Five years after launching the University's orchestra from the infant stages and beyond, orchestra conductor professor Murray Colosimo is leaving Seton Hall.
However, Colosimo is leaving behind an honorable legacy with his remarkable achievements in turning the classical instrument ensemble from a core group of five students in 2009 into a full-fledged orchestra today at over 50 students.
"It all started with a very modest beginning," Colosimo said "Only about seven students on an odd assortment of instruments, but they were eager, good players and loving it!"
This growth is no small feat, according to Dr. Dena Levine, Director of the music program, who said Colosimo has Seton Hall's best-kept secret in the orchestra with very little in the way of funding or facilities.
"What we are most grateful for, though, is not the size of the group, but the fact that all of the students who have worked with professor Colosimo have felt his investment in their growth as musicians and his love of working in music and with young people," said Levine.
Seton Hall had never had a classical instrument concert ensemble before Colosimo drafted the proposal for an orchestra, according to Levine.
"While it (the orchestra) is growing fast, it is still largely unknown to many Seton Hall students, so the potential for growth is great," said Colosimo.
Beyond music, the conductor has had a profound effect on shaping his students as people, not just musicians.
"He has infinite patience and genuinely loves to watch students learn," said Dr. Jason Tramm, assistant professor and director of Choral Activities. "He will be missed by the members of the music faculty and students in equal measure."
Colosimo plans to remain connected with Seton Hall and the many students he has conducted while he takes his conducting talents to the Julliard School where he is the principal orchestra conductor with the Music Advancement Program and will continue serving as the music director of the Bergen Sinfonia.
"If I had to sum up my experience at Seton Hall, it would be uplifting and rewarding," said Colosimo. "My fondest memories include reaching students and teaching more than music, teaching the whole human being and helping develop the person. I have developed lifelong relationships with students."
Brett Montana can be reached at brett.montana@student.shu.edu.
