Alumni Beat

September 1, 2004

Several successful alumni events took place within the past few months, making for a busy summer. On May 25, the Berklee-Kennedy Center Quartet traveled to Washington, DC, to participate in the Conservatory Project. The quartet was the only jazz ensemble in the concert series, and it did an outstanding job representing the college. We were very pleased to meet area alumni who came out to support the group and gathered for a post-show reception. Having heard from many DC alumni, I look forward to returning in the near future.

The following day, in Boston, Assistant Professor of Music Synthesis Jeff Baust hosted a Pro Tools clinic at Berklee. Berklee's Steve Heck Room provided a great venue for the event where Baust could discuss the software's many new developments. Alumni from a range of graduation years were on hand to ask questions and learn various new techniques. The great interest in Pro Tools prompted a second session in June in Music Synthesis Studio A73. For this masterclass, Baust walked attendees through a recording and mixing project.

On June 15, the New York Berklee alumni chapter coordinator Lisa Hearns '96, hosted a special coffee meeting featuring Barbara Jordan. The discussion took place at Rita's Antiques Cafe in midtown and attracted a sizable group of alumni. Jordan and her husband, John Sansone, talked to the crowd about placing songs in television programs and films. Special thanks to Jordan and Sansone for sharing their time and expertise.

On June 30, Lisa Hearns hosted a Happy Hour Hang at Lunasa in Manhattan, NY. A first-time

(From the left:) Christy Bluhm, Jeremy Ragsdale, Christine Fawson, and Tsunenori "Lee" Abe of Syncopation opened for Gary Burton and Makoto Ozone at the Friday, July 23, Vineyard Vibes concert.

event for the chapter, many alumni were on hand to enjoy the opportunity to network. Lisa was also able to bring people up to speed regarding future events and took down e-mail addresses for those who want to receive her periodic communications. We look forward to holding another similar event in the coming months.

After the success of the Boston Pro Tools event on July 8, Jeff Baust came to New York for another masterclass hosted at Light at the End of Tunnel. The studio has recently been expanded, and attendees were taken on a brief tour that offered a glimpse of recent projects. Following a two-hour clinic touching on the many capabilities of Pro Tools, attendees remained to mingle and exchange information. It was great to return to Light at the End of the Tunnel. Many thanks to Eugene Toale for having us back!

Dennis Montgomery, III (left) directs the Berklee Reverence Gospel Ensemble with soloist Renese King '90 at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown during the final concert of Vineyard Vibes 2004.

This year's Vineyard Vibes production on Martha's Vineyard was a four-day festival that featured a wide assortment of Berklee talent, showcasing students, faculty, and alumni. The series kicked off with Bruce Cockburn on Thursday night, followed by Gary Burton and Makoto Ozone with Syncopation on Friday, Phil Wilson and Christine Fawson on Saturday, and Dennis Montgomery and the Berklee Reverence Gospel Choir on Sunday. The alumni trip took place on Friday and drew an enthusiastic group. Highlights of the day included a boat ride to and from Martha's Vineyard, a preconcert reception at the Mansion House, and stunning performances from Burton and Ozone and Syncopation. We can't wait to see who will be on the bill next year!

Members of the Nashville Alumni Chapter participated in the alumni grant nominations on August 5, as a committee gathered to review and designate funds. With more than 30 submissions, there was a tremendous amount of material to be covered; and after much deliberation, the grants were ranked, and the recipients identified. (For details on the winners, see the article on page 4.) Sincere thanks go out to Alumni Chapter President Neil Diercks, Melissa Bauer, Alan Green, Neil Konouchi, Pamela Roller, and Beth Schackne for their hard work and dedication.

That's it until next time!

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