Recently students from the music program of the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY), the only CUNY campus represented in WBGO’s JAM series this year, came into the WBGO Studios in Newark, New Jersey for a taping of a special performance by their Guitar Ensemble. The ensemble, consisting of Jacquelyn Elisabeth Miranda- (Voice/Guitar), Jamil Eddison Laguerre (Voice/Rap), Amaree Jael Aadaire Bowen (Guitar), Carlos Jose Guaba castillo Jr (Guitar), Michael O'Donnell (Guitar), Andres Victor Tapia (Guitar), Jason Cuzco (Guitar), Leonardo Erasmo Tapia (Guitar), Jordan D Ellis (Voice/Guitar), Mario Antonio Hernandez (Guitar), Gabriel Sam Kerolle (Piano), Stephen Ballantine Howard (Bass) and Arthur Driscoll (Drums), is led by Music Dept. professor Quentin Angus, Faculty Director and an established musician in his own right.
“It is important for students to work towards things that have meaning and real-world applications,” says Professor Angus. “It pushes students to do their best. Recording at WBGO 88.3FM is an example of this, a highlight they will never forget from their time at BMCC.”
Appearing in this series in the coming weeks during Jazz Appreciation Month are ensembles from Newark Arts High School, William Paterson University, New York University, Julliard School of Music and more to come from CUNY’s Guitar Ensemble.
Watch their performance of “Windbreaker” above.
Funding for this series was made possible by a generous grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.