Wynton Marsalis Delivers Commencement Speech and Performance
Loading...
Uploaded by NorthwesternU on Jun 29, 2009
Northwestern's 151st commencement looked to be a washout early in the day. But as the thunderstorms of June 19 passed and the skies finally brightened, graduates and guests enjoyed an abbreviated ceremony highlighted by internationally renowned musician Wynton Marsalis.
After joking about being "appropriate to the situation" -- many portions of the event were shortened as an evening storm rolled in -- Marsalis read from just the first and last pages of his prepared remarks.
Marsalis urged members of the class of 2009 to soak up the moment, reminding them of all they have accomplished in donning the cap and gown.
"This evening, graduates, you fulfill the promise of this university's legacy, justify the optimism of your ancestors, reward the investment of your parents, deepen a kinship with your peers and provide inspiration for younger generations who will benefit from your example," he said.
The Ryan Field crowd cheered loudest when Marsalis pulled out his trumpet and peformed The Second Line," a traditional New Orleans tune inviting everyone to dance at the end of a concert. Professor Victor Goines, director of jazz studies, accompanied on saxophone.
Marsalis received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree. He was among seven distinguished individuals to receive an honorary degree.
http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2009/06/speech.html
- 21 likes, 0 dislikes
-
Link to this comment:
- 7:50A FOGGY DAY Wynton Marsalisby nocchiare17,976 views
Featured Video
- 8:37Founders' Day Slide Show 2012by NorthwesternU11 views
- 15:10Welcome to Work at Northwestern Universityby NorthwesternU140 views
- 1:35Share Your Favorite Northwestern Photos for Fou...by NorthwesternU853 views
- 2:22Environmental Advocacy Centerby NorthwesternU71 views
- 9:49Alfredo "Chocolate" Armenteros & Wynton Marsali...by chegodoy10,549 views
- 9:04Arts Advocacy Day: Wynton Marsalisby americansforthearts4,494 views
- 8:25Wynton Marsalis 1998 Commencement Speechby uscita002,589 views
- 3:10Portrait of Louis Armstrong - Wynton Marsalisby MrBosnian7885,426 views
- 6:33Wynton Marsalis Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2002by largsfairlie115,663 views
- 8:28Wynton Marsalis Speaking at the Bienen School o...by davey6585679 views
- 3:45Wynton Marsalis Carnival Of Veniceby leatherlips1,235,075 views
- 3:04Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Flirt Failby PoisonedVideos2,190,827 views
- 1:31The Classical Side of Wynton Marsalisby burger41422,471 views
- 5:13Wynton Marsalis Performing With The LCOby BearBrass10054,556 views
- 3:02Wynton Marsalis - Portrait of Louis Armstrongby leoshephard356,480 views
- 3:13Wynton Marsalis - Bourbon Street Paradeby WyntonMarsalisVEVO85,963 views
- 1:10ICONOCLASTS Season 3: Wynton Marsalis + John B...by sundancechannel9,598 views
- 8:23Wynton Marsalis Playing Happy Birthdayby leatherlips437,776 views
- 2:53Predicting Social Security Numbersby CarnegieMellonU6,288 views
Unbelievably good. great speaker and performer.
grunder20 2 weeks ago
he sang well.. nice speech too...
thegreeensky 2 months ago
Everybody should watch this. Such a wonderful speech and playing. Really surviving music in that blues, as Wynton says.
rasandmusic 1 year ago
Lawd, these people can't even clap! lol
TrixieRix 2 years ago
those NU squares are clapping on 1 and 3 for a blues LOL
Giantreed 2 years ago