![]() So he’s bringing that into the classroom and he’s teaching the ensembles as though they’re his band.” And we do that by having people like Bill Charlap, who has spent his life in the world’s great performing venues. ![]() “We’re trying to make it as real as possible and to connect them with the New York jazz community as much as possible. “We try to emphasize that there is no line between the students’ academic classes and the real jazz world,” said Demsey. Grammy-winning pianist Bill Charlap, who became artistic director of the jazz program in 2015, continues the William Paterson tradition of its directors being world-class working professionals. “That’s the saddest part of the history of this program was losing not one but two directors while they were teaching here, both as young guys,” said Demsey, who became jazz studies coordinator when Krivin handed over the reigns in 1992. His replacement, pianist Mulgrew Miller, took over as artistic director in 2005 and subsequently died in 2013. Pianist James Williams, who replaced Reid in 1999, died suddenly in 2004. Jones served in that capacity until moving to Copenhagen in January 1979, at which point bassist Rufus Reid took over as artistic director and steered the program for the next 20 years. The great trumpeter-composer-arranger Thad Jones was the first artistic director of the jazz degree program, which was created by Dr. That’s touching on a lot of William Paterson history right there. Dizzy’s Club has already asked us to perform there on the day of his birthday, which is March 28, which I’m super-excited about.” Also, 2023 is the centennial of Thad Jones. ![]() ![]() “And we’re hoping that Rufus Reid and Bill Charlap will be available, along with some alumni and former faculty, to play the music of Thad Jones, Mulgrew Miller and James Williams at the concert. “Next April we’re going to have a gala concert to mark the occasion,” said jazz studies coordinator David Demsey. In anticipation of its 50th anniversary in the spring of 2023, William Paterson University is already gearing up for the celebration. (Photo: Courtesy William Paterson University) The William Paterson Jazz Orchestra performs with guest artist Randy Brecker at Jazz at Lincoln Center. ![]()
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