SEPTEMBER
Photo Credit: Professor Philip Engsberg.
Sculpture: Élan Vital, Bronze, 2019 by Elaine Lorenz
2020
DEAN’S MESSAGE:
T
he COVID-19 global pandemic has forced us to change our lives during these past months and while much of our focus has been on the negative effects, there are silver linings – positives we can point to and enjoy even though some may not seem obvious. We have more time to think about how we want to move forward with our lives. Planning for the future provides a sense of hope. We have less distractions and can focus on nature, which has retaken some of its space as foot and car traffic have lessened. We can reflect on pre-pandemic times, view the past from a positive lens and consider what we would like to change for the better. As we look forward to the time of a return to normality, we can be mindful to simply enjoy being in the presence of each other and our surroundings. These are precious moments we have now and will have more of in the future. In this mini Spotlight, you will read sage advice from members of the WP community who reflect on navigating a new world, are moving in a different direction, and most importantly, continuing to create. I encourage you to find out more about our virtual programs and to use this time to keep learning anew.
“ Planning for the
future gives us a sense of hope.
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It was such an exciting turning point for me to be able to make a large sculpture from ideas that I had generated in ceramic.
Sculpture: 2006 Earth Spiral Steel Cement Earth by Elaine Lorenz
Professor Elaine Lorenz Faculty of the Month Department of Art
1. You’ve recently retired. How many years have you worked at the university? It has been 29 years. I began as a one-year Sculpture Faculty replacement, and then was invited to teach Sculpture and 3-D Design as an adjunct. When the Ceramic area line became available in 2001, I was offered another one-year position. I applied and was appointed in 2002 as an Assistant Professor in the Sculpture/Ceramic Area, received tenure status in 2006 and later gained Associate status. 2. What are some of your most memorable experiences while working in the Department of Art? There are so many experiences it is difficult to decide on one – the student who was brought out of her grief due to an assignment I gave, students who went on to get graduate degrees in ceramic and other areas and become teachers or fine artists, the dubious ceramic student whose mind was changed into developing a passion for working with clay, the exposure to alternate methods of working and thinking that some students used and meeting the proud parents on graduation days or at Thesis presentations. One wonderful experience for my own development was being introduced to digital scanning, 3-D computer design and the carving of 3-D sculptural forms thanks to Professor Michael Rees, and his implementation of the Center for New Art. With his encouragement, I attended a semester class with him, learned a bit about creating a sculpture with a computer program and having that sculpture carved in foam. It was such an exciting turning point for me to be able to make a large sculpture from ideas that I had generated in ceramic.
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Make something every day.
Photo Credit: Professor Philip Engsberg
Professor Philip Engsberg Adjunct of the Month Department of Communication
1. You’re a WP alumnus. How does it feel to teach at your alma mater? I finished my Masters in the Jazz Composition and Arranging program in 2015. Teaching in Hamilton Hall feels comfortable and familiar. Knowing the campus and much of the faculty were a big help getting started. It’s a good thing being able to teach in a place like this; the students are passionate and the faculty is inspiring. 2. As a sound engineer, what are some critical tips that students pursuing this career should know? Listen with wide and open ears, take breaks often, use your favorite work as a reference, learn an instrument and a little music theory and lastly, make something every day.
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Samantha D’Yan
Student of the Month Department of Music 1. What is your major & when will you graduate? My major is Music & Entertainment Industries and I graduate in May of 2021. 2. What do you enjoy the most about creating music? I like to think that everyone creates a personalized soundtrack throughout their life. Certain events or memories are associated with certain songs. When you create music, you are adding a song to so many people’s soundtracks, and I think that’s really cool.
“ Jianing Yang
The jazz program also encouraged me to explore my own sound and musical paths. - Jianing Yang
Alumni of the Month Department of Music 1. How does it feel to be the Alumni of the Month? As an international student studying at WP, I had to figure out everything by myself because everything was different - the culture, the language, the thinking and life in general but I made it. Being the Alumni of the Month is a recognition of my achievement in the WP jazz program and I’m honored and very happy to share my story. 2. How did attending William Paterson University impact your career? Studying at WP has been a lifelong benefit to my career. It’s one of the best jazz programs in the world. I followed the most important contemporary jazz masters and educators, such as Professor Bill Charlap, Dr. David Demsey, Dr. Timothy Newman, Professor Gene Bertoncini, Professor Paul Meyers, Professor Steve LaSpina, Professor Marcus McLaurine, Professor Harold Mabern and Professor Cecil Bridgewater. Each professor has their own unique insight on jazz music, jazz culture and jazz history. The jazz program also encouraged me to explore my own sound and musical paths. I also learned a lot of interesting musical concepts and ideas from my classmates – who are also great musicians. While attending William Paterson University, I also recorded my album, which has a profound meaning to me. It represents my jazz studies in the United States and also shows my understanding of jazz music – thanks to WP. All of this helped me succeed in China as a jazz musician and as a jazz guitar teacher at Xinghai Conservatory of Music.
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COLLEGE WIDE NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS: Upcoming Events:
WP Voice students have been hard at work all summer working on a virtual musical, Songs for a New World. Enjoy the musical: https://youtu.be/7MTMQ71YyZw . You can also subscribe to WP Voice’s YouTube channel to stay updated on other videos.
WP Presents! Virtual Wednesdays: The Greatest Piano Men – A Live Rock & Roll Celebration of the Greatest Piano Icons in Music Wednesday, November 11, 2020, 8 p.m. Info: Box Office, (973) 720-2371
WP Alumni Anthony Lalumia ’07, Caroline Sanchez ’13 Turn the Volume Up in the NBA Bubble: https://www.wpunj.edu/ articles/news/2020-09-16/anthony-lalumia-caroline-sanchezwilliam-paterson-university-nba-sound/
Ed Neumeister Quartet with Gary Versace, Drew Gress, Tom Rainey featuring the great vocalist Jay Clayton Viewing on Demand Until 11/17/20 Info: Box Office, (973) 720-2371
Michael Rees, professor in the Department of Art, released the book, Michael Rees: Synthetic Cells: Sites and (Para)site. To purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Rees-SyntheticCells-Site/dp/1785513176/
Billy Hart Quartet w/Mark Turner, Ethan Iverson, Ben Street Viewing on Demand Until 12/14/20 Info: Box Office, (973) 720-2371
Ben Shahn Hall, University Galleries - Virtual Public Programs:
CD Release: Baritone Saxophonist Gary Smulyan Plays Alec Wilder Viewing on Demand Until 12/14/20 Info: Box Office, (973) 720-2371
Faculty Exhibition On view until November 13, 2020 Online Exhibition Info: Highlighting recent work by the faculty of William Paterson University’s art department, including media such as ceramics, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, woodworking, and more.
Jazz Room Series at Home presents Veronica Swift Sunday, November 22, 2020, 4 p.m. Info: Box Office, (973) 720-2371 WP Presents! Christmas Stream Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Saturday, December 19, 2020, 8 p.m. Info: Box Office, (973) 720-2371
The Weight of the Body: Selections from the Permanent Collection On view until November 13, 2020 South Gallery Info: Organized to mark the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, this exhibition showcases works by women artists who challenge traditional gender roles and societal norms while addressing the dialogues between issues of gender, race, sexuality, and class. The traveling poster exhibition, Rightfully Hers, from the National Archives will also be on view to explore the historical arc of women speaking truth to power.
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College of the Arts & Communication Office of the Dean: Loretta Mc Laughlin Vignier, Interim Dean Dr. Lauren Fowler-Calisto, Dean’s Fellow & Assistant to the Dean & Associate Professor, Department of Music Lavene Gass, Marketing & Community Liaison Amy Nemery, Executive Staff Assistant Rosario Urena, Administrative Staff Assistant Kaeli Brady, Intern: Graphic Designer Tekoa Criddell, Intern: Graphic Designer Megan Martinelli, Intern: Photographer John Conlow, Intern: Videographer Alexa Chavarria, Intern: Social Media
Interviews & Edits by: Lavene Gass Layout Design by: Tekoa Criddell To submit news, email Lavene Gass at gassl1@wpunj.edu.
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Photo Credit: Professor Philip Engsberg