The WP Music After School Timeline Years 1 & 2 (2009 and 2010): WP’s Music After School is born! Thanks to a generous grant from the Muna and Basem Hishmeh Foundation, we begin providing after-school music enrichment on traditional wind and percussion (concert band) instruments for 55 instrumental music students from 5 schools. Program is housed at the Paterson YMCA, directed by Carol Frierson-Campbell and graduate assistant Bruce Jackson (year 1) and Dionne Whitehall (year 2) with instruction provided by the WP “Teaching Fellows.” Year 1: A Music After School ensemble rehearsal at the Paterson YMCA Year 2: Music After School Spring Concert at William Paterson University Year 2: Saxophone students and others wait their turn at the 2010 Spring Concert, held at William Paterson University. Year 2: Music After School Spring Concert at William Paterson University Year 3 (2011): The Paterson Public Schools cut nearly all school music and eliminate their Supervisor for Fine and Performing Arts. After-school enrichment continues, but a lack of access to instruments means fewer students and fewer partner schools. Program moves to Alexander Hamilton Academy, directed by Vince Ector with instruction provided by the WP “Teaching Fellows.” Year 3: Music After School Spring Concert at William Paterson University Year 4 (2012): Some Paterson schools re-instate music. Music enrichment continues in 3 partner schools, serving 35 students. Curriculum broadens to include piano and drum instruction in an attempt to reach students who do not have access to instruments. Program is housed at Alexander Hamilton Academy, and is directed by Jessica Johnson, with assistant director Tamara Mayers, with instruction provided by the WP “Teaching Fellows.” Year 4: Music After School Spring Concert at William Paterson University Year 5 (2013): This year Music After School includes two separate programs: instrumental music at Norman S. Weir School (which owns a number of instruments) and a pilot choral program at Alexander Hamilton Academy (in partnership with the Thurnauer School of the Arts). The instrumental program culminates with an Awards Night performance at Norman S. Weir School. The choral program culminates with two performances, one at the school and a second concert at the Thurnauer School of the Arts. Program is directed by Deryck Clarke with instruction provided by the WP “Teaching Fellows.” Year 5: Music After School Spring Instrumental Performance at Norman S. Weir “Awards Night.” Year 5: Music After School Spring Instrumental Performance at Norman S. Weir “Awards Night.” Year 5: WP/Thurnauer Young People’s Chorus @ Paterson performing at Alexander Hamilton Academy Year 5: WP/Thurnauer Young People’s Chorus @ Paterson performing at the Thurnauer School for the Arts Year 6 (2014): Music After School returns to the instrumental model and remains at Norman S. Weir School, where we have a successful collaboration with music teacher Kelvin Quince. Program is directed by Nancy Christensen with instruction provided by the WP “Teaching Fellows.” Year 6: Click here for a video of Music After School’s 2014 Spring Concert at William Paterson University. Years 7 & 8 (2015 & 2016): Music After School continues our successful relationship with Norman S. Weir School. Nancy Christensen continues as Director and we add Caleb Rumley as Assistant Director with instruction provided by the WP “Teaching Fellows.” The Spring 2015 Music After School concert featuring the entire MAS staff and student body along with benefactors Muna and Basem Hishmeh. Click here for a video of Music After School’s 2015 Spring Concert at William Paterson University. Click here for a collection of photos from the 2015 Spring Concert. The Music Department at William Paterson University is grateful to the Muna and Basem Hishmeh Foundation for their continued support of this important program!
