Music Nonprofit Buys Former School In Southeast

SOUTHEAST, NY — The former campus of the Melrose School on Federal Hill Road has been bought by a nonprofit foundation, Houlihan Lawrence Commercial announced Thursday.

The school in Southeast was owned and run by the Community of the Holy Spirit. The buyer was Copland House Inc.

The purchase price was $3 million.

The 37,000 square-foot campus is situated on 24.23 acres, and consists of office suites, meeting rooms, a library, classrooms, a private apartment, a gym, an auditorium, a large commercial kitchen, and several residence quarters.

Copland House plans to use the campus to continue its mission of nurturing and renewing America’s musical heritage, and to fostering greater public awareness and appreciation of our nation’s composers and their work.

“The transaction represents a big milestone for the Town of Southeast," said Tom LaPerch of Houlihan Lawrence Commercial, the lead selling broker in the transaction. "Copland House plans on working with the Town to bring a wide spectrum of musical and cultural programs to the community. This will enhance the quality of life for all town residents in Southeast and the surrounding area."

Copland House's public programs, according to the website, include concerts throughout the U. S. by its touring resident Music from Copland House ensemble, as well as recordings, broadcasts, and webcasts; film screenings and visual exhibitions and an annual performance series. Its educational programs include in-school and on-site student activities; guided tours of renowned American composer Aaron Copland's house in Cortlandt for school, senior, and community groups; free online reference services; and seminars, master classes, lectures, and workshops exploring the creative process.

Copland House's next public event is a free, hour-long concert featuring works by three of America's most distinctive, dynamic composers, whose cultural and personal backgrounds span continents: Pierre Jalbert’s Piano Trio No. 1, Reena Esmail’s Tasveer, and Gabriela Lena Frank’s Hilos, all performed by the acclaimed Music from Copland House Ensemble.

It's at 7 p.m. Feb. 3, at the North Castle Library in Armonk. Reserve your FREE ticket now!