On Saturday, March 28, The Noel Pointer Foundation presents the 2015 annual Fiddlefest fundraiser and concert!
An army of young NPF musicians from 28 different NYC schools will come together, for ONE DAY ONLY, to play their string instruments and showcase the past year's hard work.
The Fiddlefest is large part of continuing the legacy of former Bed-Stuy resident and world-renowned, Grammy-nominated jazz violinist and composer Noel Pointer. Born in 1954, Pointer made his solo debut performing Vivaldi with the Symphony of the New World Orchestra by the tender age of 13, followed by guest solo appearances with the Chicago Chamber Orchestra and Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
By age 19, his experience as a free-lance musician included continuous work in The Apollo Theatre Orchestra, The Unlimited Orchestra, The Westbury Music Fair Orchestra, TheRadio City Music Hall Symphony, The Love Unlimited Orchestra (US Tour), The Dance Theater of Harlem Orchestra, The Symphony of the New World Orchestra, and the pit orchestras of several Broadway shows, like Dreamgirls.
From 1977 to 1981, Pointer had recorded seven solo albums, four of which reached the top five jazz albums listed on Billboard's jazz charts. In 1981 Noel was nominated for the Grammy for Best R&B Instrumental Track. Pointer's reputation as a noted jazz musician and literary advocate garnered him honorary citizenship in cities across the United States. He served as a music advisory panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the United States Information Agency (USIA).
With all his esteem, Noel had affection for audiences in inner-city communities, where he loved to perform and bring his unique sounds of jazz. He also greatly enjoyed working with children and families. Noel believed that learning to play a string instrument is a transformative experience that advances children's lives.
The Noel Pointer Foundation, started by Noel Pointer's wife, Chinita, keeps his legacy, spirit and dream alive.
At Fiddlefest 2015, NPF students from across 28 schools around the borough will showcase their talents in the biggest festival of strings by students in the entire borough.
WHAT: Fiddlefest 2015
WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
WHERE: Prospect Heights High School, 883 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
HOW MUCH: $10 (General) / $5 (Children under 12)
Check out some of the pictures and the video from this year's Fiddlefest!
