About Chaminade Music Club

For almost one hundred twenty-five years the Chaminade Club of Yonkers has worked to promote and encourage the love and appreciation of music. The Chaminade Club began in 1895 when two music lovers persuaded neighbors in Park Hill to form a group to participate in piano and voice recitals to entertain and be entertained by one another. The name Chaminade was chosen in honor of Madame Cecile Chaminade, a well known French composer who specialized in piano and voice. (In 1908 some members of the Club had the opportunity of meeting Madame Chaminade backstage at Carnegie Hall where she was performing.) Initially meetings were held in the homes of members; however, as membership increased, this became impractical and the Racquet Club became Club headquarters. In 1915 the Chaminade Club became affiliated with the New York State Federation of Music Clubs and the Westchester County Federation of Women’s Clubs. In 1916 the Chaminade choral group was discontinued, and it was then that participation changed to music appreciation, a spectator sport. In 1936 proceeds of a card party together with generous contributions from supporters enabled the club to buy a much needed Steinway grand piano to be installed in the Racquet Club. This piano was used until March 1, 1962 when a fire destroyed the Racquet Club building. In searching for a new home for the Chaminade Club, the Amackassin Club, the Andrus Memorial Home and the YWCA facilities were used until October 1, 1963 when the Chaminade Club found a permanent auditorium the Grinton Will Library. In 1937 the annual scholarship card party was started. The proceeds from this party were used to launch gifted young artists. The over 200 winners have included pianists, violinists, organists, clarinetists, oboists, cellists, a trumpeter, flutists, a percussionist, a classical guitarist, violists, and vocalists.Music indeed is an essential of life and not a luxury, and the Chaminade Club takes pride in its long history of continuing musical programs.