William Paterson University Student Jazz Septet Chosen to Perform on WBGO on April 12 Live Performance on WBGO Jazz 88.3FM on April 12 from 2 – 3 p.m. A William Paterson University Student Jazz Septet has been selected to perform on WBGO Jazz 88.3FM, a Newark-based jazz radio, on April 12 as a part of their celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month. The ensemble, directed by Mulgrew Miller, William Paterson University director of jazz studies, will perform live from 2 – 3 p.m. The student septet is comprised of Peter Lin of Whippany on trombone; Zach Gillespie of Glendale, Ariz. on trumpet; Ben Kovacs of Morristown on saxophone; Dave Zaks of Hoboken on piano; Charlie Sigler of Baltimore, Md. on guitar; Chris Brawler of Hawthorne on drums; and Daseul Kim of Paramus on bass. The William Paterson jazz studies program is unique among higher education programs. It is one of the few in the country with an emphasis on small-group playing, improvisation and a genuine commitment to the jazz tradition. The septet is one of 24 ensembles performing each semester with a focus on improvisation, repertoire and group performance techniques. Founded in 1973, the William Paterson University jazz studies program was first directed by the legendary trumpeter and composer/arranger Thad Jones, and offered a bachelor of arts degree in music with a concentration in jazz studies and performance. In 1980, the renowned bassist Rufus Reid replaced Thad Jones as program director, and in that same year, William Paterson established a professional jazz degree program — a bachelor of music in jazz studies and performance. Currently under the direction of Mulgrew Miller, director of jazz studies, and coordinator David Demsey, the program is a true jazz environment in which students learn firsthand about the jazz world. 04/11/13
