This is one in a series of blog posts featuring each member of The Presser Foundation’s Board and Committee. These individuals come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences but have one trait in common—they love music. Keep an eye out for the series to learn more about each member, their background, and why they…
The multitalented Paul Robeson excelled as a vocalist, civil rights advocate, performer on stage and screen, and professional football player. Several years ago, the renovation of Robeson’s Philadelphia residence, where he spent his final decade, received seed funding through a grant from The Presser Foundation. Though historic home restoration falls outside the Foundation’s usual scope,…
Graduate Music Fellow Daniel Jackson For three years, The Presser Foundation has hosted a graduate music student fellowship where the Fellow attends and writes about grantee performances/programs. This work increases the Foundation’s transparency, amplifies grantee partners, and gives the Fellow the opportunity to learn about music organizations, connect with leaders in the field, and contribute…
By Daniel Jackson, Graduate Music Fellow On Sunday, December 15th, I walked along S. Broad Street, filled with excitement as I approached what I lovingly call “the House that Tindley Built”—Tindley’s Temple—experiencing it for the first time. A century ago, Rev. Dr. Charles A. Tindley referred to this sanctuary as “God’s Cathedral” during its construction.…
Image: Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey educational programming (top) and community concert (bottom) By Jill Aguayo, Executive Director, Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey For the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (CPNJ), classical music is more than a performance—it’s a mission to revitalize and uplift the Trenton community, our home. As one of the few orchestras…
Isla Coronado received the 2023-24 Undergraduate Scholar Award from Texas A&M University, Kingsville. Here, we share why she was selected to be a Presser Scholar. Isla was named the first Presser Scholar at Texas A&M University, Kingsville, a Hispanic-Serving Institution where she studied Music with a double concentration in Performance and Education. Dr. Elizabeth Janzen, Associate Chair…
By Daniel Jackson, Graduate Music Fellow Monday, November 4th, 2024, before dawn. Due to my PhD study habits, I often fall asleep on the couch. The alarm on my cell phone unceremoniously brought me out of my slumber on my living room couch. During these early hours of the morning, I often meander through social…
By Daniel Jackson, Graduate Music Fellow Encouraging. Inspiring. Liberating. Thought-provoking. My heart is full…You had to be there. If The Presser Foundation allowed it, this review of the Elevate Vocal Arts’ (EVA) Bent, But Not Broken (BBNB) Conference would be as short as the preceding statement. Alas, this transformative conference deserves a more robust description.…
By Abby Rolland During the fall Next Movement Idea Forum, The Presser Foundation traditionally invites an external organization to share insights and explore opportunities with attendees. In 2022, DiverseForce presented its DiverseForce on Boards program, while in 2023, Candid showcased its Seals of Transparency and Demographics through various Candid programs. This year, New Music USA…
This is one in a series of blog posts featuring each member of The Presser Foundation’s Board and Committee. These individuals come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences but have one trait in common—they love music. Keep an eye out for the series to learn more about each member, their background, and why they…