The blueprint:
- SUNY Old Westbury appoints Carl Allen full-time professor of jazz
- A performing arts degree will return after 30 years at SUNY Old Westbury
- Carl Allen brings 40-plus years of jazz and educational experience
- The university plans to roll out the program in stages
A strategic effort is underway at SUNY Old Westbury to reintroduce a performing arts degree, the university’s largest investment in and focus on the arts in more than 30 years.
The initiative is part of the university’s focus on creating new opportunities for students pursuing performing arts studies and careers, as well as enriching campus life.
The university appointed Carl Allen, a jazz musician and music educator, as a full-time professor who will initially focus on bringing jazz music education and programs to SUNY Old Westbury.
“A comprehensive college education should provide students with opportunities to discover and develop their talents,” SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy Sams said in a news release about the initiative.
“Degrees in music, acting and theater allow students to perfect their artistic gifts while experiencing life and career paths that are meaningful,” added Sams. “The program will also enrich the campus community and strengthen cultural engagement for all associated with SUNY Old Westbury. We believe reintroducing the performing arts is an investment in the intellectual and social life of our campus.”
SUNY Old Westbury is rolling out the initiative in phases, including through engagement with students, faculty, alumni and community partners. The university has been evaluating facilities, programming opportunities and potential partnerships as it aims to develop a sustainable model.
“Our goal is to enrich the student experience through academic and extracurricular experiences that allow creativity to flourish,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Lanoue in a news release. “Performing arts courses and related activities encourage students to think critically, communicate, and work collaboratively. These skills are invaluable, regardless of a student’s field of study or career aspirations.”
Allen built on the initiative by adding a campus performing arts minor, while also creating a special jazz minor. The plan includes working with colleagues in the Visual Arts Department and academic leaders on campus to develop undergraduate degree programs for future student enrollment.
“Carl Allen brings a unique blend of artistic, entrepreneurial, and industry expertise that will be incredibly valuable as we develop our new performing arts degree offerings,” said Fred Millan, interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “His leadership and experience will prepare students not only to become artists, but also to build successful and sustainable careers.”
Allen is a drummer, sideman, bandleader, entrepreneur and educator, with over 240 recordings. For the past five years, he has been professor and director of Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri – Kansas City. Previously, he was the artistic director of Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School.
“I am excited to bring my 40-plus years of experience as a performing and recording artist and educator to the institution that welcomes me and the opportunity to implement an arts program,” Allen said in a news release. “It allows me to share my life experiences and the lessons I’ve learned from some of the musical masters like Benny Golson, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock and others.”
He noted the guidance he received from these masters and from Art Blakey, the legendary jazz drummer, band leader and founder of The Jazz Messengers, who told Allen that it was his duty to share his knowledge with the younger generation.
“We will work hard to educate, empower and encourage our students to succeed in becoming the best version of themselves,” Allen said. “We grow in community, not in isolation, and we want to build a community here that will allow students to fulfill their dreams with a commitment to learning, mentoring and building relationships.”
Allen has performed on Grammy-winning albums and with jazz legends, including Ron Carter and Freddie Hubbard. He has performed with Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Jennifer Holliday, JJ Johnson, Rickie Lee Jones, Sammy Davis Jr., Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett, Lena Horne, Ruth Brown, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson, Mike Stern, Nellie McKay, Terence Cherus Blanchard, Phil Woods, Benny Green, Joe Cyrus Child.
He founded Big Apple Productions and created Nella Productions, which offers workshop editions of The New York Jazz Symposium globally.
Performing arts used to be an integral part of campus life at SUNY Old Westbury.
The American Music, Dance and Theater Program began in 1971 and is led by music artists and educators including Makanda McIntyre, Charshee McIntyre, Warren Smith and Richard Harper.
“SUNY Old Westbury has a rich and vibrant history of the arts, jazz in particular,” Allen said. “I am honored and feel blessed to have the incredible opportunity to bring the arts back to our campus.”
The interdisciplinary program features a “multicultural” focus, making the university “one of the oldest jazz studies programs in the country.” Courses include music, acting, vocal performance, African dance and more. The program was closed in 1995 due to budget constraints.
Campus leaders believe the time is right to rebuild performing arts that complement the institution’s academic mission and increase student engagement.
“This announcement is the beginning of a journey,” Sams said. “We are focused on creating experiences for today’s students that broaden their horizons while carefully considering how the performing arts can support future growth and excellence.”