emeritus
j. leonard oxley (1994-2016)
arranger/orchestrator/pianist
J. Leonard Oxley was NJTAP Music Director for 22 years. Prior
to his long endearing relationship with the company, Mr. Oxley
had a career in Musical Theatre that spanned 70 years. Early in
his career, he was the Music Director at Harrisburg Community
Theater in Harrisburg, PA. He was a protégé of esteemed
Broadway composer Luther Henderson. His Broadway,
Off-Broadway, National and International credits include Aint
Misbehavin, Black and Blue, Big Deal, Jelly’s Last Jam, Hello
Dolly, Sophisticated Ladies, Play On! Andre Heller’s
Wonderhouse, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the
Forum and I Do! I Do!. An extraordinary artist who trained at
Julliard, he accompanied and worked with some of theater’s most celebrated artists, including Gregory Hines, Andre DeShields, Savion Glover, Mercedes Ellington, Phylicia Rashad, Nell Carter, Polly Bergen, Carol Channing, Mary Martin an Robert Preston. During his years with NJTAP he not only arranged and orchestrated stellar music for the company, he was a consultant, mentor, and teacher. He also assisted Deborah Mitchell, the company’s Artistic Director in developing a new musical work called Cindy! He was recognized by his peers as one of the finest musicians in the industry. He received numerous awards and citations including a nomination in 2001 for the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Musical Direction of Play On! Gone but not forgotten.
barbara s. hoffman
board chair emeritus
New Jersey Tap Ensemble is proud to acknowledge and give special thanks to the work of Barbara S. Hoffman, Board Chair Emeritus. Mrs. Hoffman served the organization for 16 years. She served as board chair for 12 years and continues to support and advise the organization as it advances its mission to serve the artists and residents of our great state. Her unwavering commitment and belief in the organization’s mission is best stated in her own words:
“It has been my pleasure to serve this organization
and all the talented people associated with it for
many years. They have all earned my respect
and admiration. They have promoted the art form
of rhythm tap and brought an acute awareness
to its beauty and history”.
the jaqua foundation
major funder
The Jaqua Foundation was in the forefront in providing major funding support to the work of New Jersey Tap Ensemble. The Foundation’s continuous support is especially appreciated in the area of Arts Education. Thousands of school children and those with special needs throughout the state have benefited from the generous support of this great Foundation.