Sittin' In Meet-the-Artist: Orrin Evans
Jazz Room Q&A with Orrin Evans. Open to all Jazz Room ticket buyers.
Organization: Music Department. Email: matthias.georg.schmidt@gmail.com.
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Shea 101 - Recital Hall.
Jazz Room presents Orrin Evans
Sponsored by the Heart of Jazz Foundation,
Pianist-composer Orrin Evans is a Trenton native, and a veteran of the Philadelphia and worldwide jazz scenes. He leads his own small groups, as well as the powerful Captain Black Big Band. His most recent recording, Magic of Now, is his 20th, featuring such well-known players as Bill Stewart and Vicente Archer along with young saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins. His previous albums were on Smoke Sessions and Imani Records (his imprint), garnering several Grammy nominations. Evans, who topped the DownBeat “Rising Star” poll in 2018, was a member of the Mingus Big Band for a year and was formerly the pianist in the Bad Plus trio. He is a committed educator and is a board member for the Heart of Jazz Foundation, which is sponsoring this exciting performance.
At 2pm! Included with your ticket purchase, each Jazz Room concert is preceded by Sittin' In Meet-the-Artist, which takes place one hour prior to performances and gives audience members a unique opportunity to…
Organization: Music Department. Email: matthias.georg.schmidt@gmail.com.
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
Mitch Butler Quintet
WP Midday Artist Series presents Mitch Butler Quintet,
Mitch Butler is a Raleigh, North Carolina native and an accomplished trombonist, arranger, producer, and educator. As a performer and arranger, Butler has been a key member of several notable ensembles, including the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra under the leadership of Adonis Rose. He joined the group in 2008, contributing to the ensemble’s 2010 Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for the recording Book One. In 2017 he expanded his creative work into production, teaming with Grammy-winning producer Richard Seidel to co-produce, arrange, and serve as musical director for Tiffany Austin’s acclaimed album Unbroken. Butler has also been a featured trombonist with the internationally recognized jazz ensemble JazzBonez, appearing on their album Watch It!.
Across his career, he has performed or recorded with a wide range of celebrated artists, including Carl Allen, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Curtis Fuller, Tia Fuller, Derrick Gardner, Robert Glasper,…
Organization: Music Department. Email: butlerd15@wpunj.edu.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
Jazz Artist In Residence
Jazz Improvisation and Artist Lecture with Special Guest Saxophonist Steve Wilson.
Organization: Music Department. Email: butlerd15@wpunj.edu.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Shea 101 - Recital Hall.
The Branford Marsalis Quartet
Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is one of the most influential and revered figures in contemporary music. The NEA Jazz Master, Grammy Award winner and Tony Award nominee is equally at home performing concertos with symphony orchestras and sitting in with members of the Grateful Dead, but the core of his musical universe remains the Branford Marsalis Quartet. After more than three decades of existence with minimal personnel changes, this celebrated ensemble is revered for its uncompromising interpretation of a kaleidoscopic range of both original compositions and jazz and popular classics. After the Grammy-nominated Upward Spiral, on which guest vocalist Kurt Elling was seamlessly integrated into the group, the Quartet followed up with the Grammy-nominated The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul, its most emotionally wide-ranging and melody driven collection to date. John Zeugner captured the impact of the Quartet in live performance in a recent concert review, calling it “casually confident, professional, ce…
Organization: Music Department. Email: schaefera@wpunj.edu.
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
"We're Going on a Bear Hunt"
WP Bands presents Symphony Storytime - Sensory Friendly Performance for Schools,
For thirty-plus years, young readers have been enjoying the chant-aloud book "We’re Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen. In this exciting sing-along, screen-to-stage adaptation, using the 2016 animated film with an original soundtrack by Stuart Hancock (and a transcription commissioned by WP Bands), students will learn the instruments of the band while joining the adventure! Plus, a special guest appearance from WP’s beloved mascot, Pio!
While we have aimed to keep this event free over the last three years, rising productions costs have made it necessary to charge a nominal fee per student. This will enable us to cover music licensing fees and equipment costs associated with the performance. We hope you understand but are happy to answer any questions you might have. Please contact Dr. Teresa Purcell-Giles at 973.720.3935 or purcellgilest@wpunj.edu.
Registration fee: $4 per student, Please note: Up to 10 chaperones per…
Organization: Music Department. Email: purcellgilest@wpunj.edu.
Friday, March 6, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
"We're Going on a Bear Hunt"
WP Bands presents Symphonic Storytime - Sensory Friendly Community Concert,
For thirty-plus years, young readers have been enjoying the chant-aloud book "We’re Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen, swishy-swashing and squishy-squashing through tall grass, a muddy swamp and more! In this exciting screen-to-stage adaptation, using the 2016 animated film with an original soundtrack by Stuart Hancock (and a transcription commissioned by WP Bands), students will learn the instruments of the band while joining the adventure! Plus, a special sing-along will be part of the experience and guest appearance from WP’s beloved mascot, Pio!
Prices: Adults $15 • Children (17 and under) $10
Buy Tickets.
Organization: Music Department. Email: purcellgilest@wpunj.edu.
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
Sittin' In Meet-the-Artist Steve Wilson
Jazz Room Q&A with Orrin Evans. Open to all Jazz Room ticket buyers.
Organization: Music Department. Email: matthias.georg.schmidt@gmail.com.
Sunday, March 8, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Shea 101 - Recital Hall.
Steve Wilson with the WP Jazz Orchestra
Virtuoso saxophonist/flutist Steve Wilson first gained recognition in the Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra and the Mingus Big Band. Since then, he has become widely recognized as one of the most respected jazz performers on the scene. He has been a member of ensembles led by Dave Holland, Helen Sung, and Rufus Reid; Chick Corea’s Origins Quintet; and an all-star ensemble formed to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Blue Note Records. Primarily an alto player, he is also recognized as one of the leading performers on the challenging soprano saxophone. This concert will feature the premiere performances of several arrangements created for Wilson by William Paterson graduate student arrangers. He has been on the faculty of Manhattan School of Music, City College of New York, SUNY Purchase, and William Paterson University.
At 2pm! Included with your ticket purchase, each Jazz Room concert is preceded by Sittin' In Meet-the-Artist, which takes place one hour prior to performances and gives audience ,
Prices: $25…
Organization: Music Department. Email: matthias.georg.schmidt@gmail.com. Web Site: https://www.wpunj.edu/wppresents/wp-music/.
Sunday, March 8, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
WP Voice - Song Evening "War and Peace"
WP Voice students and faculty pianists perform vocal selections about war and peace from a variety of languages and cultures.
Organization: Music Department. Email: herbertc5@wpunj.edu.
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Shea 101 - Recital Hall.
WP Percussion Festival
WP Percussion Festival features performances, masterclasses, clinics, raffle prizes and more.
Free and open to the public.
Organization: Music Department. Email: macdonaldp@wpunj.edu.
Sunday, March 22, 2026, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
Jazz Artist In Residence
Jazz Improvisation and Artist Lecture with Special Guest Saxophonist Steve Wilson.
Organization: Music Department. Email: butlerd15@wpunj.edu.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Shea 101 - Recital Hall.
Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra
The Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra (RSO) performs classic orchestral repertoire and also explores new music for orchestra and pop ensemble.
Organization: Music Department. Email: macdonaldp@wpunj.edu.
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
Sittin' In with John Pizzarelli
Jazz Room Q&A with John Pizzarelli. Open to all Jazz Room ticket buyers.
Organization: Music Department. Email: schaefera@wpunj.edu.
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Shea 101 - Recital Hall.
WP Jazz Room presents John Pizzarelli
Sponsored by the Woody Shapiro Endowment
The Pizzarelli jazz family has had a long connection to William Paterson: John’s father, the legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, was one of the first WP jazz faculty members, taught for many years here, and appeared many times on the Jazz Room series, often accompanied by his equally virtuosic son. John Pizzarelli is equally known as a guitarist and vocalist, dedicating many of his performances to the diverse elements of the Great American Songbook and the recordings of Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Zoot Sims, Tony Bennett, and Paul McCartney, among many others, often with his wife, singer Jessica Molasky. He proudly carries on his father’s humor and Jersey sensibility, as well as his amazing command of the guitar. He performs with his sparkling new trio, including pianist Isaiah J. Thompson and bassist Mike Carn.
At 2pm! Included with your ticket purchase, each Jazz Room concert is preceded by Sittin' In Meet-the-Artist, which takes place one hour prior to…
Organization: Music Department. Email: schaefera@wpunj.edu.
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
WP Symphony Orchestra - Spring Concert
Under the baton of Dr. Sandra Dackow, the WP Symphony Orchestra performs classical music for orchestra.
Organization: Music Department. Email: macdonaldp@wpunj.edu.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
New Music Series - RIAM Percussion
The Royal Irish Academy of Music Percussion Ensemble returns to the WP New Music Series to perform exciting contemporary and experimental works for percussion!
Organization: Music Department. Email: Bolleiac@wpunj.edu.
Monday, April 6, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Shea 101 - Recital Hall, Shea 103 - Band Room.
Pop Showcase
Make sure you make it to Shea Auditorium on Wednesday, April 8th at 7:30 PM to experience the best of WP's Pop Music program. From cool originals to unique covers, the future of music will perform on stage. You should go to say you were there.
Organization: Music Department. Email: philpd@wpunj.edu.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
WP Music presents "RENT: School Edition"
Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent School Edition is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Jonathan Larson's iconic musical shaped a generation and has become a pop cultural phenomenon with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme, Rent School Edition follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical.
RENT - School Edition is presented through a special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com This adaptation has been carefully done, working with the Larson estate to retain the…
Organization: Music Department. Email: herbertc5@wpunj.edu.
Friday, April 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
WP Music presents "RENT: School Edition"
Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent School Edition is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Jonathan Larson's iconic musical shaped a generation and has become a pop cultural phenomenon with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme, Rent School Edition follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical.
RENT - School Edition is presented through a special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com This adaptation has been carefully done, working with the Larson estate to retain the…
Organization: Music Department. Email: herbertc5@wpunj.edu.
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
WP Music presents "RENT: School Edition"
Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent School Edition is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Jonathan Larson's iconic musical shaped a generation and has become a pop cultural phenomenon with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme, Rent School Edition follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical.
RENT - School Edition is presented through a special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com This adaptation has been carefully done, working with the Larson estate to retain the…
Organization: Music Department. Email: herbertc5@wpunj.edu.
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
WP New Music Ensemble
WP New Music Ensemble presents works from the 20th and 21st Century of leading composers, faculty, students, and alumni.
Organization: Music Department. Email: Bolleiac@wpunj.edu.
Monday, April 20, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Shea 101 - Recital Hall.
WP Bands present Behold the Spring
Behold the Spring is a celebration of renewal, transformation, and the enduring spirit of the season. Featuring works by Timothy Maher, Gregory Pascuzzi, Danielle Fisher, and Carl Orff, the program reflects the energy, reflection, and vitality that define spring’s awakening. Featuring faculty artist, James Noyes, soprano saxophone. .
Organization: Music Department. Email: purcellgilest@wpunj.edu.
Thursday, April 23, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Shea 100 - Auditorium.
WP Guitarfest 2026
William Paterson University Guitarfest is a yearly one-day celebration of the guitar and provides an opportunity to see first class classical guitar performers in northern New Jersey.
In 2026, we are thrilled to host Dr. Jose´ Gabriel Maldonado Sua´rez, internationally known guitar soloist and chamber musician and director of guitar studies at the Bloomingdale School of Music in New York City. Dr. Maldonado will give a master class to selected students in the afternoon and perform in concert that evening.
The New Jersey Guitar Orchestra will join us in the afternoon. William Paterson University guitar professor Seth Himmelhoch will host a screening of ‘The Sounds of Success” a short documentary on The Suzuki Guitar School.
And rounding out the day, William Paterson University guitar students will perform in a showcase recital.
11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. William Paterson University Guitarists,
1:00 p.m.- 1:45 p.m. Seth Himmelhoch on the Suzuki Guitar School. We will screen the short…
Organization: Music Department. Email: himmelhochs@wpunj.edu.
Saturday, April 25, 2026, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Shea 101 - Recital Hall.