The New Jersey Workshop for the Arts will celebrate a milestone with its 45th Anniversary Around the World Brunch on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 12 pm at Snuffy’s Pantagis Renaissance at 250 Park Avenue in Scotch Plains.
Founded in 1972 by Dr. Ted Schlosberg, who had been a music teacher in the Westfield Public Schools, the Workshop was a response to parent and student interest in offering options for children to pursue their musical development throughout the summer. Dr. Schlosberg devised a five-week program, the Westfield Band- Orchestra-Chorus Summer Workshop, which was first held at Westfield High School and alternately at both Edison and Roosevelt Intermediate Schools.
The following year, the program grew to encompass musical theater and eventually drama and dance. By 1974, fine arts and crafts were added and succeeding years saw the inclusion of creative courses in language, writing, special interests and pre-school classes.
Always interested in fostering a love of music, Dr. Schlosberg began private instrumental lessons in his home in 1980. In time, he had enough students to look for more room and acquired teaching and office space on Route 22 West in Mountainside. Dr. Schlosberg saw how both children and adults were interested in pursuing their musical interests year-round and, in 1989, he founded the Music Studio, which was then located in an office building on South Avenue in Fanwood. The number of students grew and, in 1993, the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts moved into its present home at 150 East Broad Street in Westfield and eventually also took over number 152 East Broad Street as well.
Over these past 45 years, the NJWA has enrolled students of all ages in its many programs, bands, ensembles and orchestras. The dedicated staff and individual and corporate sponsors, who have donated their time, expertise and finances, have helped thousands of people be exposed to artistically creative experiences.
This March 12 celebration will feature music by various musical groups among them the Florian Schantz Jazz Combo, the International Alphorn Ensemble and a special Gala Orchestra, comprised of the members of the Wednesday Morning Strings and the Saturday Afternoon Orchestras. The event will include fine food and (above) Music by the Florian Schantz Jazz Combo will be featured at the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts 45th Anniversary Around the World Brunch on March 12, 2017. children’s activities, face painting, balloon twisting and caricature drawing. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the NJWA Scholarship Fund. This arts program is made possible in part by a HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
To obtain a ticket for the 45th Anniversary Around the World Brunch, or to make a donation, please call 908-789-9696 or visit the NJWA office at 150-152 East Broad Street in Westfield.
The New Jersey Workshop for the Arts is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Log on to www.njworkshopforthearts.com to visit the web site for more information about the organization.
(above) Music by the Florian Schantz Jazz Combo will be featured at the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts 45th Anniversary Around the World Brunch on March 12, 2017.
