JEROME KITZKE IS GUEST FOR ANNUAL "COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE DAY" AT WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY

Jerome Kitzke, a composer whose music celebrates the spirit of American vitality, combining various influences, including elements of driving jazz, Plains Indian song, and Beat Generation poetry, will be the guest for the annual “Composer In Residence Day” as part of a Midday Artist Series concert at William Paterson University in Wayne on Thursday, March 11.

Kitzke will participate in a day of events devoted to his music, beginning with an open rehearsal at 9:30 a.m. The concert, which will feature a solo performance by percussionist Thomas Kolor, a graduate of William Paterson, student performances, and Kitzke’s performance of a toy piano piece, will be held at 12:30 p.m. in Shea Center. Admission is $3.

Born in 1955 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kitzke received his B.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In 1984, he moved to New York City, and in 1992 he formed his performing ensemble, The Mad Coyote, to present concerts combining his notated pieces and free improvisation.

In addition to Mad Coyote, Kitzke’s music has been performed by the Milwaukee Symphony, the New Julliard Ensemble, Essential Music, Present Music, Earplay, Zeitgeist, and many others. Kitzke has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, American Music Center, Meet the Composer, ASCAP, and BMI.

Kolor is a specialist in 20th and 21st century music. He has appeared throughout the world as a member of the Talujon Percussion Quartet, the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, and Ensemble 21, and is a frequent guest of the Group for Contemporary Music, Speculum Musicae, and others. As a soloist, Kolor has premiered works including Milton Babbitt’s “Beaten Paths” for solo marimba. He is a graduate of William Paterson University with a bachelor of music degree and holds a master of music degree from The Juilliard School.

For additional information, please call the Shea Center Box Office at 973-720-2371.

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For Further Information, contact:

Mary Beth Zeman, Director, Public Relations 973-720-2966

2/27/04