The Jazz Loft Hosts Inauguration Celebration Featuring an Original Composition Honoring SBU’s Legacy

An original work composed by Stony Brook University Endowed Artist in Residence Thomas Manuel was performed at a special Inauguration Celebration April 16 at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook, providing a musical highlight to what has been a remarkable week celebrating the Inauguration of President Andrea Goldsmith.

Heritage - composed by Manuel to commemorate President Goldsmith's investiture as the seventh president of Stony Brook University - celebrates the rich artistic legacy of SBU over the past 60-plus years. It was performed by the Stony Brook University Jazz Orchestra, made up of undergraduate and graduate students, and was arranged by Rich DeRosa, the arranger for Jazz at Lincoln Center, the iconic WDR Big Band, and numerous other international artists.

Manuel, also The Jazz Loft's founder, said of the composition, "I wanted something that was celebratory and captured the excitement of where we are at as a university. I wanted musically for people to feel the energy and excitement of our incredible accomplishment as a flagship institution, the incredible potential of our diverse and creative student body, as well as the rich history we stand on."

Heritage begins with an opening chorale as a musical honor to Stony Brook's new president. As the chorale ends and the melody begins, the groove is quite African, acknowledging the roots of the musical tradition of jazz. A Brazilian groove (Baião) was created that incorporates that similar rhythm (a "Charleston" pattern) with more drums and an infectious drive. These elements celebrate the diversity of Stony Brook's musical tradition, highlighted by three DMA Jazz student soloists: Alex Soto, piano; Dario Chiazzolino, guitar; and Alejandro Espinosa, trombone.

"Thank you, Tom, for creating this incredible place, for bringing outstanding jazz to our Stony Brook and broader community, for engaging our talented students and faculty in projects with the Jazz Loft and for devoting your incredible energy, talent and vision to the success of this museum and performance space," Goldsmith said. "And I want to especially thank Tom for composing a special piece in honor of my inauguration. Having your creativity and composing brilliance captured for me in such a special way as part of my inauguration is meaningful beyond words. I've never had a piece of music composed in my honor, so I will truly treasure this gift forever."

Goldsmith was also presented a citation from the New York State Assembly by State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay of District 4.

The Stony Brook Jazz Orchestra is the Jazz Department's premier ensemble. The orchestra is representative of a crosscurrent of the university's student population with members hailing from over six different countries. A seventeen musician ensemble, the Jazz Orchestra ranges from students pursuing doctoral studies in Jazz to undergraduate and masters students studying physics, applied mathematics, and a variety of other majors.

Manuel is a jazz historian, music educator and cornet player who, in addition to his roles at the university and The Jazz Loft, is also the artistic director of the Loft School of Jazz and a member of the Huntington Arts Council Decentralization Advisory Committee. He has been actively involved with global educational outreach to Havana, Cuba, Monrovia, Liberia and Port Au Prince, Haiti. Manuel dedicates his professional efforts to both the preservation of Long Island's jazz history as well as presenting it to future generations.

Goldsmith concluded her remarks by emphasizing Stony Brook University's impact on the state and the local community. "Enhancing our community service and engagement is a part of our vision to bring Stony Brook University to new heights of excellence and impact across all dimensions of our mission, and to positively impact the lives of the people in our communities," she said.