Generous donation supports music students at New Paltz

NEW PALTZ – A donation from Gary and Janaki Patrik has established the Gary and Janaki Patrik Music Endowment, which will award scholarships to students pursuing a degree in music who have music related needs.

"We believe education is extremely important both for individuals and for society," said Patrik. "In these harsh economic times, we see more students in need of financial help to get through college. And, we are very impressed with the expertise, dedication and collegiality of the SUNY New Paltz Music Department faculty and the students who play."

Janaki Patrik is a fulltime professional Kathak (North Indian classical) dancer and Western modern dancer, choreographer, teacher and dance company director. Gary Patrik played the trumpet before graduate school and plays music regularly since he retired from his career as a mathematician.

Gary Patrik is in his fifth year playing in the SUNY New Paltz Symphonic Band and he plays in jazz chamber ensembles occasionally.

"We are deeply grateful to the Patriks for their generous gift," said Mary Hafeli, dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts "As an active musician himself, Gary has played trumpet in the jazz ensembles and in the Symphonic Band here on campus. Gary’s participation in our music events and activities makes this gift especially meaningful–both for him and for the students and faculty in the SUNY New Paltz music community."

The New Paltz Music Department is a part of the School of Fine & Performing Arts and has a large variety of liberal arts and professional courses to offer prospective students.

The music department’s series of performing ensembles for students include College-Youth Symphony, Symphonic Band, College-Community Chorale, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Collegium Musicum, and Chamber Jazz Ensembles. It offers an extensive series of on-campus concerts involving faculty members, guest performers, students and student ensembles.