By Felicia L. Niven
The first notes didn’t just fill the room — they sparked curiosity.
As the musicians of the Bay Atlantic Symphony took their places, a quiet buzz of anticipation rippled through the audience at the Stockton Performing Arts Center. For hundreds of local students, this was more than a field trip. It was an invitation to discover something entirely new: how music actually works.
From the very first piece, the performance unfolded like a conversation. Musicians demonstrated how individual instruments create unique sounds, then layered them together to show how a full symphony comes to life. A single violin line swelled into a rich tapestry as woodwinds, brass, and percussion joined in, each section adding depth, color, and emotion. For many, it was their first time experiencing a live orchestra.
This is the Schultz-Hill Foundation in action — bringing the arts alive in meaningful, memorable ways that open young minds to new worlds. In this performance, music director and conductor Jed Gaylin guided students through the building blocks of sound — rhythm, melody, harmony — turning what might seem abstract into something tangible and exciting. At times, he paused to break things down, inviting the students to listen closely. At others, students became part of the performance itself, clapping along to rhythms or responding to cues from the stage.
The "Meet the Artist" program is a cornerstone of the Schultz-Hill Foundation’s mission to promote arts, history, and education throughout South Jersey. “By introducing students to live performance and giving them the chance to interact with professional musicians, dancers, and artists, we hope to help them gain a deeper appreciation for the arts,” said Gary Hill, co-founder of the Schultz-Hill Foundation. “At the same time, we may be planting the seeds that might inspire the next generation of talent.”
And it’s not just students who benefit. Schultz-Hill also supports the arts for seniors through its Senior Music Series, and funds local arts initiatives through its DINA scholarships and grants. Past recipients include the Atlantic City Arts Foundation, MudGirls Studios, Historic Cold Spring Village, the Atlantic City Ballet, and the Atlantic City Theater Co. All of this is made possible by a single annual event — one unforgettable evening that fuels a year of inspiration.
Mark Your Calendar: Summer in the Sixties
This summer, the Schultz-Hill Foundation is turning back the clock — and turning up the volume. Mark your calendar for July 31, 2026, when the annual benefit concert returns to the Superstar Theater at Resorts Casino Hotel with Summer in the Sixties, featuring the high-energy tribute band Sixtiesmania and special guest performers. Known as one of the premier ’60s tribute acts in the country, Sixtiesmania delivers an electrifying journey through one of music’s most iconic decades.
From the British Invasion sounds of The Beatles to the rebellious edge of The Rolling Stones, the soulful grooves of Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the sun-soaked harmonies of The Beach Boys, the performance captures the spirit, energy, and cultural heartbeat of a generation. Expect a night filled with hit after hit — music that defined an era and still gets audiences on their feet today.
Resorts Casino Hotel is the presenting sponsor, with President Mark Giannantonio and Mrs. Susan Giannantonio serving as honorary chairs of the Celebrity Committee. Sponsorships start at $500 and VIP tickets with a Greet & Meet are $175. All proceeds benefit the Schultz-Hill Foundation, providing an opportunity for individuals and businesses to help bring transformative arts experiences to schools, senior centers, and neighborhoods across South Jersey.
Whether it’s a child discovering the symphony for the first time or a senior singing along at a concert, the Schultz-Hill Foundation continues to prove that the arts don’t just entertain — they connect, inspire, and transform. For more information, visit schultz-hill.org.
