Syracuse University to honor the Verizon Foundation during Convocation concert Oct. 24

Syracuse University to honor the Verizon Foundation during Convocation concert Oct. 24October 17, 2002Judy Holmesjlholmes@syr.edu

The Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music in Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts will honor the Verizon Foundation during a special Convocation concert presented by SU faculty musicians Oct. 24 at 1:15 p.m. in the Setnor Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the concert.

The event will feature the presentation of a generous gift from Verizon to the Setnor School of Music for technical innovation in the school’s music industry program. The Verizon gift will enable the Setnor School of Music to provide students hands-on, classroom experience with some of the latest technology currently in use by music industry professionals. The concert will present a short sample of a variety of musical styles, from an interactive piece for computer and saxophone by Assistant Professor Nicolas Scherzinger to Latin American music performed by pianist Wei-Yi Yang and a humorous song performed by vocalist Donna Miller.

“Too often people assume that schools of music teach the music of dead composers,” says Joseph Downing, director of the Setnor School of Music. “This generous gift from Verizon will help us stay in the forefront of music industry programs by allowing real-time conferencing with some of the most prominent people in the business. We are extremely grateful for this gift.”

The Verizon gift will help supply equipment for a technology classroom in Crouse College. The equipment list includes computer consoles, high-speed Internet connections, scanners and CD burners, video conferencing equipment, audio connections to the recording studio located on the fourth floor of Crouse College, projection screens and projectors, and a new sound system.

“Verizon’s incredible gift provides countless opportunities for our music industry students to learn the technical aspects of the business,” says Dean Carole Brzozowski. “This kind of visionary contribution also helps the Setnor School of Music further its commitment to offering professional-level training to young musicians.”

Says Thomas Owens, director of community affairs for Verizon Communications: “The Verizon Foundation is pleased to offer assistance to Syracuse University and the Setnor School of Music. Today’s students live in a technology driven world and we’re excited to add this dimension to their fine talent.”

Some 120 students are enrolled in the interdisciplinary music industry program, which attracts both students who major in music industry and students from across the University who complete a minor in the discipline. As part of the program, students complete internships in more than 200 companies and organizations across the country. Graduates of the program are skilled in the creative, business and legal workings of the music industry and secure jobs in wide-ranging fields from the media, marketing and promotion to concert production and the recording industry.