Neil Rogers, a senior media production major, directed a live music concert video of new-age composer Cal (Peter Calamera), which will air in high definition on PBS stations nationwide in January.
A list of stations, airdates and show times is available on the Cal Web site. The concert also aired in high definition on Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) in August 2007.
Rogers filmed the performance "Cal Forever and Beyond," during Cal's 2006 concert series. "Forever and Beyond" features 11 of Cal's favorite works from both his "Horizon" and "Forever" CDs as he leads his band and the Horizon Symphony Orchestra and Choir on a musical journey.
The concert also includes "Honour," Cal's tribute to soldiers and veterans. During production, Cal and Rogers received permission to film in Washington, D.C., at the National World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Wall for this special presentation.
Cal is a self-taught musician from Brooklyn and a former New York City police officer in Harlem's 32nd Precinct. His debut CD, "Horizon," was entered in the 2001 Grammy Awards under the category "Best New Age Album."
While filming the concert, Rogers also recorded personal interviews with Cal for an accompanying documentary about of his music, life, family and inspiration.
The documentary culminated as an independent study project in the Spring 2006 semester. David Donnelly, dean of the School of Communications, and Peter Sumby, associate director of the Ed McMahon Mass Communications Center, helped with filming and post production.
"Every single faculty member in the media production department took time to help me in some way," Rogers said. "I was teaching myself to edit and shoot in high definition and couldn't have done it without them and the help of my family."
"I know it sounds cliché, but I've always dreamed of having a piece on television," Rogers said. "No birthday or graduation can compare to this moment for me."
Rogers is the art director for the University's student-run television station Q30. He was photography editor for student-run newspaper, The Chronicle, his junior year.