Paterson Music Project

Paterson Music Project Blog: Voices of the Silk City by Danielle Lefebvre | May 2019

Last weekend, 31 students from the Paterson Music Project boarded a bus bound for Princeton University where we met with the El Sistema New Jersey Alliance (ESNJA) as well as programs from New York and Philadelphia. There were nearly 300 students in attendance. As students took their seats in the orchestra, old friends from ESNJA Camp and NJPAC concerts sparked excited conversations. For some students, it was their first time at an ESNJA event and they quickly began to meet new people. Once everyone settled in, the students rehearsed four pieces for orchestra and choir. After rehearsal, our students were given the opportunity to meet world-renowned conductor, Gustavo Dudamel! Students from each program were given a chance to interview him. They asked questions on topics from his musical career to inspirations, techniques, and the challenges of being a conductor. Dudamel then enthusiastically listened to the orchestra perform a few songs and gave his praise on their abilities and hard work. Students then went to lunch and sectionals before heading across the beautiful Princeton University Campus to Richardson Auditorium for a public concert. The ESNJA orchestra of 300 students took every inch of stage space – including the first four rows of audience seating! We ended our day on a high note with an amazing collaborative concert, said our goodbyes, and parted ways until next time. The Alliance brings us together through music and challenges us to be our best, all while creating incredible memories with new friends. Now the countdown begins for ESNJA Summer Camp at Princeton-Blairstown Center!

Paterson Music Project Blog: Voices of the Silk City April 2019

William Paterson University’s Music Department showcased the hard work of their students and faculty in their Collage! 2019 concert. The performances ranged from jazz to opera. Students across a myriad of genres and styles performed in choral sectionals, wind ensembles, percussion ensembles, and even performed a scene from musical theater. The Paterson Music Project is fortunate to work with music students from William Paterson University, and we were granted the opportunity to join the stage with such talented students. One such student, Elise, had the unique opportunity to conduct her PMP students for her peers.

Read more about her experience here:

“On March 1, 2019 the Prelude 3 concert band had the incredible opportunity to perform in William Paterson University’s Collage Concert. This experience was not only memorable for the students in the band, but also for myself being a teaching artist for the Paterson Music Project as well as being a student at William Paterson University. The Prelude 3 students have been working The Pirates of the Caribbean since September. It was performed at their winter concert in January, and they were so excited when they found out that they were going to have the opportunity to perform in once again, but this time on the same stage as the best musicians at William Paterson. The best part of this experience was being able to expose the students to the various performances that were being featured at the concert and to be able to see their reactions while watching all of the performances throughout the night. This was a great night for the students and I was honored to be able to lead them in this performance.”

Paterson Music Project Blog: Voices of the Silk City February 2019

Just in time for Black History Month, Paterson Music Project students took the stage on Thursday, February 14 for a special performance with internationally renowned hip-hop duo Black Violin. The Valentine’s Day concert took place at the Shea Center for the Performing Arts at William Paterson University. Read the full article here.

Following an afternoon concert for Paterson public school students and students from surrounding districts, revolutionary hip-hop duo Black Violin, known for a “hard-hitting beat with lush string sounds,” performed what could best be described as a transformative evening event accompanied by their band and DJ.

Violinist Wil Baptiste and violist Kev Marcus combine a daunting array of musical styles from jazz, hip-hop and R&B to funk, bluegrass and classical. Using their signature sound often described as “classical boom” to break down stereotypes and cultural barriers, Black Violin has toured with Kanye West, Jay- Z and Linkin Park and has collaborated with Aerosmith, Wynton Marsalis and Elvis Costello. In January 2013, they performed for President Barack Obama at his Second Inauguration.

Says Paterson Music Project Program Director Elizabeth Moulthrop, “We are grateful to William Paterson University for co-presenting this concert and making this opportunity possible for PMP. It was a magical evening for our students last night, performing with Black Violin for a packed house of family and community members. As we walked on stage, the crowd chanted, “PMP, PMP!” The students could not have felt more supported or proud of their work. The students also were able to watch part of the show and rehearse with Black Violin. The hip-hop duo’s music and message are both relevant and inspiring to our students. Students can see firsthand what is possible when you mix hard work and passion for your craft.”

Rachel Diaz, a PMP viola student, reflects on her experience from her day with Black Violin.

How did you like the piece “Shaker”?
I enjoyed playing the piece “Shaker”. It was a fun piece and was worth the time we spent working on it.

How did the experience differ from rehearsal versus performing on stage?
In rehearsal, we don’t have LED lights around us or a DJ or a drummer. So, it was very different playing alongside Black Violin.

How did this feel different that your other concerts/performances?
This felt different from our other performances because not only were our parents there, but others we didn’t know cheered for us. We also got to meet two amazing violinists who allowed us to ask questions.

What was your favorite part of the workshop?
My favorite part was when we got to meet them and they told us more about themselves.

What was the biggest takeaway for you?
The biggest takeaway was that you can make something great from the things you like.