Lunchtime Woodwind Concert with Students from NYU Steinhardt

In its original form, Umoja, the Swahili word for Unity and the first principle of the African Dispora holiday Kwanzaa, was composed as a simple song for women’s choir. It embodied a sense of ‘tribal unity’, through the feel of a drum circle, the sharing of history through traditional “call and response” form and the repetition of a memorable sing-song melody.

Umoja has seen the creation of many versions that are like siblings to one another, similar in many ways, but each with a unique voice that is informed by Valerie Coleman’s ever evolving creativity and perspective. For this performance, each of the solo pieces will represent different countries.

Genesis Acosta is a flutist originally from California. She earned her undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach, where she studied under Dr. John Barcellona. Active as both a performer and educator in the Los Angeles area, Genesis has shared her passion for music with diverse communities. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in flute performance at New York University, where she studies with Dr. Meghan Bennett.

Andrew Auchstetter, a Chicago native, is pursuing his master’s in Woodwind Doubling at NYU. He performs with the NYU Broadway Orchestra, Orchestra, and Wind Symphony, and holds a degree from Indiana University. He is active as a musical theatre, orchestral, and jazz performer.

Min-Hyuk (Raphael) Jang is a flutist, conductor, and composer dedicated to both performance and musical leadership. He began playing the flute in fifth grade and currently studies under Dr. Meghan Bennett at NYU. He has performed in prestigious halls such as Carnegie Hall and Boston Symphony Hall and still is actively engaged in both ensemble and solo performances.

Saqtiel Orozco-Pedroza is a flutist and piccoloist dedicated to both traditional and contemporary repertoire. With experience in orchestral, chamber, and solo performance, they bring versatility and depth to a wide range of musical settings. Saqtiel is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree at New York University.

Natalie Spitzer, flutist, attends NYU as a music performance major. She has performed with the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra and studied at the Académie Musicale d’Evian in France. Natalie has played in chamber groups, flute ensembles, chamber orchestras, and musical theater pits, where she has enjoyed playing clarinet and saxophone, in addition to flute.

Sebastian Penso Stegemann is a performing artist, music educator, and business administrator. He is currently pursuing his master’s in Flute Performance at NYU, studying with Dr. Meghan Bennett. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Flute Performance and minor in business administration from Baylor University, studying with Dr. Charlotte Daniel.

Baltimore-born flutist Iman Williams began their musical journey with TWIGS and the Peabody Conservatory Preparatory Program, and earned a Bachelor of Music from Virginia Commonwealth University. A Frances Blaisdell Scholarship recipient and former Baltimore City Public Schools educator, Iman brings heart, passion, and artistry to every stage.

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All programs are subject to change or cancellation. Images courtesy of the performers and NYU.

Assistive Listening and ASLASL interpretation and real-time (CART) captioning available upon request. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance by emailing YWNjZXNzaWJpbGl0eSB8IG55cGwgISBvcmc=.

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