Payton MacDonald faculty recital 1
Director of percussion studies at WP Dr. Payton MacDonald presents a recital of duo music with several WP students and faculty.
Organization: Music Department. Email: macdonaldp@wpunj.edu.
Monday, January 26, 2026, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM.
Shea 101 - Recital Hall.
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, 11:00 AM – 12:00 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, 12:00 PM – 2:30 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, 7:30 AM – 8:30 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, 12:00 PM – 1:00 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, 11:00 AM – 12:00 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, 12:00 PM – 2:30 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, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
Shea 101 - Recital Hall.