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New Providence News

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October 2026 issue · Community news

Wharton Arts Program Debuts Student-Created Paterson Anthem

Wharton Arts' Paterson Music Project has premiered *Life in the Silk City*, an original song and music video created by more than 150 young musicians from across Paterson. Wharton Arts, which has locations in Berkeley Heights and New Providence, operates the Paterson Music Project as a music-education program centered on community learning and youth development.

Students of Wharton Arts' Paterson Music Project created and recorded an original anthem celebrating their city.
Students of Wharton Arts' Paterson Music Project created and recorded an original anthem celebrating their city. Courtesy of Wharton Arts

Over the past year, students ages 7 through 18 collaborated on lyrics, melodies, arrangements, rehearsals and a professional recording. The resulting video was filmed at locations throughout Paterson, including Great Falls National Historical Park, Hinchliffe Stadium, Eastside Park and the Paterson Museum.

Students also recorded at William Paterson University's studios, where university students served as audio engineers. The project was supported by a grant from PricewaterhouseCoopers and included contributions from Paterson public-school students and the Rosa L. Parks School of Fine and Performing Arts choir.

The video is available on Wharton Arts' YouTube channel. Learn more at whartonarts.org.

More than 150 young musicians contributed to the student-created song and music video.
More than 150 young musicians contributed to the student-created song and music video. Courtesy of Wharton Arts
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