by clicking here.