THE 2022-2023 Express the Music Contest

A contest designed to capture the impact of music, as perceived by Trenton students.

IN OCTOBER 2022, saxophonist Jess Gillam participated in a mini-residency with the Neighborhood Music Project, a collaboration between Princeton University Concerts (PUC) and Trenton Arts at Princeton (TAP). On October 25, she rehearsed and engaged with the Trenton Central High School (TCHS) Orchestra. The next day, the TCHS Orchestra attended her PUC debut in Richardson Auditorium. In December 2022, the TCHS Orchestra also attended tenThing Brass Ensemble’s PUC debut. TCHS students who attended either performance were invited to reflect on the experience in the Neighborhood Music Project’s fourth annual Express the Music Contest, open this year to creative writing and drawing entries.

The entries were judged by the following members of the PUC team: Marna Seltzer, Director; Dasha Koltunyuk, Marketing & Outreach Manager; and Tom Uhlein, Graphic Designer.

Inspired by conductor Gustavo Dudamel’s residency during PUC’s 125th anniversary season, the Neighborhood Music Project aims to reinforce Maestro Dudamel’s commitment to music as a force for uniting communities, empowering young people, and promoting positive social change. This multifaceted initiative expands access to the arts in the Trenton Public Schools via artist visits, field trips, this annual creative writing/drawing contest, and support for the Trenton Youth Orchestra.