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Reunion Recap 2008
Bravo! Bravo! |
Reunion 2008 Image Gallery
| NEC Club Cabaret | NEC Honors Frank Battisti | Alumni Awards Luncheon |
| Friday, May 16, 2008 | |
 NEC Club CabaretFive decades of NEC Alumni transformed Brown Hall into a stylish club for an evening of music and memories. |
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| Alumni Council member Dennis Sullivan '79 hosted this fun-filled evening. | Violinist Kirsi Perttuli-Kehayias and pianist Peter Gharibian '63, '65 M.M., took us from Andalusia to Paris as he celebrated his 45th reunion. |
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| Newlyweds Colleen Bryant Palmer '03 M.M., and Jason Palmer '07 coupled their sounds with Alex Brown '09, piano. | Chris Chalfant '88 M.M. improvised on a tune that she wrote for her anthology of music, Book of Unstandards |
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| Named “Best of 2006” guitarist of the year by the Boston Phoenix, Eric Hofbauer '98 M.M., also sounded as if he was having a very good 2008! He treated the audience to a series of tunes as he celebrated his 10th reunion. | Alumna Jessica Ryder (formerly Beverly Morgan) posed a double-threat as this vocalist and pianist entertained her classmates with a number of songs from world music-inspired to silly and fun. |
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| WAITIKI, featuring Randy Wong '03, Helen Liu '03 M.M., '04 G.D., Jim Benoit and Mike Connors, introduced (or reintroduced) the crowd to Classic Exotica and Tiki music. Guest singer, Charles Morgan '09 M.M., joined WAITIKI for a couple of tunes. | Spontaneous dancing broke out as the evening progressed. |
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| Zaccai Curtis '03, '05 G.D. came with his group, Rhythmic Prophecies, from New York to celebrate his 5th reunion. | Reindaldo De Jesus, Luques Curtis and John Davis of Rhythmic Prophecies ended the evening with a blast of Latin Jazz. |
| Saturday, May 17, 2008 | |
 NEC Honors Frank Battisti |
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| On Saturday, May 17th, NEC alumni gathered to reunite with a favorite conductor, Frank Battisti. The morning started with a discussion, moderated by M.I.T's Director of Wind Ensembles, Fred Harris '95 M.M. | |
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| After lunch, the group reconvened in Brown Hall for an open rehearsal of the Holst Suites in F and E-flat, Grainger's Lincolnshire Posey, and Persichetti's Symphony. | Though several years and maybe a few grey hairs separated alumni from their prior days in Wind Ensemble, the music that made here was beautiful and timeless. |
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| The ensemble watched intently for cues from their conductor. | |
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| NEC alumni admiringly taking in notes from Mr. B. | |
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| In this image: Lisa Birnstein Talmage '88. | In this image: NEC Board of Visitors member, Win Swarr '62, '65 M.M. and Diane Heffner '76, '78 M.M. |
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| With intense focus, overwhelming nostalgia and a few tear-filled, joyous eyes the afternoon's rehearsal ended on a very high note. | |
| Sunday, May 18, 2008 | |
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| In this image 50th Reunion celebrants Sal Bartolotti '58, '62 M.M. and Sylvia de Iglesias Lamoutte '58, '60 M.M. with Jose Ramos Santana and Chair of NEC's Collaborative Piano Department, Irma Vallecillo. | |
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| NEC's President, Tony Woodcock with Composition Department Chair and 2004 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient, Michael Gandolfi '79, '81 M.M. | Alumni Association President, Bob Farrell '72 welcomed six decades of alumni back to NEC for the annual Alumni Awards Luncheon. |
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| Debbie Boldin '93 G.D. (left) presented her friend Joanna Kurokowicz '98 A.D. with this year's OAA for the tenth reunion class. They are joined here by Bob Farrell '72 and his wife Kelly Powell. | Joanna Kurkowicz '98 A.D. at her tenth reunion with her teacher, NEC violin faculty member, Masuko Ushioda. |
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| Ryan Martinez '10 and Brandon Martinez '08 M.M., came to cheer on their teacher, Carole Haber '83 M.M., with her son Sean Widlake, as she received an OAA. | Newly appointed Vice President of the Alumni Association, Carol McKeen '83 M.M. presented her classmate, Carole Haber '83 M.M., with her award when former student Jason Abrams's '04 G.D. delayed flight prevented him from attending. |
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| Students of Carole Haber '83 M.M., Rachele Schmiege '07 M.M., Emily Burr '07 M.M., and Ryan Martinez '10, surprised their teacher with a song to honor her. | Carole Haber '83 M.M. receiving her Outstanding Alumni Award from Alumni Association Vice President, Carol McKeen '83 M.M. |
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| Chair of NEC's Collaborative Piano Department, Irma Vallecillo presented longtime friend, Sylvia de Iglesias Lamoutte '58, '60 M.M. with her OAA. | Sylvia de Iglesias Lamoutte '58, '60 M.M., with family friend and pianist José Ramos Santana. |
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| Outstanding Alumni Awards recipient Sylvia de Iglesias Lamoutte '58, '60 M.M., with longtime friend Irma Vallecillo. | 50th Reunion celebrants, Bill McKim '58, Bill Brohn '58 M.M., Paul Gay '58 and his wife Maureen Gay-Amaral. |
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| Mmmm... | "Did you see that dessert?" |
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| NEC Composition Department Chair, and 2004 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient, Michael Gandolfi '79, '81 M.M. presented Bill Brohn '58 M.M. with his award. | Longtime friend Janice Guilbault attended the luncheon to cheer for Bill. Bill and Janice's late husband, George Guilbault '56 roomed together at NEC. The three established a scholarship in 2005 to support NEC students studying Musical Theatre. |
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| Director of NEC's Wind Ensemble program, Charles Peltz '85 M.M. presented his mentor and former Wind Ensemble Director, Frank Battisti with this year's Lifetime Achievement Award. | Upon receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award, Frank Battisti spoke of the importance of including music in the education of young people. "Music," he said, "and the arts help develop deep minds, open hearts and rich souls." |
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 2008 Award RecipientsOutstanding Alumni Award (l to r) Carole Haber '83 M.M. Sylvia Lamoutte '58, '60 M.M. Bill Brohn '58 M.M. Joanna Kurkowitz '98 A.D. Lifetime Achievement Award Frank Battisti |
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| Bob Farrell '72 was also honored during the luncheon as he completed his term as President of NEC's Alumni Association. Bob has served as Alumni Association President since 2000. | |
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| Alumni Council member, Jack Hornor '53, '55 M.M., '57 A.D., presented Bob with an NEC chair on behalf of the Council and Alumni Association. | Newly appointed Alumni Association President, Ruth Harcovitz '72 with fellow Alumni Council member, Jim Nicolson '68, '70 M.M. |
 Look Who Else Came to Reunion... |
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| Nydia and Mary Jane McCarron attended the Alumni Awards Luncheon to support their friend Sylvia de Iglesias Lamoutte '58, '60 M.M. | |
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| Alumni couple Andrew Hurlbut '84 M.M., '85 M.M. and Susan Calkins '83 M.M. | NEC Executive Director of Development, Laurie LaMothe with Bill Brohn '58 M.M., and Janice Guilbault. |
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| Theresa Reinshagen-Grissino '81 and Steve Marchena. | NEC friends Barbara Winchester '68, '70 M.M., and Jessica Ryder (formerly Beverly Morgan). |
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| Charlotte Battisti with Michael Gandolfi '79, '81 M.M. and Frank Battisti. | 2008 Outstanding Alumni Award recipients and presenters: Irma Vallecillo, Charles Peltz '85 M.M., Michael Gandolfi '79, '81 M.M., Carol McKeen '83 M.M., Carole Haber '83 M.M., Joanna Kurkowicz '98 A.D., Debbie Boldin '93 G.D., Frank Battisti, Bill Brohn '58 M.M. and Sylvia de Iglesias Lamoutte '58, '60 M.M. |
| We hope you'll join us next year for Reunion Weekend 2009! | |
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| Director of Alumni Relations, Cheryl Weber with Outstanding Alumni Award recipient, Bill Brohn '58 M.M. | Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, Gabe Bolio with Flossie Dunn '50, '71 M.M. |
Reminisce
If you are interested in becoming involved in planning your upcoming reunion, contact the Alumni Relations Office. |
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Alumni Awards Luncheon 
Weekend Schedule Recap
Thursday, May 15th | Friday, May 16th | Saturday, May 17th | Sunday, May 18th
| Friday, May 16 | |
| Weekend Exhibit Jordan Hall, Room 124 |
A Natural Approach: Two Alumnae Photographers Jeannine Desmarais Hanson ’53, ’71, ’73 M.M., Piano Performance & Carol Ann Procter ’63, ’65 M.M., Cello Performance Discover the fascination that these two alumnae photographers share for the natural world through their pictures at this exhibition. |
| 12:00pm Keller Room |
Tourjée Society Luncheon (by invitation only) For those who have included NEC in their estate plans. |
| 7:00 – 8:00pm Brown Hall Lobby |
Reunion Registration Pick up tickets, materials, and the information you’ll need for Reunion Weekend. |
| 8:00pm Brown Hall $10* |
NEC Club Cabaret Artistic direction by Eric Hofbauer '98 M.M. Dennis Sullivan '79 hosts this fun-filled evening.
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| Saturday, May 17 | |
| 9:00am - 6:00pm Williams Hall Lobby $10* |
Reunion Registration Pick up tickets, materials, and the information you’ll need for Reunion Weekend. |
| Weekend Exhibit Jordan Hall, Room 124 |
A Natural Approach: Two Alumnae Photographers Jeannine Desmarais Hanson ’53, ’71, ’73 M.M., Piano Performance & Carol Ann Procter ’63, ’65 M.M., Cello Performance Discover the fascination that these two alumnae photographers share for the natural world through their pictures at this exhibition. |
| 9:00 – 10:30am | Continental Breakfast |
| 9:30 – 10:20am Jordan Hall, Room 124 |
The Mutual Benefits of Planned Giving Paul Levinson demystifies planned giving. Learn how your gift helps you and NEC. Introduction by Jeffery Williams ’78. |
| Presentation by Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient | |
| 10:30 – 11:00am Williams Hall |
Sylvia de Iglesias Lamoutte ’58, ’60 M.M., Piano Performance In 1985, Sylvia Lamoutte joined Puerto Rico’s leading newspaper, El Nuevo Dia, as the island’s first female music critic. Join our presenter as she draws on music reviews from the 20th century to illustrate the challenges music criticism faces in Puerto Rico today. |
| Presentation by Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient | |
| 11:00 – 11:50am Williams Hall |
For over 30 years, founder and conductor of NEC's Wind Ensemble, Frank Battisti, has championed music for winds in America. The leading ensemble of its kind, NECWE amassed a sizable portfolio of premiere performances and recordings under Battisti's baton. Join this year's Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for a special opportunity to have your questions about music and life answered from Frank’s unique and thoughtful perspective. |
| 12:00 – 12:50pm Williams Hall Lobby |
Lunch Join presenters and alumni for an informal boxed lunch or go off on your own and revisit your favorite local restaurant.
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| 1:00 – 3:00pm Brown Hall |
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| 12:50 –1:30pm Beethoven |
Campus Tour Join Dr. Edward FitzPatrick ’48, Music Education, as he begins this campus tour with a brief history of NEC’s immortal and beloved Beethoven statue, sculpted by Thomas Crawford. Then fasten your seatbelts as you walk down memory lane with a current NEC student as your guide! |
| Presentations by Outstanding Alumni Award Recipients | |
| 1:30 – 2:00pm Williams Hall |
Carole Haber ’83 M.M., Vocal Performance, NEC Voice Faculty Carole Haber leads you on a journey through her career from her student days in Room 220 at NEC, to the present, where she teaches a new generation of voice students in the very same studio. Join Carole as she uncovers the roadblocks, challenges and successes she's met along the way. |
| 2:00 – 2:45pm Williams Hall |
The Active and Versatile Career of a Solo Violinist Joanna Kurkowicz ’98 A.D., Violin Performance Join award-winning violinist Joanna Kurkowicz for a glimpse into the life of this recitalist, chamber musician, concertmistress and teacher with a special performance of Brahms’s Violin Sonata No. 1 in G Major (Op. 78) accompanied by Gloria Chien ’99, ’01 M.M., ’04 D.M.A. |
| 3:00 – 3:50pm Williams Hall |
William David Brohn ’58 M.M., Composition You won’t need a yellow-brick road to lead you to this wizard of orchestration. Join Tony-award winning Broadway orchestrator Bill Brohn as he shares some “Wicked” good stories and highlights from his career. |
| 4:00 – 5:30pm Williams Hall |
Don’t be shy! Join Amy as she leads NEC alumni, students, and friends in this community-friendly open sing. Accompanied by Eliko Akahori ’98 M.M. Selections will include: Barber, Agnus Dei, Copland, 4 Motets, Lauridsen, O Magnum Mysterium, Barber, The Coolin’, Bernstein, Make Our Garden Grow.
All are welcome! Music will be provided. Please indicate your voice part on the registration form. |
| 6:00pm Keller Room |
Alumni, Faculty & Friends Reception Mingle with alumni, faculty and friends of NEC at this cocktail reception. |
| 7:30pm Jordan Hall |
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| Sunday, May 18 | |
| Weekend Exhibit Jordan Hall, Room 124 |
A Natural Approach: Two Alumnae Photographers Jeannine Desmarais Hanson ’53, ’71, ’73 M.M., Piano Performance & Carol Ann Procter ’63, ’65 M.M., Cello Performance Discover the fascination that these two alumnae photographers share for the natural world through their pictures at this exhibition. |
| 10:00 – 10:45am Brown Hall Lobby |
Alumni Awards Luncheon Registration Enjoy a mimosa with friends as you register for this long-standing NEC tradition. |
| 10:45am Brown Hall $30/person |
Alumni Awards Luncheon Join seven decades of NEC alumni as we celebrate our award recipients. Lifetime Achievement Award: Frank Battisti Outstanding Alumni Award: William David Brohn ’58 M.M.
Carole Haber ’83 M.M. Joanna Kurkowicz ’98 A.D. Remarks by NEC’s President Tony Woodcock and NEC Alumni Council President Robert Farrell ’72. Alumni Awards Luncheon 2007. 2008 OAA recipient |
| 3:00pm Jordan Hall |
NEC’s 137th Commencement Ceremony
Reunion Class Marshals: Salvatore Bartolotti ’58, ’62 M.M. Carol McKeen ’83 M.M. |
Un Nuevo Dia: Puerto Rico’s First Female Music Critic
Conversations with Frank Battisti
Open Rehearsal with Frank Battisti
Circle of Life
Disciplined Virtuosity: 
Pay Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain: The Wizard of Orchestration
Open Sing with Amelia LeClair ’03 M.M., Choral Conducting
Sylvia Lamoutte ’58, ’60 M.M.| Still not sure what to expect? Check out images from Reunion Weekend 2007 and catch a glimpse of Reunion in action... |
Watch here for more information as Reunion Weekend 2008 unfolds!
For questions or comments about Reunion Weekend 2008, or to become involved, contact the Alumni Relations Office.