Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Paul Brown is an adjunct lecturer at Borough of Manhattan Community College and an alumnus of Essentially Ellington, having competed with Newark Academy. In high school, jazz was his team sport. Like any great team, his school’s jazz ensemble, Chameleon, worked collaboratively year after year toward selection for Essentially Ellington, dedicating countless hours to preparation, performance, and excellence. The ensemble shared the pride of a job well done and drew inspiration from their “coach” and band director, Julius Tolentino.
In this month’s Alumni Spotlight, Paul reflects on his Essentially Ellington experience, his enduring appreciation for jazz, and the surprising connections between jazz and chemistry.
Are you a JALC Alumni? Join the network at jazz.org/alumni
Paul Brown is an adjunct lecturer at Borough of Manhattan Community College and an alumnus of Essentially Ellington, having competed with Newark Academy. In high school, jazz was his team sport. Like any great team, his school’s jazz ensemble, Chameleon, worked collaboratively year after year toward selection for Essentially Ellington, dedicating countless hours to preparation, performance, and excellence. The ensemble shared the pride of a job well done and drew inspiration from their “coach” and band director, Julius Tolentino.
In this month’s Alumni Spotlight, Paul reflects on his Essentially Ellington experience, his enduring appreciation for jazz, and the surprising connections between jazz and chemistry.
Are you a JALC Alumni? Join the network at jazz.org/alumni
