FEBRUARY 12, 2023 - "Culture Sounds: African American Music in Song"
West Islip Symphony Orchestra
At the Carriage House at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park
440 Montauk Hwy, Great River, NY 11739
All concerts are FREE; a $5 suggested donation is welcome.
Concert starts at 1 PM
Doors Open & Sign-In at 12:15 PM
All attendees must be signed in prior to seating.
Seating is first come, first served.
Doors open for full seating at 12:45 PM
Join the West Islip Symphony Orchestra as they begin a month-long celebration of the achievements of Black composers and writers throughout the history of music. "Culture Sounds" will feature several members and friends of the orchestra in performances that span from classical to ragtime, pop, and even doo-wop music.
PAUL LITTLE serves as the assistant conductor of the Island Symphony, and is the current Music Director and conductor of the West Islip Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 2018, after appearing as a guest conductor of the West Islip Symphony, since 2013.
A conducting student of Timothy Topolewski, Mr. Little graduated from the Crane School of Music in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in music education. He received a Master's Degree in Music Technology from Five Towns College in 2007. In addition to his studies with Dr. Topolewski, Mr. Little's activities at Crane were varied and diverse - as a violinist studying under Joan Harea, he was one of the original members of El Norte Tropicale, the school's Latin Jazz ensemble. Mr. Little also performed with the Crane Symphony Orchestra at the 2000 Goodwill Games Opening Ceremonies and with the Crane Handbell Choir at Crane Christmas Convocations. In his career, he has performed alongside electric violinist Mark Wood, as well as with such acts as Joe Piscopo, Linda Eder, Bruce Hornsby, and Edwin McCain.
Mr. Little is the recipient of the 2015 Town of Islip Black History Distinguished Service Award. He is currently a private teacher of violin, viola, and cello, which he has done for over 15 years. He previously taught orchestra and music theory in the North Babylon and Valley Stream Central School Districts. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the West Islip Symphony and Island Symphony, and is the current President of the Northport Symphony Orchestra.
