THE EXPRESS THE MUSIC CONTEST INVITES students from Trenton Central High School to channel their experience of hearing and interacting with world- class musicians on Princeton University Concerts’ series into their own creative expression. As part of Princeton University Concerts’ Neighborhood Project, an initiative in collaboration with Trenton Arts at Princeton that facilitates access to professional musicians for students across Trenton’s public schools, this year the contest asked students who interacted with Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero and American violinist Stefan Jackiw to reflect on their encounter through creative writing or visual arts. The performers visited the students at their school for an informal performance, Q&A, and participation in ensemble rehearsals and then invited them to attend their evening performance at Richardson Auditorium. The submissions presented in this booklet reflect the students’ reactions to the evening performances.
