Alumni Relations

Schedule – Eastman Weekend 2008

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October 16-19, 2008


FULL SCHEDULE — last updated 10.01.08

To view the schedule of events, including descriptions, please select a day below. Times and locations are subject to change.


Thursday (10/16)  •  Friday (10/17)  •  Saturday (10/18) •  Sunday (10/19)  •  Monday (10/20)


Wednesday, October 15

Due to an overwhelming response to the Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative Festival, the inaugural concert of the Craighead-Saunders organ on Thursday, October 16, is at capacity. However, the EROI Festival has arranged a special preview just for the Eastman Community (including alumni). The evening will include a presentation about the research project and portions of the inaugural concert program, including performances by Eastman organ faculty members Hans Davidsson, David Higgs, and William Porter; and Harald Vogel, Professor of Organ at the Hochschule für Künste in Bremen (Germany).

EROI: The Craighead-Saunders Organ Inaugural Concert
Special Performance for the Eastman Community
Wednesday, October 15, 7:30 p.m.
Christ Church, 141 East Avenue
FREE—tickets are not needed


Thursday, October 16

1:00 pm –

5:00 pm

EROI: Registration
4:00 pm –

6:00 pm

EROI: Symposium: Celebrating the Legacies of David Craighead and Russell Saunders
5:00 pm-

8:00 pm

Eastman Weekend Registration & Welcome Center

Pick up your registration packet and the complete schedule.

6:00 pm –

7:00 pm

EROI: Reception and book signing
7:30 pm –

9:00 pm

EROI: The Craighead-Saunders Organ Inaugural Concert

Hear the debut of the Craighead-Saunders Organ, a scientific reconstruction of a 1776 instrument built by Adam Gottlob Casparini for the Holy Ghost Church in Vilnius, Lithuania. Performers include Harald Vogel, David Higgs, Hans Davidsson, William Porter, Christ Church Schola Cantorum, and the Boston Early Music Festival Chamber Players.

This event is sold out.

9:00 pm –

10:00 pm

EROI: Dean’s Reception

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Friday, October 17

8:15 am-
5:00 pm
EROI: Registration
8:45 am –
12:00 pm
EROI: Symposium: Johann Sebastian Bach and the Organ
10:00 am –
11:15 am
Slater Society College: In Good Company: A Conversation with Eastman Opera Professor Benton Hess
Benton Hess, Distinguished Professor of Voice at the Eastman School and music director of Eastman Opera Theatre, has dedicated his career to developing and refining the talents of young vocalists around the world. He has worked with some of the opera world’s greats, including Nicolai Gedda, Eleanor Steber, and Renée Fleming ’83E (MM). Join Professor Hess and Eastman’s aspiring students as they share insights, skill, and passion for one of the world’s most enduring art forms. Students also will perform some favorite arias. Opera lovers (and those soon to be!) don’t want to miss this lively and interactive insider’s look into the intriguing and competitive world of opera.
10:30 am –
11:30 am
Eastman Campus Tour
Eastman has grown to encompass nearly all of Gibbs Street and more. Tour includes the School’s main building, Messinger Hall, Miller Center, and the Student Living Center. Tours begin Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm; Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
12:00 pm –
8:00 pm
Eastman Weekend Registration & Welcome Center
Pick up your registration packet and the complete schedule.
12:00 pm –
1:00 pm
EROI: Lunch Buffet
Noontime Lunch on your own
The Eastman campus is surrounded by restaurants, from diners and pizza joints to pan-Asian and Mediterranean bistros.
12:30 pm-
2:30 pm
Jazz Department Open House
The Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media department will present student performers and discussion of recent successes and initiatives.
1:00 pm –
2:30 pm
EROI: Recital featuring Distinguished Eastman Alumni: Roberta Gary and Larry Smith
1:30 pm –
2:30 pm
Professor Vincent Lenti previews his forthcoming second volume of the Eastman history, including a reading of the chapter entitled “A New Dormitory for Men and Student Life in Rochester: 1955-1964.”
1:30 pm –
2:30 pm
Eastman Campus Tour
Eastman has grown to encompass nearly all of Gibbs Street and more. Tour includes the School’s main building, Messinger Hall, Miller Center, and the Student Living Center. Tours begin Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm; Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
2:30 pm –
4:00 pm
EROI: The 2008 Glenn E. Watkins Lecture
The Bach Expedition: New Biographical and Musical Discoveries
Christoph Wolff, Adams University Professor at Harvard University, discusses recent discoveries and developments in Bach research. This annual lecture is supported by an endowment from Glenn E. Watkins ’53E (PhD).
3:30 pm –
4:30 pm
Memories! Voices from the Past!
Arlene Cohen Stein (BM ’57, MM ’71) will bring to life the ghosts of Eastman’s faculty during the 1950s with her latest book, My Eye of the Apple.
3:30 pm –
4:30 pm
Eastman Campus Tour
Eastman has grown to encompass nearly all of Gibbs Street and more. Tour includes the School’s main building, Messinger Hall, Miller Center, and the Student Living Center. Tours begin Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm; Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
3:45 pm –
5:25 pm
Eastman Philharmonia/Wind Ensemble Rehearsals
4:00 pm –
6:30 pm
EROI: The Central German Organ in its Eighteenth Century Context
5:00 pm –
6:30 pm
Music Entrepreneurship at Eastman: What is This All About and Why Do We Care?
Of late, one hears the word “entrepreneurship” bandied about in music circles with increasing frequency. Please join Senior Associate Dean for Professional Studies, Ramon Ricker, in a discussion of this latest buzz word–how it relates to the music profession in general and Eastman in particular.
5:30 pm –
7:30 pm
Open Rehearsal: Eastman Community Music School Kaleidoscope Community Orchestra
Enjoy listening to a unique community orchestra in the newly renovated Messinger Hall.
6:30 pm –
7:45 pm
Eastman Weekend Kickoff Reception
Join Dean Douglas Lowry and alumni, parents, students, faculty, friends, and families to share conversation, cocktails, and hearty hors d’oeuvres.
6:30 pm-
8:00 pm
EROI: Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative Gala Concert
Christ Church Schola Cantorum (Stephen Kennedy, director and Eastman faculty member) and members of the Boston Early Music Festival Chamber Players (Paul O’Dette, director and Eastman faculty member) perform recitals of vocal and instrumental music by Johann Sebastian Bach. (concert repeated at 9:30 pm) 

This event is now closed for pre-registration. Tickets are still available for all concerts (except Thursday evening) through the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: 108 East Avenue, 585-454-2100.  All tickets are $15 with the exception of the 6:30 and 9:30 Friday evening performances which are $30.  Discounts available with University of Rochester ID.

6:30 pm –
8:00 pm
EROI: Dinner Buffet
8:00 pm –
9:30 pm
A Conversation with Charles Strouse ’47E
Charles Strouse ’47E Tony Award-winning composer of Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Annie, discusses his Broadway career with Douglas Lowry, dean of the Eastman School. Enjoy memorable music and fascinating conversation in an informal setting.
Put On A Happy Face: A Broadway Memoir, copyright © 2008 by Charles Strouse, will be available for purchase Friday evening in the lobby of Kilbourn Hall preceding and following the Strouse event. Mr. Strouse will be available for signing individual copies immediately following the performance.
9:30 pm –
11:00 pm
EROI: Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative Gala Concert
Christ Church Schola Cantorum (Stephen Kennedy, director and Eastman faculty member) and members of the Boston Early Music Festival Chamber Players (Paul O’Dette, director and Eastman faculty member) perform recitals of vocal and instrumental music by Johann Sebastian Bach. 

This event is now closed for pre-registration. Tickets are still available for all concerts (except Thursday evening) through the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: 108 East Avenue, 585-454-2100.  All tickets are $15 with the exception of the 6:30 and 9:30 Friday evening performances which are $30.  Discounts available with University of Rochester ID.

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Saturday, October 18

9:00 am –
5:00 pm
Eastman Weekend Registration & Welcome Center
Pick up your registration packet and the complete schedule.
9:00 am –
11:00 am
Reunion Class Portraits
Milestone reunion classes (years ending in 2, 3, 7, 8) pose for group portraits on the Grand Staircase in the Main Hall.
9:00 am –
12:00 pm
EROI: Bach and the Organ
9:00 am –
11:00 am
Open Rehearsal: Eastman Community Music School Youth Jazz Orchestra
Enjoy listening to the award-winning ECMS Youth Jazz Orchestra perform in the newly renovated Messinger Hall.
10:00 am –
11:15 am
Behind the Scenes at Sibley Music Library
Join library staff for a tour of the sound recordings collection and listening room, and our Conservation Lab. Two concurrent tours; space is limited.  

This event is now closed for pre-registration.

10:00 am –
11:30 am
Wayne Barlow Tribute
A celebration of the life and music of composer Wayne Barlow ’34E, ’37E (PhD) (1912–1996), founder of the Eastman Electronic Music Studio and professor of composition, with performances and panel discussion.
11:00 am –
12:00 pm
Eastman Campus Tour
Eastman has grown to encompass nearly all of Gibbs Street and more. Tour includes the School’s main building, Messinger Hall, Miller Center, and the Student Living Center. Tours begin Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm; Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
11:30 am –
1:00 pm
All-Eastman Lunch Celebrating Milestone Reunion Classes
All Eastman alumni, faculty, friends, and parents are invited to an informal luncheon celebrating milestone reunions (years ending in 2,3,7,8).
12:00 pm-
1:00 pm
EROI: Lunch Buffet
1:00 pm –
2:00 pm
A Conversation with Dave Brubeck
Join legendary jazz composer and performer Dave Brubeck for a discussion of his music and career. Brubeck is a 2007 recipient of the Living Legacy Jazz Award from the Kennedy Center and a Grammy Lifetime Achievemand Award, and is a member of the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. Hosted by Harold Danko, professor and chair of the Eastman School Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media Department.
1:00 pm –
2:00 pm
EROI: Eastman Organ Faculty Recital
Eastman’s three virtuoso organ professors–Hans Davidsson, David Higgs, and William Porter–join forces for a recital on the new Craighead-Saunders Organ. 

This event is now closed for pre-registration. Tickets are still available for all concerts (except Thursday evening) through the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: 108 East Avenue, 585-454-2100.  All tickets are $15 with the exception of the 6:30 and 9:30 Friday evening performances which are $30.  Discounts available with University of Rochester ID.

2:00 pm –
3:00 pm
Eastman Student Recitals
Enjoy the talents of Eastman students as they play their favorite works during this Eastman Weekend tradition.
2:30 pm –
4:00 pm
Samuel Adler 80th Birthday Celebration
Eastman welcomes composer and former faculty member Samuel Adler with performances and discussion of his music.
3:00 pm –
4:00 pm
Dean’s Family Reception
All Eastman parents and families are invited to a special reception with Dean Doug Lowry. Come socialize and enjoy a delicious array of desserts.
3:00 pm –
4:00 pm
Eastman Campus Tour
Eastman has grown to encompass nearly all of Gibbs Street and more. Tour includes the School’s main building, Messinger Hall, Miller Center, and the Student Living Center. Tours begin Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm; Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
3:00 pm –
6:00 pm
EROI: Symposium: Reconstruction as a Model for Research and Creation
Session 1: The Craighead-Saunders Organ: A Case Study in Process Reconstruction
3:45 pm –
5:00 pm
Eastman Student Recitals
Enjoy the talents of Eastman students as they play their favorite works during this Eastman Weekend tradition.
5:00 pm –
7:30 pm
Eastman School of Music Gala Dinner
Enjoy a festive banquet with Eastman classmates, friends, and family featuring an awards presentation and special recognition of milestone reunion alumni. Cocktails 5:00, Dinner 5:45
Clarion Riverside Hotel, 120 East Main Street
8:00 pm Eastman Wind Ensemble and Philharmonia Concert
Dave Brubeck Honorary Doctorate Presentation

Eastman’s two premiere ensembles perform in Eastman Theatre under the direction of Neil Varon and Mark Davis Scatterday ’89E. Prior to the concert, legendary jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck receives an honorary degree.
Coffee and dessert reception to follow in the Cominsky Promenade, Main Building
8:30 pm –
9:30 pm
EROI: Festival Recital
World-renowned German organist and authority on Renaissance and Baroque keyboard music, Harald Vogel, performs on the new Craighead-Saunders Organ–an ideal instrument for music of these periods.
10:00 pm Post-Concert Reception
Revel in the post-performance excitement over coffee and dessert on Cominsky Promenade

Sunday, October 19

9:00 am –
10:00 am
Eastman School 50th Reunion Medallion Ceremony
President Joel Seligman and Eastman School Dean Douglas Lowry preside. Celebrate the lives, careers, and lifelong relationship Eastman alumni have with their alma mater. The 50th Reunion Classes of 1957 and 1958, as well as alumni who earned their first degree from Eastman in 1952 or earlier are invited.
10:30 am –
12:00 pm
Eastman School Celebratory Brunch
Join current and retired faculty, alumni, and 50th Reunion Class Medallion Recipients for a Celebratory Brunch. (Note: This event is complimentary for all 50th Reunion Class Medallion Recipients)
11:00 am –
12:00 pm
EROI: Eucharist and dedication of the Craighead-Saunders Organ
Sung Eucharist and dedication of the Craighead-Saunders Organ, featuring Christ Church Choirs and Eastman Organ Department Faculty. Includes the world premiere of a new work by Stephen Kennedy.
12:00 pm –
5:00 pm
EROI: Organ Spectacular
The Memorial Art Gallery’s Fountain Court is one of hundreds of venues participating in “Organ Spectacular: The World’s Largest Organ Concert,” an international celebration of the pipe organ initiated by the American Guild of Organists. Hear the majestic sounds of the Eastman School’s Italian Baroque organ, and meet some of the nation’s top organists. Eastman students and faculty present a 25-minute mini-recital at the top of every hour.
500 University Avenue
2:00 pm –
3:45 pm
EROI: Organ Spectacular
An International Organ Celebration
Co-sponsored by the Rochester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists
Introducing Rochester’s Newest Organs
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Paul Fritts & Company, Opus 26
Introduction to the organ by Paul Fritts
Recital by Craig Cramer
4:15 pm –
6:00 pm
EROI: Organ Spectacular
Introducing Rochester’s Newest Organs
First Presbyterian Church, Pittsford
Taylor and Boody, Opus 57
Introduction to the organ by George Taylor and John Boody
Recital by Matthew Dirst and instrumental ensemble
Throughout the day, other participating venues and area churches will offer open houses, mini-concerts, and/or organ demonstrations by resident organists and Eastman students. This will take place in cooperation with the Rochester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. For more information and a list of events and locations, contact Nicole Marane, event coordinator at nicmarane@gmail.com, or visit the Rochester AGO website www.agorochester.org
3:00 pm –
5:00 pm
Faculty Artist Series: Jean Barr and Thomas Schumacher, piano duo
An Afternoon of Music for Piano, 4 Hands
Kilbourn Hall
Brahms, Variations on a Theme of Robert Schumann, Op. 23
Mozart, Sonata in F major, K. 497
Poulenc, Sonate
P. D. Q. Bach, Sonata Innamorata
Karl Hermann Pillney, Parodic Variations on a German Theme
Tickets $10 sold one hour before each concert at the door only. Free to UR ID holders, subject to availability.
6:30 pm –
8:30 pm
EROI: Conference Buffet
9:00 pm –
10:00 pm
EROI: Compline Service
Compline, featuring William Porter and the Christ Church Schola Cantorum under the direction of Stephen Kennedy.

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Monday, October 20

While Eastman Weekend is officially over on Sunday, the EROI Festival continues on into Monday. If you’re interested in extending your weekend, we encourage you to participate in the additional EROI events and celebrations scheduled for that day. Visit the EROI Festival website Monday schedule for details.

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