By Elizabeth Ackerley
On October 3, NJCU held a phenomenal Woodwind and Jazz Faculty Recital in the Ingalls Recital Hall located in the Rossey building. I had never been to anything of the sort before, so I went not knowing what to expect, especially knowing nearly nothing about instrumental music. I could not help but think that audience members would be scarce. To my surprise, the auditorium was nearly filled with very eager people waiting to see their professors perform. Not long after, the recital began and I found myself immediately wowed by the experience.
Ed Joffe, Coordinator of Woodwind and Jazz, began the recital by speaking of how important it is for students of music to see their professors play. He played “Les Trois ‘S’” by French composer Jean Rivier, who created over two hundred pieces. The song had a fantastic sound. It evoked many things inside of me- sadness, thoughtfulness, curiousness. I found it quite enjoyable as it reminded me of the score you would hear in a Disney movie like “Alice in Wonderland.” Joffe later played Pierre Petit’s “Andante et Fileuse” and was accompanied by Cathy Venable, Adjunct Instructor collaborative Piano, on the piano. He was serious in the manner he played this song, which made the piece very lovely.
Playing the flute, was Katherine Fink, Adjunct Instructor for Flute. She was accompanied by Gary Hammond, Adjunct Instructor Collaborative Piano, on the piano. The piece she chose was “Sonatina, Op. 98” by William Mathias, who wrote the wedding anthem for Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Fink had described this piece as contemporary with an interesting “beep, smash” sound. I found it a lot like music you would hear in a movie in a chase scene or during a climatic moment.
Andrea Herr, Adjunct Bassoon Instructor, played the bassoon, a long tubular instrument. “Sonata No. 2 in a minor, Op. 2” was the song she performed. Herr stated that the composer created the song so it could be played on many instruments such as the cello. I enjoyed the song which reminded me of a song that would be danced to in the Baroque era.
“Spindrift” was the title of the song Jeanne Wilson, Adjunct Instructor Flute, played on the piccolo and Cathy Venable on the piano. Wilson explained that spindrift is the mist that comes from waves off the ocean during a storm. The song, she said, was a combination of jazz/ blues and motion/ romantic. It was a passionate, somber, and an emotional piece. The music would begin to get frantic with chaos and have a soft, calm break between the moments that seemed full of loss and sorrow.
Then Paul Meyers, Jazz, Guitar, and Ensembles Coach, played an original song on the guitar that he wrote called “The Opener” while touring across the country. I found it to be calm and very easy to listen to. His playing quite frankly made me jealous, as I wish I was able to play the guitar with such ease and precision.
Exotic, beachy sounds and descriptive, beautiful lyrics describes “Cravo e Canela” by Milton Nascimento. The song is about all the beautiful girls on the beach in Rio, Brazil. Roseanna Vitro, provided vocals while a full band played the background music.
Tim Horner, Adjunct Instructor Drums, also performed two original songs, “A Precious Soul” and “Museum Piece.” Both songs were accompanied by the band mentioned previously. To gather inspiration for these pieces, Horner sat in art galleries. “A Precious Soul” was written for his wife, Nita. The song was very simple to listen to and enjoy. I found myself tapping my feet to the great song. “A Museum Piece” was written about a picture of Christ wearing a crown of thorns Horner once saw. It was jazzy, strong, and well composed. Horner had the most enthusiasm I had ever seen in a drummer. His confidence in himself and his incredible skills were very refreshing. You could feel his positive vibes reaching out to the audience.
At the age of 44, Joe Magnarelli, Adjunct Instructor Trumpet, began writing his original piece, “44.” He also named it “44” for Pete Maravich, a basketball player, numbered 44. He wrote it for a friend dear to him, who played the piano. In writing the piece, Magnarelli tried to use his friend’s way of thinking. It was light and airy. I had paid full attention to this piece, feeling drawn in by the strong trumpet, saxophone, and drum sounds.
Finally, there was “Jump for J” written by pianist Allen Farnham, Adjunct Instructor Piano, Arranging, Improvisation, Composition, Jazz, Vocal, and Ensemble. Farnham was totally passionate in his playing. His fingers glided with ease over the piano keys and his feet were vigorously tapping the piano’s pedal. I enjoyed the cool, funky sound of this piece.
Forget a night on the town, have a night at NJCU! On October 24th at 7:30 p.m., there is the “Bronx Arts Ensemble in an Evening of Baroque Music” in Ingalls Recital Hall. This event is free! The “Great Performer Series: NJCU Jazz Ensembles with Arturo O’ Farrill, Pianist” is on December 5th at 7:30. The price of admission is $10 for students. The “Fall Jazz Bash” on December 8th is set to take place at the Ingalls Recital Hall and Sozio Rehearsal Hall at 7 p.m. The price is $10 for students as well. The “Chamber Ensembles Concert” will be on December 9th at 12 p.m. in Ingalls Recital Hall. It is free to attend this concert. Also, check out the “Jazz Arrangers’ Concert” on December 12 at 5 p.m. in Sozio Rehearsal Hall. It’s free, so go!