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Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
In the 114th annual meeting of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) that concluded yesterday in Atlanta, North Carolina Central University received reaffirmation of its accreditation as a degree-granting institution of higher education. The next formal review will be conducted in 2019.
Chancellor Charlie Nelms said, “I’m obviously pleased that the Commission reaffirmed our accreditation. I want to thank the faculty and staff for their continuous commitment to teaching and learning and their diligent pursuit of means to enhance the quality and effectiveness of our programs.”
The university offered its self-evaluation to the Commission several months prior to SACS’ reaffirmation visit conducted April 14 – 16, 2009, by a team of administrators from peer institutions. Chaired by Dr. Velvelyn Foster, vice president for academic affairs and student life at Jackson State University, the team assessed NCCU’s compliance with the Association’s standards. They also evaluated the university’s required Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) titled Communicating to Succeed.
Subsequent to their assessment, Dr. Pauletta Bracy, NCCU’s director of accreditations, led the effort by campus faculty and staff to address the action items identified prior to the submission of the on-site team’s final status report to the Commission this fall.
“This process of reaffirmation has been a valuable exercise in our continued quest for excellence and it is especially significant as it falls during our centennial year,” said Bracy.
NCCU elected to focus its QEP on improving the quality of students’ oral and written communication skills. The university has begun to invest greater resources in its writing and speaking laboratories and to institute greater emphasis on these skills throughout the curricula.
Posted in Public Affairs | 5 Comments »
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
 Paul Laurence Dunbar Chambers, Jr. was born April 22, 1935, in Pittsburgh, P.A. and died January 4, 1969, in New York, N.Y. He was the son of Paul Laurence Chambers and Ann Dunbar and had two children named Renee and Eric.
Upon winning Down Beat magazine’s 1956 “New Star Award,” jazz bassist Paul Chambers entered the national spotlight as one of the finest young talents of the hard bop jazz scene. Best known for his eight-year tenure with Miles Davis, Chambers appeared as a guest recording artist with numerous musicians, including the debut albums of John Coltrane, Kenny Burrell, and Cannonball Adderly. His bass bow style was largely responsible for carrying forth the bowing approach pioneered by Jimmy Blanton, an early bassist with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and reintroducing the arco or bowed style as a featured technique in the modern jazz idiom.
While attending the Pittsburgh school system, Chambers took up music after one of his instructors selected him to play baritone horn. Following the death of his mother in 1948, Chambers went to live with his father in Detroit, where he switched to tuba and eventually pursued the study of the double bass. By 1952, he was receiving private lessons from a bassist in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and, while attending Cass Technical High School, played in the school’s symphony orchestra. During this time, Chambers’ formal symphonic training coincided with a strong interest in bebop jazz. “I started to listen to Charlie Parker and Bud Powell at age fifteen,” recalled Chambers in Down Beat. “At first I played along with records and I used to try to pick out some of the things Parker…would do.” As jazz critic Leonard Feather pointed out in the liner notes to the album Whim of Chambers, “Oscar Pettiford and Ray Brown, the first bassists [Chambers] admired, were followed in his book by Percy Heath, Milt Hinton and Wendell Marshall for their rhythm section work, Charles Mingus and George Duvivier for their technical powers and their efforts in broadening the scope of jazz bass. [Jimmy] Blanton, of course, is his all-time favorite.”
In 1955, Chambers went on tour with saxophonist Paul “Vice Pres” Quinchette. After his stint with Quinchette, he moved to New York and joined a group led by trombonists J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding. He then worked with pianist Benny Green’s combo and George Wallington’s group at Greenwich Village’s Cafe Bohemia–a unit comprised of saxophonist Jackie McLean, trumpeter Donald Byrd, and drummer Art Taylor. Soon after, McLean brought Chambers to the attention of Miles Davis, who was seeking a bassist for his quintet. “Everybody was raving about Paul,” recalled Davis in his memoir Miles.
By September of 1955, Rollins left Davis’ quintet and was replaced by Philadelphia-born saxophonist John Coltrane. In October of the same year, the newly formed quintet made their first recordings for Columbia while Miles was still under contract with Prestige. The group’s first issued album, recorded in November of 1955, emerged as a set of fine ballads entitled Miles. In his original review of the album, Nat Hentoff, as quoted in the book Milestones I, stated that Chambers “lays down a rhythm that could carry an army band.” The quintet subsequently recorded two 1956 sessions for Prestige which produced the albums Cookin’ and Relaxin’. In describing the former album in Hard Bop, David Rosenthal wrote, “Garland, Chambers, and Jones comprised one of the most cohesive rhythm sections in the history of jazz, a trio closely attuned to each other and to Davis and Coltrane.”
In March of 1958, Chambers and drummer Jimmy Cobb, along with pianist Tommy Flanagan, made up the rhythm section for the album Kenny Burrell and John Coltrane. Included on the album is Flanagan’s number Big Paul dedicated to Chambers. “Paul Chambers’ walking introduction to the tune,” observed Joe Goldberg in the album’s liner notes, “brings back an entire era. Flanagan and Cobb slip easily under him, as if they have all the time in the world.” After Philly Joe Jones left Davis’ band in May 1958, Cobb joined Davis’s quintet. In July and August of 1958, Davis and arranger Gil Evans brought in Chambers and tubaist Bill Barber to provide the low-end accompaniment for his orchestral jazz album Porgy and Bess. On the numbers The Buzzard Song and Bess, You Is My Woman Now, observed Barry Kernfield in The Blackwell Guide to Recorded Jazz, Chambers and Barber “are paired together, but not as bass instruments; instead they play a jumpy low-pitched melody” intended to blend with Evans’ score for the brass and woodwinds sections.
In 1960, Chambers continued his path as a studio musician. Within a ten-piece band setting, which included drummer Roy Haynes, he appeared on Oliver Nelson’s acclaimed MCA album Blues and the Abstract Truth. He also appeared on Art Pepper’s Gettin’ It Together and Hank Mobley’s Roll Call and Work Out, which found Chambers in the company of Wynton Kelly, Philly Joe Jones, and guitarist Grant Green.
In 1965, Chambers and drummer Art Blakey backed Hank Mobley for his album The Turnaround. In The Guide to Classic Recorded Jazz, Tom Piazza described the recording as “a strongly swinging set in which Mobley’s toughest edge is brought out.” Two years later, Chambers recorded several albums with saxophonist Sonny Criss and worked with pianist Barry Harris at New York’s West Boondock Club. After years of heavy substance abuse, Chambers died from tuberculosis on January 4, 1969.
Posted in Artist of the Month | 7 Comments »
Monday, November 30th, 2009
 Christmas will arrive at North Carolina Central University 19 days early with a bag filled with music for everyone. The University Choir will hold its annual Christmas concert, Sunday, December 6, 2009, at the B.N. Duke Auditorium, at 4 p.m.
The program will feature Christmas tunes from Argentina, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Brazil. The director of the University Choir, Richard Banks, says, “This is a wonderful holiday recital, which brings NCCU and the community together. We take the audience on a musical journey with our own rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas. In addition, the audience and family members will hear the youngsters from the W.G. Pearson and J.W. Neal Middle Schools, under the direction of Dolli Bradford.”
Banks says there will be a hymn, Leave Us Not, Holy Lord, sung in Yoruba; and three chorals from J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and a sing-along.
For additional information about the free holiday recital at the B.N. Duke Auditorium, Sunday, December 6, 2009, at 4 p.m., please contact Richard Banks, director of choral activities at NCCU, at (919) 530-6268.
Posted in Music News | 2 Comments »
Monday, November 30th, 2009
 If you like classical music, opera or the works of Bach and Mozart then consider a free performance of Magnificat, Ave Verum and Hallelujah at North Carolina Central University, Wednesday, December 2, 2009, at 7 p.m., in the B.N. Duke Auditorium, on Fayetteville Street in Durham.
Magnificat, also known as the Song of Mary, is a joyful song of praise and celebration usually sung during worship or even at Christmas. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was an admirer of Bach and crafted the sacred Ave Verum for a choir. The performance at NCCU will include Ludwig Von Beethoven’s Hallelujah. The Operatorio Performance Ensemble will feature the inaugural performance of NCCU’s Centennial Choir. The concert will incorporate other familiar pieces of music like Every Time I Feel the Spirit, Hold On and I’m Going Through.
For additional information about the free recital at the B.N. Duke Auditorium, Wednesday, December 2, 2009, at 7 p.m., please contact Richard Banks, director of choral activities at NCCU, at (919) 530-6268.
Posted in Music News | 5 Comments »
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
North Carolina Central University’s Staff Senate, Sodexo, the NCCU Academic Community Service Learning Program and WNCU 90.7 FM are collaborating to collect food donations to benefit the Durham Rescue Mission. They’re seeking help to feed hungry families during the holidays. On Friday, November 20, WNCU will broadcast live from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the McLean Parking Lot to fill NCCU vans with food. The lot is located on the corner of Nelson and Fayetteville Streets near the Alfonso Elder Student Union.
“We are a strong and compassionate group that cares about our students, faculty, and staff, but also, the community of which we are a part,” states Rebie Coleman, chair of NCCU’s Staff Senate. “During these tough economic times, we realize there is a tremendous need, so we’re calling on others to help us help them by donating food.”
The Durham Rescue Mission needs non-perishable food items including canned meats, canned vegetables, soups, sugar, coffee and tea to restock their pantries to feed hungry families in the community. On Thanksgiving Day, the Durham Rescue Mission hosts an annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner. They serve a free traditional thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, and give away free clothing and free groceries.
“We have been blessed to have mild weather but still we have had record attendance of 199 men, women and children staying at the mission this fall,” said Gail Mills, co-founder of the Durham Rescue Mission.
For additional information or how you can help, call Rebie Coleman at (919) 530-5369.
Posted in Public Affairs | Comments Off on NCCU Staff Reach Out to the Community
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
You’re Invited to the Jazz Ensemble Concert on Friday, November 20, 2009, at 8 p.m. in the B.N. Duke Auditorium, NCCU Campus.
Chancellor Nelms and Dr. Ira Wiggins invite you to an evening of legendary jazz. North Carolina Central University’s Jazz Studies Program presents the 10th Annual Fall Guest Artist Series featuring Saxophonist & Composer, Steve Wilson, and the NCCU Jazz Ensemble.
Reserve your ticket today. Visit the NCCU Ticket Office or call (919) 530-7946. Tickets are $15. For more information contact: Ira Wiggins, Director of Jazz Studies at (919) 530-7214 or the NCCU Department of Music at (919) 530-6319.
Can’t make the concert? Steve Wilson will give a master class and lecture on Friday, November 20, at noon in the B. N. Duke Auditorium, Jazz Band Room. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Posted in Music News | 6 Comments »
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
On Sunday, November 15, 2009, The Parrish Street Advocacy Group Programming Series presents The Legacy of Durham’s Black Wall Street and North Carolina Central University at 3 p.m. in the Hayti Heritage Center on Fayetteville Street.
Chancellor Charlie Nelms will provide greetings along with Mayor William “Bill” Bell and Dr. Kimberly Moore, manager of public relations, Affinity Group Marketing.
The keynote address will be presented by Dr. Walter Weare, associate professor emeritus of history, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Based on his research, Weare will present his perspectives on how John Merrick, Dr. Aaron Moore and C.C. Spaulding supported Dr. James E. Shepard’s efforts in founding NCCU. He will also discuss the relationship between C.C. Spaulding and Dr. Shepard during the political era of the1930s in seeking financial support for NCCU and other black educational initiatives.
A panel discussion, including a question and answer session, will follow the keynote address. Panel members will include Dr. Weare; R. Kelly Bryant, retired, North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and Mechanics & Farmers Bank; Dr. Beverly Jones, retired provost and professor of history, NCCU; and Brooklyn McMillon, retired university registrar and archivist, NCCU.
This event is free and open to the public.
Posted in Music News | 2 Comments »
Monday, November 9th, 2009
North Carolina Central University formally announced the unexpected selection of its Marching Sound Machine band for the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. Under the directorship of Jorim E. Reid, North Carolina Central University will take part in the famous New Year’s Day parade considered to be one of this country’s triple crown of marching band honors.
“There is Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Trophy for most outstanding college or university band, and the Tournament of Roses Parade,” said Reid. “The Rose Parade was in my 15-year plan. I didn’t intend to submit an application for another seven years.”
But Reid’s success over the course of his initial eight years as director at NCCU, particularly his band’s five consecutive appearances at the annual Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), gained the attention of Rose Parade officials. The rumor was that he should take a chance and apply.
Indeed, NCCU simultaneously announced the band’s selection, for the sixth year in a row, to perform at the HBOB Invitational Showcase scheduled for January 30, 2010, in Atlanta, Ga. The Georgia Dome concert likely will draw 60,000 fans to watch presentations by the eight historically black college or university (HBCU) bands that tallied the most votes out of a field of 45 contestants.
For the Tournament of Roses Parade, bands are selected based on their musicianship, marching ability, and showmanship. Reid emphasizes musicianship above all else. “It’s all about their skill as musicians,” said Reid. “We don’t want to blast our audience but rather, engage them with a high quality listening experience.”
Drum Major Donald Parker, III, a senior in music education, expressed his satisfaction that “the trials and tribulations we go through” had been rewarded.
Now, the band will ramp up practices and the university will gear up to raise the approximately $2,000 per student it will cost to attend the California events. Part of the Rose Parade experience for the musicians includes assistance with float preparation, and performance at Bandfest during the three days prior to New Year’s Day, 2011. For them, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. NCCU is precluded from applying again for another four years.
Posted in Public Affairs | 4 Comments »
Saturday, November 7th, 2009
On Thanksgiving night, Thursday the 27th, WNCU will broadcast a special evening of jazz masters.
At 7pm, Ken Grady will feature vocalists ranging from the early days of jazz up until the end of World War II.
AT 8pm, Piano Jazz, with host Marian McPartland, will continue as she interviews and plays duets with WNCU’s featured artist for November, McCoy Tyner. McCoy discusses his early influences, his time with Coltrane, and much more. Tyner has released nearly 80 albums under his name, earned four Grammy’s and was awarded Jazz Master from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2002.
At 9pm, WNCU will broadcast a program devoted to trumpeter, Harry Sweets Edison. Follow an in depth discussion of this jazz master and Basie alum with host Nancy Wilson from her Jazz Profiles series from NPR. Known as a masterful soloist, Edison had a distinctly spare yet bluesy approach. His career spanned a long stay with the original Count Basie band, as well as an even lengthier solo career.
That’s a Thanksgiving Night of Jazz Masters, starting at 7pm, on member supported radio, WNCU 90.7FM.
Posted in Music News | 3 Comments »
Saturday, November 7th, 2009
Well, you asked for it and now WNCU is going to deliver.
On Friday, November the 27th at 8pm, WNCU will re-broadcast the Mingus Big Band and Sun Ra Arkestra concert.
This two hour live broadcast from Duke University’s Page Auditorium originally aired on September 26th and through the kind cooperation of the Mingus Big Band, Sun Ra Arkestra, Duke Performances, and financial support from our members, WNCU can bring it to you again.
So in case you missed it, it’s not too late to hear this amazing evening of two of the top big bands gigging today.
That’s the re-broadcast of the Mingus Big Band and Sun Ra Arkestra on Friday November 27th at 8pm on your member supported WNCU, 90.7FM.
Posted in Music News | 3 Comments »
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