INFORMATION FOR
The William Paterson University Chamber Winds will present “Symphonic Storytime,” a multimedia, sensory-friendly concert on Saturday, March 8 at 3:00 p.m. in the Shea Center for Performing Arts on the campus in Wayne. Run-time is approximately one hour. There will be another performance on Friday, March 7 at 10 a.m. exclusively for school groups.
“Symphonic Storytime” is a visual and musical experience with projected images and animated video, which also introduces students to the instruments of the band. The program will include Sergei Prokofiev’s timeless musical tale, “Peter and the Wolf,” a musical adaptation of “Aesop’s Fables,” and Benjamin Britten’s “Theme and Fugue from Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.”
This sensory-friendly family concert is designed to be a welcoming, inclusive, and comfortable musical experience for those on the autism spectrum or with other sensory or cognitive needs. Accommodations include low- to medium-volume and lighting ranges, space for children to move or walk around with a chaperone's supervision, provision of ear plugs, and an adjoining sensory-friendly space for those who need a break from the concert environment (outfitted with sensory manipulatives and carpeting).
“This opportunity for our students to prepare sensory-friendly concert programming has been an invaluable one,” says Teresa Purcell-Giles, assistant professor of music and director of bands at William Paterson and conductor of the performance. “Many of the students in the Chamber Winds are music education majors preparing for careers teaching music in schools. Developing concrete ways to modify our teaching and performing for those with sensory needs helps us make education more accessible. We believe that music is for everyone, so being able to incorporate pedagogies that are inclusive of neurodiverse learners is critical in that mission.”
Purcell-Giles joined the faculty in 2021. Active as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor across the country, she has presented nationally on topics ranging from engaging audiences through interactive performances to wellness and injury prevention for conductors.
“The unique programming is designed both to introduce young audiences to the wonders of ensemble music-making and the instruments of the band, while also providing the opportunity for families to enjoy live music together,” Purcell-Giles continues. “Not many collegiate band ensembles offer such programming. This concert presents a special opportunity for our student-musicians to engage with the wider William Paterson, Wayne and Northern New Jersey communities.”
The WP Chamber Winds is an elite ensemble comprised of 35 of the University’s top woodwind, brass, and percussion student players performing new and standard mixed wind and percussion chamber repertoire, as well as wind ensemble music. While primarily comprised of music majors, the ensemble is open to students from any major across campus and meets as a class twice per week.
General admission tickets for the family concert on March 8 are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages two to 17. Tickets are free for members of the William Paterson faculty, staff, and students with a valid ID. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended.
Admission to the March 7 performance for school groups is free. School groups must register here.
To purchase general admission tickets, or for additional information, call the Shea Center for Performing Arts Box Office at 973-720-2371 or visit wp-presents.org.
