|
|
Vol. LXIII, No. 3
|
|
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
|
|
|
|
Vol. LXIII, No. 3
|
|
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
|
The Princeton Regional School District’s celebration of Black History Month this February will be highlighted by the three-day residency of jazz impresario Wycliffe Gordon and his ensemble, culminating in a family concert on Saturday, February 28, at 2 p.m., in the Performing Arts Center at Princeton High School (PHS). The concert will benefit George Washington Carver Senior High School, located in the lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans which was hard hit by Hurricane Katrina and is still recovering.
Performing Arts Center Manager Cory Alperstein recently described Mr. Gordon, as a “phenomenal performer,” who reflects the traditions of the South, where he was born. “Even though he’s young,” she noted, “he’s a great classic jazz performer.” Recreating the successful format followed by Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience Band last year, this year’s second musical residency will provide students throughout the district with an opportunity to hear Mr. Gordon perform and to talk with him about the history of jazz, emphasizing the accomplishments of leading African American jazz artists during the last 80 years. Teachers and media specialists will be offering complementary classroom instruction to support what Assistant Superintendent Lew Goldstein describes as “the four goals of this endeavor: 1) to educate; 2) to build community partnerships; 3) to encourage an appreciation of artistic performances; and 4) to be charitable by giving back to Carver High School.”
Mr. Gordon will perform for Community Park School students and Johnson Park students in two assemblies on Wednesday, February 25. He will perform for Riverside and Littlebrook School students on Thursday, February 26, and for Princeton High School and John Witherspoon students on Friday, February 27. On Saturday morning, he will hold a master class with the PHS jazz bands. Information regarding the Saturday afternoon performance and tickets may be obtained by calling Performing Arts Center at (609) 806-4300.
PRS’s “Celebrate Diversity 2009: Black History Month” celebration welcomes program sponsors or service donations. For more information, call Mr. Goldstein at (609) 806-4207, or Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts Linda Shaw at (609) 806-4203, ext. 2045.