Alumni Relations

Schedule – Eastman Weekend 2010

Eastman Weekend 2010

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Most events require registration and registration materials will be mailed in mid-August.  Check back here for more schedule updates.

Friday (10/15)  •  Saturday (10/16) •  Sunday (10/17)


Friday, October 15

*Sold-Out Event
10:00 am- 8:30 pm Eastman Weekend Registration & Welcome Center
Pick up your registration packet and the complete schedule.
11:00-12:00 pm Eastman Percussion Ensemble Rehearsal
Listen to the unique and varied sounds of the Eastman Percussion Ensemble under the direction of professor of percussion Michael Burritt (BM ’84, MM ‘86).  This high-energy rehearsal will include thoughts on phrasing, chamber music techniques, and experimenting with timbre.
12:00-12:45 pm *Tour: The New Eastman Theatre
This is the first Eastman Weekend to include the newly renovated Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.  Learn about the spectacular changes the hall went through in 2008-2009 to enhance the acoustics, aesthetics and experience in the space.  The tour includes a sneak peek at the Eastman Theatre expansion, which includes the intimate new Hatch Recital Hall, a breathtaking atrium highlighted by a Dale Chihuly chandelier, new rehearsal and recording spaces, and faculty studios.
3:00-3:45 pm *Tour: 424 University Avenue
See how the former Eastman School dormitory is used today, as the centerpiece of Rochester’s School of the Arts.  Shuttle transportation provided to and from the Eastman School of Music.
4:00- 5:00 pm Inside the Vault: The Rochester American Opera Company
David Peter Coppen, the Sibley Music Library’s Special Collections Librarian and Archivist, tells the story of the Rochester American Opera Company, a professional troupe that operated side by side with the Eastman School’s nascent opera department. Archival documents and artifacts highlight this presentation on the colorful personalities that populated the opera department in the 1920s.
5:30-6:30 pm So You Want to be a Musician?
Straight talk and honest answers for Eastman students (and parents) from Ramon Ricker (DMA ‘73), Senior Associate Dean for Professional Studies; James Doser (BM ’79, MM ‘84), Chair of the Penfield Central School District Music Department and father of two Eastman students; and returning alumni.  Hear important information about career opportunities, training and skills, competition in the music world, entrepreneurial thinking, and how to succeed, followed by a Q-&-A session.
6:30-7:45 pm Welcome Reception
Join Dean Douglas Lowry and alumni, parents, students, faculty, and friends to celebrate the start of Eastman Weekend 2010 with conversation, cocktails, and heavy hors d’oeuvres.
8:00-9:15 pm The Gift of Music: The Rhythm of Life, Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
Eastman’s traditional Prism Concerts present an exciting spectrum of musical styles, genres, and historical periods.  The Wind Ensemble, Chorale, Jazz Ensemble, Opera Theatre, Percussion Ensemble, and student and faculty soloists will surround the audience with continuous music.

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Saturday, October 16

*Sold-Out Event
8:00 am- 5:00 pm Eastman Weekend Registration & Welcome Center
Pick up your registration packet and the complete schedule.
8:00-9:00 am 50th Reunion Breakfast
Eat, socialize, and celebrate with 50th reunion alumni and family before the Medallion Ceremony.
9:00-10:00 am Medallion Ceremony
Celebrate the lives and careers of Eastman alumni, and their lifelong relationship with their alma mater.  The 50th Reunion Classes of 1959 and 1960 are invited.  President Joel Seligman and Dean Douglas Lowry preside.
9:00-10:30 am Breakfast Social
Join current and retired faculty, alumni, parents, friends and family for breakfast on Cominsky Promenade.
9:00-9:45 am & 9:45-10:30 am Early Childhood Music Class
The Eastman Community Music School’s children’s programs have been developed by Donna Brink Fox, an Eastman professor and a nationally recognized authority on early childhood music education. Our program has attracted attention throughout the world, and has been featured on network television.  Come observe a class as a part of our 25th year celebration of the program.
10:00-10:45 am & 11:00-11:45 am *Tour: The New Eastman Theatre
This is the first Eastman Weekend to include the newly renovated Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.  Learn about the spectacular changes the hall went through in 2008-2009 to enhance the acoustics, aesthetics and experience in the space.  The tour includes a sneak peek at the Eastman Theatre expansion, which includes the intimate new Hatch Recital Hall, a breathtaking atrium highlighted by a Dale Chihuly chandelier, new rehearsal and recording spaces, and faculty studios.
10:30 am- 12:00 pm Ron Carter Masterclass and Conversation
Come see an interactive masterclass with jazz legend Ron Carter (BM ’59) and students from Eastman’s Jazz and Contemporary Media department.Enjoy fascinating conversation in an informal setting.
11:00-12:00 pm Film Scoring at Eastman
An engaging showcase of Eastman’s film scoring and collaborative projects with the motion picture department at the George Eastman House, led by humanities professor Reinhild Steingrover and professor emeritus of conducting and film music expert Donald Hunsberger (BM ’54, MM ’59, DMA ’63).  Doctoral composition students Jairo Duarte-Lopez and Michaela Eremiasova discuss their film scoring course and lab, culminating with a live performance of a student’s score with DVD.
11:45 am-12:30 pm Children’s Concert
A concert celebrating 25 years of Early Childhood Music Education at the Eastman School of Music.  Musicians will perform for an audience of teachers, parents and students from the Eastman Community Music School.  Former early childhood music teachers will be recognized.
12:00-1:30 pm Alumni Memories Lunch
Reminisce about student days, and discuss how your Eastman education prepared you for life after college.
12:30-2:00 pm Early Childhood Celebratory Luncheon
Teachers from the Early Childhood Music Program will come together to celebrate the program’s 25th anniversary.
1:30-2:15 pm Where in the World is Music Entrepreneurship?
Rohan Krishnamurthy (Eastman MA ethnomusicology and PhD candidate in musicology) will present an interactive lecture-demonstration on the ancient and complex South Indian percussive tradition. Rohan will also speak about the inspiration behind his patented drumhead tensioning system, for which he won 1st place in Eastman’s New Venture Challenge entrepreneurship competition.
1:30-2:15 pm 25th Reunion Celebration
A special presentation of the 25th reunion memory books.  Memory books will only be available for registered Eastman Weekend participants celebrating their 25th reunion. Remember to submit your information to alumni@esm.rochester.edu to be included in the memory book!
1:30-2:30 pm Inside the Vault: The Rochester American Opera Company
David Peter Coppen, the Sibley Music Library’s Special Collections Librarian and Archivist, tells the story of the Rochester American Opera Company, a professional troupe that operated side by side with the Eastman School’s nascent opera department. Archival documents and artifacts highlight this presentation on the colorful personalities that populated the opera department in the 1920s.
2:30- 3:45 pm Ron Carter in Concert, Kilbourn Hall
Legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter (BM ’59) is among the most original and influential jazz musicians of today. With more than 2,000 albums to his credit, he has recorded with many of music’s greats.  Come hear the Ron Carter Quartet live in concert in Kilbourn Hall.  The concert will be followed by a CD sale and signing.  Ticket proceeds to benefit the Ron Carter Scholarship at the Eastman School of Music.
6:00- 8:00 pm Eastman School of Music Alumni Gala Dinner, Rochester Riverside Convention Center
Enjoy a festive banquet with Eastman classmates, friends, and family, and special recognition of milestone reunion alumni.  Shuttle transportation provided to and from the Eastman School of Music.
8:30- 10:00 pm Philharmonia and Eastman School Symphony Orchestra Concert
Listen to Eastman’s orchestras directed by Neil Varon, in the newly renovated Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. Professor of Violin Oleh Krysa and RPO violinist Ainur Zabenova (MM ‘04, DMA ‘09) join ESSO in Alfred Schnittke’s Concerto Grosso, and Philharmonia closes the program with Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Coffee and dessert reception follows on Cominsky Promenade.

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Sunday, October 17

9:00-9:45 am Tour: The New Eastman Theatre
This is the first Eastman Weekend to include the newly renovated Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.  Learn about the spectacular changes the hall went through in 2008-2009 to enhance the acoustics, aesthetics and experience in the space.  The tour includes a sneak peek at the Eastman Theatre expansion, which includes the intimate new Hatch Recital Hall, a breathtaking atrium highlighted by a Dale Chihuly chandelier, new rehearsal and recording spaces, and faculty studios.
10:00-10:30 am Igor Lipinski: The Unknown
Eastman master’s student, Igor Lipinski (BM ’09), a classically trained pianist and professional magician, creates tricks that defy explanation and performs thought-provoking music that triggers the imagination. The Unknown is a creative performance that invites the audience to experience the new territory of magic and music.
10:30 am- 12:00 pm Goodbye Brunch, Eastman Commons Dining Center
Visit the Eastman Student Living Center to socialize with alumni, parents, and students.
12:00-12:45 pm Alumni Feedback
Eastman wants to hear from you!  Join us for an informal opportunity to share your opinions on alumni affairs and Eastman Weekend 2010.
1:00-1:30 pm & 3:00-3:30 pm Italian Baroque Organ Recital
An Eastman organ student will give a 25-minute presentation and mini-recital on Memorial Art Gallery’s spectacular Italian Baroque organ.
3:00-4:30 pm Eastman-Ranlet Series: The Ying Quartet
You’ll want to be in Kilbourn Hall when the Ying Quartet opens the Eastman-Ranlet series with award-winning new first violinist Ayano Ninomiya. The Quartet’s moving and
enthusiastic performances bring audiences to their feet!
5:30-7:00 pm Faculty and Student Organ Recital
David Higgs, organ department chair, William Porter, professor of organ, and three Eastman students will give an hour-long recital on the spectacular Italian Baroque Organ.

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