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March 24, 2008
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS TO PERFORM IN MIDDAY CONCERT AT WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY
Seven talented music students who are the recipients of the Tami Cotsakos ’71 Music Scholarship at William Paterson University in Wayne will perform in a special Midday Artists Series concert in Shea Center on campus on Thursday, April 10, at 12:30 p.m. Admission is free.
The students—Alyssa Ahearn of Bergenfield, oboe; Ashley Benson of Ringwood, soprano; Carl Bolleia of Washington Township, piano; Jeff Brown of North Haledon, percussion; Jeffrey Chang of Bergenfield, piano; Paul McCullen of Flanders, clarinet; and Kurt Patrick of Ridgefield, percussion—will perform a variety of classical works. The program will include music by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Cimarosa, Chopin, Floyd, and Mozart.
The Tami Cotsakos ’71 Music Scholarships were created for classical music students who are New Jersey residents in recognition of their outstanding musical talents. Scholarships, which are based on exceptional talent, academic excellence and financial need, are renewable for up to four years. Students were required to participate in a two-tiered live audition before faculty of the University’s Music Department.
Ahearn, a freshman, has been an oboist since age 11. At William Paterson, she is a member of a Woodwind Quartet, has helped to form a new Woodwind Trio, and is a member of the Concert Band and Concert Choir. She also is a member of the University’s Honors College and the Dean's List.
Benson, a junior, began voice lessons at age 14, and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance. She toured through England, Wales, and Canada with the renowned Lakeland Regional High School Chorale and Chamber Singers. She performed in shows such as Oliver and Pippin. A Dean’s List student at William Paterson, she has performed in Opera Workshop, and has been a section leader in the University’s Concert Choir. Benson has placed in state and regional competitions sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She hopes to become a professional opera singer.
Bolleia is a senior majoring in classical piano performance with K-12 certification. A Dean’s List student, he is pursuing the music track in the University’s Honors College. Actively involved in a number of performance groups at the University, he is president of the University’s Concert Choir, a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity, and vice president of the Catholic Campus Ministry Club. A graduate of Westwood High School, he has served as director of music and choirs at Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church and the Reformed Church of Oradell.
Brown, a junior, is pursuing a degree in music education. He is a member of various percussion ensembles at William Paterson, and teaches percussion and directs the percussion ensemble at Nutley High School. Upon graduation, Brown plans to attend graduate school.
Chang, a freshman, is majoring in classical piano performance. He bagan his music studies at age six. He is currently a Dean’s List student at William Paterson.
McCullen is a senior pursuing a degree in music education. A student of the clarinet since age 10, McCullen regularly performs with the Livingston Symphony Orchestra and the Adelphi Chamber Orchestra.
Patrick, a junior music education major, has already performed with several ensembles on campus, including the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble. Actively involved with his high school music program, he teaches in Ridgefield Memorial High School's summer program, and co-directs the drum line at Ridgefield and Fort Lee high schools.
For additional information on the concert, please call the Shea Center Box Office at 973-720-2371.
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www.wpunj.edu
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