Alumni Beat

June 1, 2002

Participants in the Austin, Texas alumni songwriter showcase in April included (from the left): Sarah Sharp ’97, Ken Tondre ’93, Chris Tondre ’94, Tom Spicer ’77, Brian Keeling ’86, showcase host Professor Livinston Taylor, Val Denn ’82, and James Denn ’82.

After a very busy winter and spring, our plans are coming together for summer alumni activities. This year’s first event was a 

February 21 clinic in New York entitled “Website Workshop” led by informational architect Oz Barron ’81. Oz illustrated methods for making websites more efficient and user-friendly.

On February 25, Music Business/Management Department Associate Professor Martin Dennehy led a clinic at Berklee entitled “Tax Preparation for Musicians.” He discussed many taxation scenarios and shared tax tips for musicians. It was the first clinic of this type, and owing to the positive response, we will present it again next year.

In March, alumni and friends of the college got a special treat when Berklee collaborated with the Cambridge Center for Adult Education and hosted a reception for Quincy Troupe, author of Miles: The Autobiography and Miles and Me. The reception was held at Berklee’s David Friend Recital Hall and featured music by Berklee’s Miles Davis Ensemble led by trumpeter and Assistant Professor Ken Cervenka.

(From the left) Deanna Anderson ’81, author Quincy Troupe, Adrian Ross ’96, and Jeff Robinson ’84 at the March alumni reception.

In conjunction with the spring break Nashville student trip, Nashville alumni came together for the annual alumni reception at the Bound’ry restaurant. This year, attendees bid a farewell to outgoing Nashville Alumni Chapter President Pamela Roller. She was presented with a gift for all her hard work and leadership, and the new chapter president, Neil Diercks ’93, was introduced. A special thank-you goes out to Pamela. We wish her the very best and extend a warm welcome to Neil. We look forward to continuing the strong Nashville alumni chapter.

Austin, Texas, the “live-music capital of the world,” justified its reputation on Wednesday, April 3, as 40 guests enjoyed the first Berklee alumni showcase in that city. Hosted by Berklee Professor Livingston Taylor, who delighted the crowd with his performance, and nine Berklee alumni displayed a wide array of musical genres. Britton Beisenherz ’99, Aliah Selah ’82, Val and James Denn, (both ’82), Chris Tondre ’94, Ken Tondre ’93, Tom Spicer ’77, and Sarah Sharp ’97, and Brian Keeling ’86 all engaged the crowd with their original songs and outstanding performances. Great music and useful connections are building a strong network for alumni in Austin and throughout Texas. We look forward to more activities that will meet the needs of alumni there.

(From the left) Denise Barbarita ’93, RIchard Tambone ’72, Jen Chapin ’95, Liv Taylor, Steve Stellavato ’80, David Sherman ’94, and Roberta Fabiano ’75 who performed for the alumni sInger showcase at New York’s Living Room club in April.

On April 6 Berklee hosted the Music Career Expo 2002 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. This year’s event featured a variety of alumni panelists, who traveled from across the country to contribute their expertise. At the end of the day the alumni showcase, as always, was a hit and reunited many old friends. (For a fuller rundown of this event, turn to page four.)

Livingston Taylor hosted a New York alumni songwriter showcase, on April 21 at the Living Room. It was standing room only as alumni and guests gathered to see some of the city’s best. Among them were Denise Barbarita ’93, Jen Chapin ’95, Antonio Carlos Defeo ’95, Roberta Fabiano ’75, David Sherman ’94, Steve Stellavato ’80, and Richard Tambone ’72. The evening concluded with Taylor sharing some tips on performance and playing several selections. Many thanks to the outstanding performers who made it such a memorable night.

On May 13, a number of alumni came out to support a special Berklee scholarship ensemble performance led by Associate Professor Tiger Okoshi ’75 at the Blue Note club in New York. After an opening reception, an incredibly spirited performance from Daniela Schaechter ’02 (piano), Justin Purtill ’03 (bass), Sam Duehsler ’02 (drums), and Okoshi (trumpet) followed.

Check the mail for details on upcoming alumni events that are planned for summer and fall.

 

All the best,

 

—Adrian Ross ’96, Director,

Alumni Affairs

This article appeared in our alumni magazine, Berklee Today Summer 2002. Learn more about Berklee Today.
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