The Alexandria Student Life Office invited Galen Abdur-Razzaq to speak about the “History of Women in Jazz” and give a performance of “Notes at Noon.” Abdur-Razzaq is a talented flutist from Montclair, New Jersey, who has performed both domestically and internationally for more than 30 years. He is also an arranger, composer, director, educator and writer. Abdur-Razzaq’s interactive lecture highlighted the significant contribution of women in jazz such as Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Mary Lou Williams and Anita O’Day.

Faculty, staff and students were encouraged to participate and were given the opportunity to win jazz CDs for their participation. After the lecture, the audience was invited to stay for a performance with local jazz musicians Amy Shook and Frank Russo. Shook plays the upright bass in a trio with Russo who plays the drums. Together with Abdur-Razzaq they performed a number of jazz classics.