This Sunday, Nov. 2, William Paterson’s Music Department will have its Collage Day for students, friends, and family. It will take place at the Shea Center for Performing Arts.
According to Payton MacDonald, the chairman of the Music Department, Collage Day is an hour-long event that showcases short pieces by many different music ensembles in the department. Some of these ensembles include pop, jazz, and classical groups.
“There is something for everyone here,” MacDonald said. “No matter what style of music you like, I’m confident you will have a wonderful afternoon.”
Collage Day is to help fund the Collage Concert Music Endowed Scholarship, according to University News.
MacDonald explained that Collage Day used to be a yearly event before COVID, and now that they have “fully recovered from the COVID interruption”, they plan on bringing it back.
This event is unique because each piece is performed straight through, one after the other. It is unlike a typical event, where there is a short break in between every performance, according to Erik Lopez, a freshman majoring in film, audio, and television, as well as sociology.
“It’s one big show,” Lopez said. “It’s not set up in segments. Rather, it’s one long take where this band plays, lights down, lights up, immediately next band plays, and I think it’s really cool.”
Lopez will be performing with the Chamber Choir, which will perform “Snow Dance for the Dead” and “Rise up Shepherd”.
Carlos Navarro, a junior classical music education major, will also be performing with the Chamber Choir, as well as the Percussion Ensemble, which will perform “Maribma Spiritual”. Navarro shared what Collage Day means to him, and how it is a reflection of their hard work. It is also for the students to show their gratitude for the scholarships.
“This is a concert to display our talents, display the work and sweat and tears and efforts we’ve applied to our instruments – into our major,” Navarro said. “It’s a great way to just be grateful and thankful, and just show, like, ‘Hey, we really thank you for all the scholarships you’ve given us. We couldn’t be here without you, truly.’”
“Overall, I’m excited for it,” Lopez said. “I hope people come, hope people show face, and I hope people could just enjoy, you know, what we have to offer.”
For those interested in attending the event and seeing the many talents of the Music Department, you can scan the QR code or go to WP Presents. Prices vary, and tickets are free for William Paterson students who show an ID. All proceeds go toward scholarships for the music students of William Paterson, according to University News.
