INFORMATION FOR
The William Paterson University New Music Series will host the film premiere of Ringing Changes: 50 Years of New Jersey Percussion Ensemble on Monday, November 19, at 7 and 9 p.m. The documentary by Payton MacDonald, William Paterson professor of music, will be screened at Hobart Hall in Room 140A on campus. It is free and open to the public.
Ringing Changes chronicles the development and five-decade history of the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, in residence at William Paterson University, with extensive interview footage from members of the group including founder Ray DesRoches, composers Charles Wuorinen, Robert Pollock, David Saperstein, and others. The film also includes historical footage and new performances.
The New Jersey Percussion Ensemble has been on the forefront of the percussive arts since 1968. Peter Jarvis, longtime adjunct music professor and Payton MacDonald are co-directors of the ensemble. Numerous pieces have been written for, premiered by, and recorded by the ensemble. The New Jersey Percussion Ensemble has appeared in the United States and Europe as guests of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the San Francisco Symphony, the Gaudeamus Foundation, Radio Denmark, Composers Concordance and countless others. The group can be heard on Nonesuch, Composer’s Recording Inc., Music and Arts, Koch International, Desoto, New World, NAXOS, the Composers Guild of New Jersey, Capstone and other recording labels.
Payton MacDonald is a musician, filmmaker, and ultra-endurance cyclist in addition to his work as a music professor at William Paterson. MacDonald’s films and music videos focus on the extreme and the avant-garde. His first documentary film, Sonic Divide, was accepted in six international film festivals and won “Best Documentary” at the Helper Utah Film Festival and an “Honorable Mention” at the Backpackinglight.com film festival. It was also screened dozens of times at festivals, universities, art galleries, and cycling events.
For more about the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble and a trailer for the documentary “Ringing Changes,” visit njpercussionensemble.com.
