Students enjoy season’s first College Night

The NJSO’s first College Night of the 2013–14 season saw 139 students from colleges and universities across the state join the Orchestra at NJPAC in Newark on November 1 for an evening of music and fun.

Groups came from the College of Saint Elizabeth, Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts, William Paterson University and New Jersey Institute of Technology. Students from Rutgers–Newark, Kean University, Drew University, Caldwell College, Essex County College, Mercy College (New York), Ramapo College, Rider University and Seton Hall University also attended.

The post-concert party in the Prudential Hall lobby featured performances by student groups from several colleges. NJSO musicians and the weekend’s guest artists—conductor Christoph König and pianist Lukáš Vondráček—mingled with student concertgoers, creating a unique atmosphere.

Rutgers students performing with NJSO Principal Cello Jonathan Spitz at the #NJSOCollegeNight party pic.twitter.com/zEp7Tx9MaV

— New Jersey Symphony (@NJSymphony) November 2, 2013

NJSO clarinetist Andrew Lamy said: “There is a lot of excitement around College Night. There was a really nice feeling in the lobby, and [the student performances] were fun and exciting. I think all the students who were there [either performed or] had a friend who did, so everyone had a little bit at stake—in a good way. [NJSO Principal Clarinet Karl Herman] and I really enjoyed sitting down and playing with the [William Paterson University Clarinet Ensemble]. The younger students in the ensemble stepped up and played really well; I learned in the weeks spent getting ready for this performance that these young players are ready to be independent and take the next step. They all expressed appreciation for [the opportunity to perform].”

@WPUMusicDept's clarinet ensemble plays at @NJSymphony #NJSOCollegeNight pic.twitter.com/4G1OwPyhMv

— chris mason (@jewMASONmecrazy) November 2, 2013

This jazz combo from @Rutgers_Newark was the perfect closing act for #NJSOCollegeNight pic.twitter.com/TAPjKPQpPC

— New Jersey Symphony (@NJSymphony) November 2, 2013

During the concert, students had the opportunity to sit in Tweet Seats—a specially designated section of the concert hall in which audience members could post comments about the concert to social media and follow the NJSO’s live program notes on Twitter.

@NJSymphony so wonderful to finally see a live performance of the piece that made me fall in love with classical music! Incredible!

— Michael M (@mcclam_o_gram) November 2, 2013

@NJSymphony it's so hard to keep all of my thoughts on this performance to #140Characters simply incredible #NJSOCollegeNight #TweetSeats

— chris mason (@jewMASONmecrazy) November 2, 2013

WWFM’s Rachel Katz enjoyed the performance from the Tweet Seats as well:

@NJSymphony I've heard this 1st mvt represented Schumann walking determinedly to a meeting (date) with Clara

— WWFM Classical (@WWFMClassical) November 2, 2013

@NJSymphony It's fascinating to follow how he bounces a phrase from one section to another and the soloist #NJSOCollegeNight #TweetSeats

— WWFM Classical (@WWFMClassical) November 2, 2013

The NJSO hosts additional College Nights on March 2 at NJPAC and April 5 at the State Theatre in New Brunswick. Learn more.