The first ever “Meet Me at the Library” event series in Campbell Library’s Performing Arts Collection began with casual performances by several mystery jazz musicians. Two performances on November 3rd and November 10th from 7:00 to 8:15 pm provided a relaxing and enjoyable study break for those who stopped by to grab a snack, play an ice-breaker game or two, and enjoy a live jazz ensemble performance. Attendees enjoyed listening to jazz standards and one original composition titled "Cold Stuff", recently composed on a road trip by Alex DeStefano and Caleb Bellamy.
And now, to introduce the mystery musicians….
Caleb Bellamy, a jazz education major, came to Rowan University because he found the music program to be very enticing and the professors are all fantastic people with an endless stream of things to be learned. In the future he plans to graduate and begin working at a high school while working on a master's degree. He also plans to perform on the side so he can always keep it interesting and fun. As for when and where he'll be performing later in the semester, it’s probably fair to say that he’ll always be at the library on Thursdays when the jazz ensemble is scheduled to play. He is looking forward to more performances in the future!
Alex DeStefano is a Music Education: Instrumental (piano) major and a member of the Martinson Honors College. He is interested in piano performance, teaching, conducting, and composing. Impressed with Rowan's vibrant music department and the Honors College, he chose to attend Rowan. His next performances will be with Rowan's Wind Ensemble, performing "In a Galaxy Far, Far, Away..." on December 13th.
Jovan Rivera, Music Education: Jazz Studies major, is from the local area and came to Rowan University because it is a great school for education and music. His career plans are to become a music educator while also performing on the side. You can see him perform again on December 6th at 7pm in the Saxophone Studio Recitals at Boyd Recital Hall.
Will Shea, a freshman Music Education Major and Double Bassist came to Rowan University for the connections he made from previously being Principal Bassist of the Rowan Youth Orchestra. His future plans include furthering his education to the highest point and ultimately assuming a head position at a high school or college. You can find Wil performing throughout each semester with the Rowan Symphony Orchestra as well as the Rowan String Ensemble.
A few other jazz ensemble participants remain a mystery to this day. To discover the identities of C.F. and N.B, among others, plan to drop by the Campbell Library’s Performing Arts Collection for future performances. Read the Rowan Announcer and Rowan Daily Mail for the next performance dates in the “Meet Me at the Library” series. See you soon!