TCNJ Hosts Summer Concert Series

During the month of July, faculty, staff and various other campus-goers were delighted by the sounds and visual spectacles created by the participants in the 2005 Governor’s School for the Arts.

Each Thursday throughout the month, many members of the campus community took their lunch break on the shady lawn between Packer Hall and Green Hall and looked forward to a unique repertoire. While the Food Court served up burgers, dogs, and corn on the cob, student musicians, singers, thespians and artists took center stage to display their talents.

Kicking off with a TCNJ faculty concert on July 7 featuring William Trigg (percussion), Ruotao Mao (violin), and Gary Feinberg (trumpet), subsequent outdoor concerts featured a jazz ensemble, directed by Gary Feinberg; a brass quintet, directed by Brian Brown; a sax quartet, directed by Kathleen Mitchell; a percussion quartet, directed by Brian Brown; and a vocal ensemble, directed by Robert Guarino.

Concluding the series on July 28 were string quartets, directed by Ruotao Mao and Mikyung Lee, and a woodwind quartet, directed by George Balog. In the College Art Gallery, Governor’s School visual art scholars also displayed their watercolor interpretations of various campus locations, and theatre arts and creative writing scholars stepped up to an open mic to deliver their oral and written talents via monologues and original poetry.

"Now in its second year, the Governor’s School summer concert series has become a centerpiece for summer fun at the College,” said Patrice Coleman-Boatwright, director of the Office of College and Communication Relations. “Showcasing some of the state's most talented young people and providing our campus family and local community members with a delightful opportunity to come together, relax and enjoy food and fellowship, that’s what it is all about."

On August 21, the Governor's School students gave way to the professionals at the first-ever TCNJ JazzFest. Trenton’s own Richie Cole debuted an original “TCNJ Suite” for the occasion, as several hundred flocked to campus for an afternoon of relaxation and entertainment. Starting his professional career in 1969, Cole has performed with the Manhattan Transfer, Bobby Enriquez, Freddy Hubbard, Sonny Stitt, Boots Randolph, and Nancy Wilson. He has recorded over 50 albums and CDs.

In addition, jazz legend Frank Wess made a special guest appearance. The 83-year old Wess, a flutist and saxophonist extraordinaire, was a member of Count Basie’s band from 1953–1964. He has performed in many Broadway productions and TV shows and now spends much of his time touring and performing in jazz shows around the country.