Mercer Times

The College of New Jersey's Wind Ensemble and Choirs have been awarded The American Prize Ernst Bacon Memorial for the Performance of American Music. This recognition was given for their world-premiere performance of Rollo Dilworth’s “Weather: Stand The Storm,” which features text by Claudia Rankine.

The American Prize acknowledges talented artists, directors, ensembles, and composers across different levels including professional, college/university, community, and high school. TCNJ's ensemble won in the College/University Ensemble and Conductor division. ConcertoNet.com praised the choirs for their "superlative voices," while New York Arts noted they were "entirely in control."

Professor of Music and Director of Choirs John Leonard expressed his gratitude for the award. He stated, “This honor is all the more special for us knowing how much our student musicians poured their hearts and souls into learning and performing ‘Weather’.” Leonard highlighted that the piece resonates within the campus community where it originated.

The college hosted the world premiere of Dilworth’s arrangement in October 2021. Rankine’s poem inspired Dilworth to compose this work, reflecting on racial injustice during the COVID-19 pandemic and following George Floyd's murder.

Leonard emphasized that winning The American Prize fulfills a collective hope: “that it is truly making a lasting and significant positive impact on the struggle for justice and equity for ALL people across our nation.”

Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands Eric Laprade shared his pride in receiving this award. He remarked that it represents a point of pride not only for TCNJ but also for New Jersey as a whole.