By Laurie D. Willis
Livingstone College News Service

Every year people flock to The Big Easy for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which runs on consecutive weekends beginning in late April and features jazz and a variety of other types of music.

But with the economy still under the weather, Livingstone College officials have a solution for music lovers who might be a little short on cash: a free “Jazz on the Lawn” concert on April 18.

This year’s concert, which promises not only jazz but also R&B and “old school” music, begins at 5 p.m. on Livingstone’s picturesque front lawn. Leading off the entertainment will be the LC Jazz Ensemble, a student group led by Dr. Gary L. Callahan, a saxophonist and dean of the Holistic College. They will be followed by performances by the Livingstone College Concert Band, led by Sidney C. Sessoms, Jr., and the Livingstone College Concert Choir, led by Dr. DaVaughn L. Miller.

Rounding out the concert at approximately 8:30 p.m. will be the LC House Party Band, a group of students who will perform old school hits like “Just My Imagination” by The Temptations and “If Only You Knew” by Patti LaBelle.

But before the LC House Party Band takes center stage, headliner Jack Murray, a renowned woodwind specialist who plays the saxophone, flute, clarinet, oboe, recorder and other instruments, will perform.

Murray, a former Livingstone instructor who now teaches at Catawba College, has toured with Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Tony Bennett, Kenny Rogers, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Linda Ronstadt, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme and others.

He got his official start in music in the sixth grade by playing the clarinet but said he was aware of music way before then.

“My parents were very musical, and my mom was always playing music in the house, with everything from Marvin Gaye, Charlie Parker and Max Roach to music of the Big Band era,” Murray said. “When I was in the seventh grade I would come home and sit down and try to play along with the records.

Apparently, Murray’s attempts at playing along worked.

The award-winning artist has performed at the Gibson Ampitheatre in Universal City, Calif., and Radio City Music Hall in New York City, among other noted venues. And he has performed with some of the world’s biggest names in entertainment.

“Recently I played with Johnny Mathis, but one of the most memorable experiences I had was playing for Lou Rawls shortly before he passed away,” Murray said. “I was playing a solo and Lou was smiling and asking the guys in the band what my name was. He later looked over at me, winked and gave me a thumbs-up. Experiences like that stay with you.”

Murray said he wanted to participate in Livingstone’s spring concert because he thoroughly enjoys sharing music with enthusiastic audiences. He plans to perform tunes from his “Amalgamation” CD as well as older standards, pop music from the 70s and newer jazz.

“Jack Murray is an exceptional musician whose style will dazzle jazz fans of every age,” said Sessoms, Livingstone’s director of bands. “He has the ability to perform different types of jazz, including fusion and straight-ahead. He’s excellent at engaging the audience and compelling them to participate in his show. Everyone who comes out on April 18 to hear him will be glad they did.”

Livingstone’s 2012 spring concert lasted several days and featured renowned jazz artist Freddy Cole, brother of legendary crooner Nat King Cole.

“I’m sure there were several attendees last year whose busy schedules didn’t permit them to attend the concert for more than one night,” said Miller, chairman of Livingstone’s Music Department. “Rather than hold the concert over several days this year, we decided to have all of the groups perform on the same day.

“We’ve assembled a talented lineup of musicians to perform, including Livingstone students,” Miller continued. “I hope residents of Salisbury, Charlotte and other surrounding cities will come out to support us because I know they’ll enjoy themselves.”

Murray gives kudos to Livingstone for introducing jazz and other types of music to the public. Not only was Cole on campus last year, but in 2011 the music department brought in renowned trumpet player Vinnie Ciesielski to participate in a historic jazz concert between Livingstone and Catawba students.

“I think it’s great that Livingstone is bringing groups to the college for the students to hear, because with all of the cuts in music education nationwide it’s a struggle simply trying to keep music programs going,” Murray said. “It’s a credit to Livingstone College that they continue to positively impact students and keep music alive, and I applaud them for that. I also think it’s really commendable during these tough economic times that the college is offering such good music to the public for free.”

What: Livingstone College presents “Jazz on the Lawn”

When: Thursday, April 18
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Honor Roll Spring 2012
Honor Roll Fall 2012
Dean’s List 2011-2012

By Laurie D. Willis

Assistant Director of Public Relations

The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) and Microsoft Research have awarded Livingstone College a $10,000 grant to introduce students to the industry that has revolutionized the world.

Professors in Livingstone’s Computer Information Systems Department and Bridge Program Director Sylvester Kyles, Jr. will collaborate on implementing the grant, largely through a course that focuses on engaging, project-driven, hands-on activities.

Dr. Kathryn J. Moland, Chairwoman of the CIS Department, said a special emphasis will be placed on ensuring a good number of female students are enrolled in the course – with good reason.

According to Rane Johnson-Stempson, Principal Research Director for Education and Scholarly Communications Programs at Microsoft Research Connections, “increasing the number of women choosing to study computing disciplines is critical to increasing women’s participation in the technical workforce…”

Johnson-Stempson said women earn more than half of all undergraduate degrees in the United States, including 45 percent of math degrees and 38 percent of chemical engineering degrees, but they earn only 18 percent of computing and information sciences degrees.

Dr. Moland said she’s excited about what the College will be able to do with the $10,000, especially with respect to women.

“We have seen an increase in the number of women enrolled in the CIS Department here at Livingstone; however, there is still much work to be done to further increase the number of women who select computing as a major and actually graduate with a computing degree,” Moland said. “It’s often said that technology is the wave of the future. It might be a cliché, but it’s also true, and we want Livingstone College to be a place that helps better position women for technology jobs.”

NCWIT is a national coalition of more than 350 prominent corporations, academic institutions, government agencies and non-profit organizations working to increase the participation of women in technology and computing. NCWIT’s work connects efforts to increase women’s participation in technology along the entire pipeline, from k-12 and higher education through industry, academic and entrepreneurial careers.

Livingstone has been awarded grant funds from NCWIT in the past, and the money has been used primarily to interest female students at Rowan County Schools, particularly Salisbury High School, in technology.

To Enter, submit a 500-700 word essay by February 9, 2013 on :
Why I chose my CIAA school OR What does attending a CIAA school mean to my community.

CIAA, Food Lion and Coca-Cola have launched an essay contest for our member institutions. They are giving away a total of $35,000 in scholarships to the winners. Four contestants will win $5,000 each, two tickets to the CIAA Basketball Tournament, two nights hotel accommodations, and $500 for traveling expenses. Fifteen contestants will win $1,000 each. This is a wonderful opportunity for students at Livingstone College. To enter please visit Food Lion/Coca-Cola Scholarship Contest. All students must enter by February 9, 2013.