Thank you to the EPEF and the Curt Patterson Memorial Fund for helping to provide an amazing opportunity for the 8th grade orchestra at FMS. The orchestra commissioned and gave the world premiere new piece of music composed by Dr. Steven L. Rosenhaus. Dr. Rosenhaus serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Composition at NYU Steinhardt’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions. The title of the piece is “Con el Viento” (“With the Wind”) and was premiered by the 8th grade orchestra at the Winter Concert on January 17, 2019. The title was created by 8th grade student and violist in the orchestra Jayden White. Before the premiere, Dr. Rosenhaus visited the students to rehearse the piece and provide valuable feedback. After the successful premiere, conducted by the composer, Dr. Rosenhaus visited the orchestra again to listen to original student compositions and give them insight into the work of a composer.
The commissioned piece “Con el Viento” was made possible through the Curt Patterson Memorial Fund and the Ewing Public Education Foundation. Heather Raub, who organizes the Curt Patterson Memorial Fund, described the mission of the fund:
“Curt Patterson is the late grandfather of Fisher Middle School’s 8th grade student Sierra Mitchell, and Antheil Elementary School’s 3rd grader AJ Raub. Curt, who grew up in Hopewell, NJ, loved music and theater. He played guitar and bass, and was at one point a disc jockey. Music was always a part of his life and he would have wanted to encourage the love and playing of music for anyone interested. It is through music that we keep his memory alive and that we donate the funds to help support the musical endeavors of the Fisher Middle School and the Ewing school district. It is an honor to contribute to such a unique experience.”
Thank you again to Heather Raub, and the EPEF for providing this unforgettable experience to our students.
Colleen M. Ferry
Orchestra Director
Fisher Middle School
‘I’m am so thrilled that we all made this happen! The kids had such a great experience and exposure to something they might not have had otherwise. It is so important to bring opportunity and possibility to the students.
Can’t wait for the next project Ms. Ferry!’
Heather Raub
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