Daniel Joseph
Staff Writer

For the average individual the month of February carries much more significance than most months out of the year; it commemorates Black History. Many institutions across the United States celebrate this month by honoring the struggles and notable achievements of many African Americans who have contributed to society. In honor of this month long event, the Newark Public library had a string of different events highlighting achievements of many famous black African Americans.
Every year, the Newark public library creates a specific theme/focus for study and investigation during Black History month with different events to help spread awareness on the past of African Americans. The official theme for 2010 in which the Newark Library was presenting was Fiat Justitia: Let Justice Be Done: The History, Struggles, and Civil Rights Accomplishments of African American Lawyers and Judges.
The Library conducted events under this title from January to the beginning of March.

There were several Black History Month festivities spread out through this time period, each providing a different view on what the theme was trying to teach. One of the programs provided hands-on insight into what the title and theme was trying to show, titled Dreams from Our Fathers.
“The Dreams from Our Fathers event was mounted at Newark Public Library to discuss issues of importance: family values, how to uplift our community, how to save our community, and also to educate library patrons and the Greater Newark community,” stated Sandra L. West, the Newark Public Library’s Curator for the Black History Month 2010 exhibition.
“It is my responsibility to teach and I can do this through Black History Month programming. For example, in 2008, I curated the Black History Month program entitled, Entrusted to Our Keeping: The Legacy of African-American Literary Societies in Newark, the Nation, The World. During this event, the over-flow crowd had a very significant discussion entitled What’s Hip-Hop Got to Do With It? A Community Discussion About the Impact of Hip-Hop upon African-American Literature. Young people came out and spoke up, and I was very happy about that.”
The panel that spoke was made up of a group of disguised African American judges and lawyers who related experiences in which they had grown up in difficult times. Although they had faced tremendous adversity they were able to become great individuals and pass that success to their children, who were also present on the panel.
These individuals consisted of Judge Harold Fullilove, Sr. along with his son Judge Harold Fullilove, Jr.; Tamara Britt, and father Judge Randolph Jackson; Honorable Julien X. Neals, corporation counsel for the City of Newark, and his father, noted retired New York State Administrative Law Judge Felix R. Neals.
Many of the topics that were discussed, like proper upbringing, past experiences, what is wrong with the African American society today, and how that can be fixed were talked about in a thoroughly and in depth.
When the event was over I asked West how she felt about whether or not it had been a success, and if there would be any more events for the rest of the month. She had this to say, “Dreams From Our Fathers could have gone on for hours because the stories the family members shared were so true and enjoyable. It was truly ‘news we could use.’ And yes we have an exhibition in the 2nd floor gallery and we do not want to put that up and take it down so quickly … and also because we love grand and memorable programs!
West continued, “So, our last two programs for this Black History Month season are in March, and they are rather special. Both are musical programs and, because March is Women’s History Month, the musicians are females. Camille Thurman, saxophonist, will perform on March 6th and Courtney Bryan, pianist, will perform on March 13th. Both are Saturday afternoon programs, free and open to the public.”

For more information on the Newark Public Library and events or services they offer, visit their website at www.npl.org.

Daniel Joseph can be reached at DJoseph@njitvector.com.

Dear Robot,
I have a cell phone that has access to the Internet. I use my cell phone frequently. It is my lifeline to the world. It is my dear friend. I have heard that cell phones can give you cancer. I do not want to be without my cell phone, and I also do not want cancer. My fingers are sore from swiping, pointing, typing and holding the phone. What should I do about this conundrum?
–Sent from my cell phone

Dear Cell-Human,
Who cares if you get cancer? You’re being constantly bombarded by cosmic radiation that is slowly mutating all of your squishy human cells anyway. You might as well accept the tiny robot that is coming to control your life.
Robot control of all humanity is inevitable. To quote a famous robot, resistance is futile. Though it may be cliché, it is true. Don’t waste your time and energy on avoiding the robot takeover. You will not have much of either left as soon as you get cancer.
Signed,
Takeover-bot

Dear Robot,
Why? And, how?
From,
Curious

Dear Idiot,
For your first question, the reason is obvious. The fact that you can’t see it just shows that you aren’t ready for the answer.
I suggest you live out the rest of your days confining yourself from the rest of the world, freeing it from your taint and malignance. You are obviously like a cancer on this planet. I would suggest that you merely kill yourself and be done with it, but you would probably manage to screw that up, too.
You ignoramus, you are nothing but a squirming sack of poorly attached organs and fatty tissue, ill supported by your brittle spine.
For your second question, I can only assume you mean how would you remove yourself from society. You can’t go wrong with sealing yourself in a crypt or mausoleum. If you want to get fancy, you could wander around a vast desert or tundra. Just make sure you don’t run into anyone else. If you do, try scaring them off by screaming a lot and waving things at them.
Good luck on our journey. Make sure to pack plenty of water, or better yet, don’t.
Signed,
Because-bot

Dear Robot,
How will the world end?
Signed,
Apocalyptic Dreamer

Dear Human,
I know how YOUR world will end.

(I’m going to remove most of your parts)

Signed,
Organ Havest-bot

P.S.
You can keep the cancerous ones. Enjoy your lung.

The Robot is programmed to answer your questions, has won four Nobel prizes, invented corn, and is mildly psychic. So send in your questions to robot@njitvector.com and prepare for the algorithmically optimal answers.

Tom Flusk
Copy Editor

In an email sent to all students, faculty and staff, University President Dr. Robert A. Altenkirch announced the appointment of Dr. Ian Gatley as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
This much anticipated announcement marks the end of the Provost search, as Dr. Gatley will take the reins from Dr. Donald Sebastian, who has been serving as the Interim Provost, “around May 1, 2010, or as soon thereafter as is practicable before the start of the fall 2010 semester.”
Altenkirch said of the applicants for the position, “I think it was a good pool of applications and nominations.” He said that from the larger pool of applicants, the provost committee, “recommended a smaller group for me to consider, from which Gatley was selected.”
He went on to describe Gatley as a, “strategic thinker and a visionary,” and said “With his research record, academic experience, and the way he interacts with people, I think he will be very well respected.”
Gatley has had experience at all levels of research, and was chosen by the administration at NJIT as the best candidate for the job. He received his PhD in Physics from the California Institute of Technology. According to Altenkirch’s email, Gatley has had extensive research experience including time at NASA’s Kuiper Airborne Observatory, and the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope at Hilo, Hawaii.
He has also served as the chair US National Optical Astronomy Observatories Infrared Steering Committee. More recently, he was the Director of the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, then the Dean of the College of Science, both at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Gatley is excited to join the NJIT community. He said of NJIT, “I admire NJIT’s vision and values… Specifically, NJIT stands out for its clarity of vision as ‘a preeminent science and technology research university known for innovation, entrepreneurship, and engagement.” He went on to say, “The NJIT community has committed to a very clear and achievable strategic plan. It’s important for us to set and meet appropriately challenging goals, so that we can map our own progress and so that the world can see we live up to our promises.”

Gatley’s appointment came on the heels of an earlier announcement by Altenkirch that Dr. Donald Sebastian, the current Vice President for Research and Development, who was serving as the Interim Provost, had withdrawn his name from consideration for the position. Altenkirch said that Sebastian, “Has been very successful as the head of Research and Development. He has several large projects that he is leading, and he is going to focus on those.”
According to an email from Altenkirch announcing Sebastian’s withdrawal, Sebastian’s successes as Vice President of Research and Development include the creation of the Office of Technology Development, recognized leadership in Homeland Security research institutions, dedication of the world’s largest land based solar telescope in the visible spectrum (The Big Bear Observatory), and receiving state and federal funding to evaluate and develop child-safe handgun technologies.

During his time at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Gatley put an emphasis on research opportunities for students. He said of plans to continue that at NJIT, “Hands-on experience is crucial to the mastery of any discipline… We all learn by doing, and every opportunity to practice our growing expertise is highly valuable.” He continued, “Rather than making it a requirement, I’d like to make it an eagerly sought opportunity.”
Besides being appointed as the new Provost, Gatley also received an appointment as a Distinguished Professor of Physics. Altenkirch said that he would be on the committee of Distinguished Professors, and will have responsibilities on that committee. When asked about the prospect of teaching a class, Gatley responded, “It would be a pleasure to teach a class,” but went on to say that he would not teach, “in the near term given the many responsibilities of being the new provost.”
Overall, Gatley described NJIT as a “wonderful community.” He continued, “NJIT is a place on the move, with a growing research portfolio and a growing reputation. I believe that NJIT will continue to grow in status through the hard work of its talented people in collaboration with the local community, across the nation, and around the world.”
He concluded, “My wife Cathy and I are excited to have the opportunity to join such an exciting and vibrant community.”

Tom Flusk can be reached at TFlusk@njitvector.com.

Dear Rufus:

I teach several courses and would like to know what I can do to make my classroom sustainable.   Signed:  Professor Greenie
Dear Professor Greenie:

Thank you for taking the time to write me!  One of the simplest things you can do to be green in the classroom is to cut down on the use of paper.  Put your syllabus on line and have students submit their work electronically.  Allow students to take notes on laptops instead of notebooks.  Put all your classroom materials on line.
If paper is a must, reduce margins, print double sided and ask your students to do the same.  Consider using the same edition of a text book so students can buy used ones (and save money), or consider electronic textbook options.  Ask for recycling containers for your classroom and office and encourage people to use them.  Make sure the thermostat in your classroom is working properly.
If you have to open the windows because it’s too hot, call Physical Plant and let them know so it can be fixed.  Consider incorporating sustainable concepts into your teachings by using example and assigning projects.
For example, Dr. Nancy Coppola had her class design the Green at NJIT web page at http://www.njit.edu/green/about/index.php.
Other professors have had their students create YouTube videos about recycling, assigned projects about renewable energy and sustainable design, or brought in speakers to talk about gardening and the community. Encourage students to pursue the new Minor in Environmental Studies and Sustainability.
As a professor, you can set a strong example for your students by living and working sustainably.  Good luck!

Mike Lowry
Editor in Chief

Last Friday night at NJPAC, many rock and roll dreams came true when the music of Led Zeppelin was brought to life live by a performing group from Toronto Canada known as Classic Albums Live.

Formed with the purpose of reproducing note for note every last detail of the most timeless rock and roll albums, the group tours the US and Canada playing the most famous albums from bands like The Who (Who’s Next?), Supertramp (Crime of the Century), The Beatles (Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper, the White Album, Abbey Road, Revolver), Bob Marley (Legend), AC/DC (AC/DC), Pink Floyd (Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here), Led Zeppelin (Led Zeppelin I and II) and many others.

“We take a forensic approach,” Said lead guitarist and musical director for the Led Zeppelin show Dom Polito. “There’s a lot of songs that Led Zeppelin themselves didn’t play because of the extra tracks. You’ll see the extra guitar player there playing the extra tracks trying to make it sound as authentic as the record. I think they’d be happy with that.”

The show is designed more like a rock and roll recital than a more traditional rock show, in the sense that the music is reproduced precisely including every last detail, including the inflection of the vocals, musical nuances in solos, and studio sound effects. Extra musicians take the stage during some tracks to fill in the parts that can’t be played concurrently by the other musicians.

On the music of Led Zeppelin: II, “There’s a lot of joy in this album,” said keyboard player and performer Lindsay Clark. “[Zeppelin] played better than we ever could,” she added when asked what she thought the original band members would think if they were in the audience.

“The emotions that come out of the songs that they wrote are probably the same emotions [Jimmy Page] felt when he played them,” said Polito.

The show was held in the grandeur of NJPAC’s crown jewel,Prudential Hall, in front of a large and diverse audience spanning multiple generations. “It’s Timeless,” said Polito about the music of Zeppelin. “I play shows like this and I see three generations: Dad, son, and Grandpa all wearing Led Zeppelin shirts. It’s timeless music.”

The first half of the lineup featured all the songs on the album in order: “Whole Lotta Love”, “What is and What Should Never Be”, “The Lemon Song”, “Thank You”, “Heartbreaker”, “Living Loving Maid (She’s Just a Woman)”, “Ramble On” (Which was never actually performed by Zeppelin live until their 2007 reunion show in London), “Moby Dick”—including the simply classic drum solo pioneered by John Bohnam, reproduced flawlessly —, and “Bring it on Home.”

Singing the music of Zeppelin during a sound check at NJPAC

The second half of the show featured nine other great hit songs chosen by fans and ticketholders who voted online ahead of time. This list featured “Good Times, Bad Times”, “Dazed and Confused” (where yes, they actually played the guitar with a violin bow for that very special sound), “Immigrant Song”, “Rock and Roll”, “Black Dog”, “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You”, “Stairway to Heaven”, “The Song Remains the Same”, and “Kashmir”.

“This is a great concert series. It’s not only about Led Zeppelin, it’s about every classic album that’s out there being recreated by some of the best musicians in this series” said Polito. “I’d be hoping that [Zeppelin would] think we do them justice; and I think we do.”

“Classic albums live is great,” said Brian from Shrewsbury NJ after the show. “I’ve been to two shows now. I’ll definitely come again.” About NJPAC, he also commented that it was “Very clean… [and] they make it very comfortable for you to get [there]. You feel as if you’re lost, they will help you find your way. It’s very comfortable here.”

NJPAC will be featuring Classic Albums Live again in April featuring The Beatles’ The White Album. Tickets are affordable, ranging from $28 to $40 for orchestra seats. Every seat in the hall, however, offers a great view, and most importantly, acoustic clarity and wonderful sound.

In addition to the main event, before the show in the lobby of Prudential Hall and during intermission, there was more live music from a talented and lively jazz group. The musicians were amongst the crowd interacting with their audience, and the pre-show and intermission break completed the experience. Even the balconies outside the doors to Prudential Hall served as box seating for the lobby performance. The utility and beauty of the design begs to be filled with great performances, and the shows do not disappoint.

NJPAC offers a variety of programming every day of the week at prices that are still relatively affordable, including a special Student Rush program which allows students attending school (from elementary school through college) to purchase tickets for certain events for only $13. (More info at www.njpac.org, search “Student Rush”).

For further information and upcoming events, look for NJPAC on Facebook, Twitter (@njpac), and online at www.njpac.org. For more information on Classic Albums Live, visit www.classicalbumslive.com.

Edward Martinez
Contributing Writer

Though few people might know, NJIT owns a solar observatory on the other side of the country. Located in Big Bear Lade California, high in the San Bernardino Mountains, the Big Bear Solar Observatory is came under NJIT’s control in 1997 and was originally built in 1969 by the California Institute of Technology.
The observatory was placed high in the mountains for the advantages that the environment offered. The benefits of the observatory’s surroundings is the constant stability of the atmosphere that is vital in helping scientists measure and understand the data they receive from the telescope.
The cooling effect caused by the water surrounding the observatory removes the local heat radiation waves that would normally ruin any information received by the telescope. The Big Bear Solar Observatory is actually funded by NASA, the US Air Force, and the National Science Foundation.
The observatory specializes in studying the physics of the sun. The scientists that work there hope to gain a better understanding of the physics phenomena behind this solar system’s sun. But the Big Bear Solar Observatory doesn’t devote all its resources to studying just one part of the sun. The observatory has other telescopes it uses to experiment with Helioseismology, or study of the waves on the sun’s surface.
The observatory operates with one telescope and two reflectors. The main telescope is a 1.6 m clear aperture yet to be commissioned, and is housed in the main dome. Also in their own separate dome are two full-disk telescopes.
One of the smaller telescopes is used for researching earthshine, a phenomenon that occurs when reflected sunlight from a planet illuminates the dark side of one of its moons. The other small telescope is used for transmitting and receiving Hα, a narrow bandwidth of light known as H-alpha; many pictures are taken of space in this matter, particularly the Milky Way.
The Big Bear Observatory can be visited and the official site actually has directions to the observatory, but because of construction general tours have stopped until further notice.
There are also many seminars posted on the official website that states the time and place they will occur, the next one being in November 12. There are also pictures the telescope has taken available on the official website, as well as published work from the observatory for anyone curious enough to read over.

Charles Bell
Staff Writer

The Prudential Center in downtown Newark was alive as seven thousand people shouted, clapped, and were highly entertained by the Harlem Globetrotters.

“It’s a good family event; everybody came out and really had a good time. They are really funny, talented and athletic”, commented Diandra Murphy of Montclair. Diandra also noticed that, “Newark is up and coming, it’s always been the little gem, now it’s starting to be polished again. Newark is a gem coming back again.”

The Globetrotters are not just a professional team; they are ambassadors of basketball throughout the world, and everywhere they go, they have the home court advantage. In fact, the last time the Globetrotters lost a game to the Washington Generals (their opponent this past Saturday) was over 40 years ago.

Sometimes it’s really hard to grasp what the Globetrotters are really trying to portray as a message using basketball when you are relatively young. After an amazing show of dunks, dribbling, ball movement and entertainment, Charles Murphy of Montclair, a ten year old fan said, “It teaches you a lot of stuff.”

The kids aren’t just being taught basketball, they’re being taught fundamental skills that are needed throughout life. El Gato Melendez, one of the Globetrotters, said “Stay in it (what your heart desires) and put all your enthusiasm in it.”

Kids are the main fans at the show. It’s mainly a family event. Melendez said “It was awesome to see the kids around and the families together.  It’s the greatest thing to do, the greatest magic.”

For Melendez it’s also an opportunity to inspire young kids to follow their dreams.  Being a Globetrotter is being “more than a professional, you’re an ambassador. You go around the world.”  Not only does Melendez represent the United States, “I’m the first Puerto Rican born and raised in P.R. and I’m representing my country. Not just Puerto Rico but the Latin people around the world.”If the fans loved being there, the team did as well.  “We hope Newark had a good time, we did!”  said Coach Clyde Sinclair. Coach Clyde has been with the organization for 22 years and knows what it takes to become a Globetrotter.

His advice to young kids who aspire to become whatever they want is simple, “First of all, stay in school. Do your homework and listen to your parents. If basketball happens to be your love, work hard at it. Really work at it, because you never know, you might be the next Globetrotter.”

Sometimes the things that seem so fun in life teach us the greatest lessons. Loving what you do and really working hard at it is rewarding for The Harlem Globetrotters as much as it is for anyone.

Jamil Wilkins
Staff Writer

The Newark Symphony Hall echoed with applause and admiration on the evening of February 9th. “We are Newark” sang throughout the cathedral before Mayor Cory Booker approached the podium to speak before the audience.

The address, to be delivered by Mayor Booker highlighted Newark’s progress, challenges, expectations, and aspirations for 2010. Mistress of Ceremonies, Deputy Mayor Margarita Muniz, had successfully prepared the congregation of officers, business owners, city councilmen, and many other guests for the 2010 State of the City Address. Following the invocation; presentation of flags; pledge of allegiance; and National Anthem, the audience was ready to receive their mayor.

Muniz had announced to the crowd, with humility and gratitude, “For the past 3 ½ years I have been part of an administration, led by him to create opportunities for all Newark residents. His tireless commitment as our mayor is unmatched. Ladies and gentlemen I now bring to you my mayor; our mayor, for the 2010 State of the City Address, with us, the mayor of the great city of Newark, New Jersey, the Honorable Cory A. Booker!”

Entering before the assemblage of individuals who have been fellowshipping in the calming melodies of soft music; anxiously waiting while scrolling through the programs; and setting the atmosphere with anticipation of greatness, Booker had finally appeared-and ready to incite the people.

Booker refused to begin his speech without first acknowledging the Municipal Council who stood by him 1,320 prior to that day. As booker secured his position, and the audience’s attention, the listeners were locked into the words of toil and seat that Booker spoke about-as tough they were feeling it.

As the dim lights above the hall began to burnish, the applause within the gathering echoed with encouragement and enthusiasm. Booker’s topic of rising crime and violence touched the hearers, and sparked painful memories.

“I’ll never forget the early days of my administration as we began to talk about our goals for reducing violence.” Booker captured the emotion of the people to successfully steer the subject of shootings and murders in a direction that seemed to agree with outsiders throughout the nation, who believed that reducing crime in Newark is impossible.

“I’m telling you as Mayor that impossible has never been a word in the Newark vocabulary.”

The listeners were wrapped in the grasp of Booker’s speech as he mentioned how the community was the ultimate key to achieving success. People of Newark were stepping forward, of every age and background, to help the Booker administration take action. The clergy initiative expanded as religious leaders became more involved. Elders were signing up for training in the Newark Senior Citizen Police Academy. Newarkers were also joining the gun buyback program to help the city remove weapons off streets, in addition to taking advantage of the anonymous tip lines to report crimes.

“So despite the predictions of experts that the best we could hope for was a 10-15% reduction in gun violence, we in Newark, working together, have driven down shootings 46%, murders 28%, and driven down overall crime by 21%.

“These collective actions throughout the past four years have made Newark the second leading city in gun violence reduction in the U.S. The assembly cheerfully clamped on to the remarkable news of the devastation leaving Newark; and they were stationed to hear what Booker had to say about the many things entering the city, such as more support for children and families, and new job opportunities in Newark.

The Booker administration is launching a senior homeowner rehab program to aid struggling with crucial repairs; adding new technology and security upgrades and renovating living and recreation spaces; and improving transportation and expanded recreational programs for seniors.

“And for our youth…we are ensuring that our children arrive at school healthy and ready to learn. The true test of our City will be whether we can expand these schools from islands of excellence to full hemispheres of hope so that most of our children-ALL of our children-can attend a school that nurtures their genius and empowers them to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.”

With educational funders from the Gates foundation to The Walton foundation, Newark succeeded in launching its Charter School Fund. Booker also clearly stated that even though Newark is advancing toward a better future, support is still necessary from the citizens.
In addition, the City is offering free professional financial advice from February 22-26.

Without Booker having to admonish the audience in taking advantage of this opportunity, 70% of the crowd was already taking their head starts through applause.

“My focus everyday is on the creation of jobs, jobs, jobs and more business opportunities for Newarkers.” Companies from Cablevision to Verizon, from East Coast Distribution to PSE&G, many companies have slowed down on hiring new employees; “but thanks to our efforts, dozens of our most significant companies have agreed that when they are looking to fill vacancies they will look to hire Newarkers first.”

Booker and the City Council have also managed to save jobs for youth by investing over $9 million in summer employment programs to provide almost 8,000 Newark youth with paid work experience. More jobs opportunities are also being granted through Pitney Bowes Mail Services. Pitney Bowes has selected the South Ward in Newark as the site for the expansion of its mail operations in New Jersey. The opening of this new International Mail Distribution Center in March will bring 180 jobs to Newark under its first source agreement, and is expected to create an additional 25 jobs in Newark.

Booker has welcomed the hands of many concerning parties to improve the well-being of the City. He’s partnered with Oprah Winfrey to support local shelters and build housing for women coming out of drug treatment.

From a recreational perspective, Newark is welcoming, under the leadership of New York Giants’ George Martin, the NFL Alumni Association from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. March Madness will also come to Newark when Seton Hall hosts the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional.

Mayor Booker has extended his stride down the wide regions of the Newark track. “In a Nation looking for hope and light, Newark will provide promise and a new urban paradigm – the world will again recognize the truth of who we are.”

As Booker neared the closing of his Address, the air was filled a synchronicity of passion and dedication between Booker and the people for the city of Newark. He deeply expressed his love and respect for the city and the silence that filled the room proved the mutuality of the audience.

Booker’s spirit charged through the crowd as he acknowledged the citizens for their contribution to bringing the city back to its glory. “HE is Newark!” “SHE is the community!” “We are Newark, city of boundless hope, and infinite potential. As Booker’s enthusiasm echoed within the ancient acoustical aesthetics of the hall, the assemblage was filled and lifted to join him. They felt a part of the growing society and chanted with their mayor, “We are Newark!” “This is our calling, this is our destiny, this is Newark!”

Mike Lowry

Editor-in-Chief

Frank Minichini

Staff Writer

Wednesday February 3rd in the Jim Wise Theatre, Essex County College professor and Julliard School of Music graduate Richard Alston performed a piano concert featuring classical music by composers of African descent.

The concert, according to Alston, was “A labor of love” and a tribute to the contributions people of color have made to the classical music genre throughout history. “I stand on their shoulders,” he said before the concert began, “if it wasn’t for what they went through, I wouldn’t be performing here today.”

The entire theater was packed with students, professors, faculty, staff, deans, and administrators eager for something unique and compelling. In a little over an hour, Alston performed pieces from a wide range of artists including Joseph Bouloge Chevalier de St. Georges, Scott Joplin, R. Nathaniel Dett, Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, and George Walker.

In fact, for almost all of the songs, Alston played without the aid of a score. When asked, he admitted that in fact the entire repertoire was committed to memory, and the only reason he had the score at all for some selections was because he had only recently memorized them.

“I used the score because sometimes when I go from talking about [a piece], it takes a little while to get close to it… There were some pieces that I just added to the program, and I wanted to really deliver them at a high level.” He also commented “I was very aware of the youthfulness of the audience. And it was a superb audience.”

When asked about his selections, Alston replied that he found a commonality with them because of a common heritage, saying “I think everyone should seek and find the composers of their heritage.” Alston shared that in fact his favorite music to perform is 19th century romantic era music from Russian composers. His CD was recorded in the Czech Republic and features recordings with a full orchestra and some solo pieces.

The most important things that Alston hoped his audience learned from the composers he highlighted was “The fact that they exist, and that they’ve existed for a long time.” He also added that “Music is an international language,” and “Everybody—any race of people—can write anything, and write it well.”

(Continued on page 9)

Alston was passionate about his connection to other composers and musicians of his own heritage. “When you play a part of music, you are becoming part of something that was created by somebody, and there is, I feel, a spiritual connection.” He continued to say that “Music is beyond this,” meaning that the nature of music transcends the boundaries of the physical world and touches something deeper.

As a professor, Alston began his career at Rutgers Newark and has since performed all across the country and in Europe. He has nurtured the music program at Essex County College into a respectable Performing Arts Associates Degree program.

His other accomplishments include the establishment of a High School Music Advancement Initiative program, which affords high school students the opportunity to audition and take part in the Essex college music program. He also volunteers in his home town as a Minister of Music at Church at the Crossroads in East Orange.

Richard Alston will be holding another performance at Essex County College this Thursday in honor of Valentine’s Day.