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New Dance Department Chair Announced
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Samantha Dunster as Chair of the Community Division Dance Department. Ms. Dunster comes to us from Florida, where she recently served as Assistant to the Artistic Director/Ballet Mistress of Orlando Ballet and taught at the Orlando Ballet School. She will join the Hartt Community Division team in July.
 Samantha Dunster began her professional training with Cristina Pora in Toronto, Canada. At the age of 17, she traveled to Havana, Cuba to train with the National Ballet of Cuba. She continued dancing with the company of Centro Pro-Danza under the direction of Laura Alonso where she also worked as regisseur. She earned her teaching diploma based on the Cuban Ballet training method. Dunster has danced and taught in countries around the world such as Sweden, Canada, Brazil and Argentina, as well as the United States. In 1996, she accepted the position of artistic director and principal dancer of Bale da Ilha in Brazil, where she mounted numerous full evening ballets. By the year 2000, she became ballet mistress of Orlando Ballet under the direction of Fernando Bujones. Dunster re-choreographed La Fille Mal Gardee in 2001 and her invitation to set La Fille Mal Gardee on the National Ballet of Korea came two years later. In 2004, she was commissioned by Orlando Ballet to create a world premiere production of Camelot. She later accepted the role of assistant to the artistic director of Orlando Ballet under the direction of Bruce Marks in 2007. The following year, the pair staged the full-length Don Quixote together. Dunster has also staged several of Bruce Marks' works including Lark Ascending for Louisville Ballet. In 2010, Dunster served as the Canadian judge for the International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. |
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Summer Focus:
Performing Arts Primer
 The Performing Arts Primer is a full day intoductory music program specifically designed for students entering grades K-6. All students will participate in dance/movement classes, theater, choir, and beginner piano and recorder classes. Students in grades 3-6 will learn to produce a sound on wind and string instruments in order to help them choose an instrument to play as they grow older.
This year, by popular demand, we are offering 2 weeks:
Week 1: July 5-8, 2011, 8:30 am-5:30 pm ~ Tuition: $255
Week 2: July 11-15, 2011, 8:30 am-5:30 pm ~ Tuition: $315
Non-Refundable Registration Fee of $15
Reistration Fee waived if enrolled by June 1, 2011
Download the registration form
A Typical Day at the Performing Arts Primer
8:30-9:00 am Drop-Off
9:00-10:15 am Dance Class
10:20-11:30 am Choir
11:30am-1:00pm Lunch, games and free play with counselors
1:00-1:45 pm Piano Class
1:45-2:30 pm Recorder Class
2:35-3:55 pm Music Theater Class
4:00-5:00 pm Instrument Petting Zoo: featuring 30 minutes of introduction to instruments such as: flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, violin, and cello (other instruments may be added)
5:00-5:30 pm Pick-up
For more information, contact the Hartt Community Division office at (860) 768-4451 or harttcomm@hartford.edu.
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Vocal Honors Students Announced
The following students were chosen to participate in the Vocal Honors Recital on Saturday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m. in The Berkman Recital Hall, The Hartt School, University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT. The entire HCD Community - faculty, staff, students, and friends - are invited to attend the recital.
Senior Division: John Mark Anderson (Grade 11), Lauren Darnis (Grade 11), John Fitzpatrick (Grade 12), Samantha Kaseta (Grade 12), Rose Lewis (Grade 11), Taylor Link (Grade 12), Katherine McLellan (Grade 11), and Jessica Rost (Grade 11).
Junior Division: Thomas Doelger (Grade 9), Kristin Mary Fitzpatrick (Grade 8), Maggie Kinabrew (Grade 7) and Tahlia Martinez (Grade 9)
The Vocal Honors students are from the studios of: Nancy Andersen, Louise Fauteux, Jack Pott, Susan Mardinly, and Jason Stammen.
Congratulations to these students and their teachers!
The student chosen as The Bel Canto Scholarship Award Winner will be announced at the Vocal Honors Recital.
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Piano Department Junior Showcase
 The Junior Piano Showcase was held on Saturday, April 9th and featured these talented young piano students (some of who are pictured here): Elaina Comia, Allison Zheng, Maya Lis, Karen Rue, Abigail Sunde, Christina Zhang, Michelle Lu, Jasmine He, Tina Ma, Jo-Lee Nelson, Beatrice Dang, David Fu, Benjamin Small, Marisol Carty, Sophie Wei, Maxwell Kim, Talia Leung, Ritik Shrestha, Max Mossberg, Jenny Zhao, Michelle Li, Janson Zheng and Kelly Zhang.
Performers in the Junior Showcase were selected by teacher recommendation and are students from the studios of Sima Brodsky, Maggie Francis, Tamila Humphreys, Barbara Johnson, Malgosia Lis, and Pi-Hsun Shih. Congratulations to all on a wonderful concert!
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"How to Practice" Workshop by Sheri Brown
 We've all heard that practice makes perfect, and musicians know that learning to play well requires diligent work with the instrument. But what exactly does it mean to practice well? How do we make the most out of our practice time? Is it possible for practice to be efficient, effective, and fun? In this "How to Practice" workshop you will learn how to set goals, structure meaningful practice sessions, and gain a wide variety of fresh approaches to improve your skills and enjoyment of your instrument.
Join us for this informative workshop at The Hartt School on April 30th or May 1st. Participation is free and open to all Hartt Community Division students; no pre-registration required.
Saturday, April 30, 2011, 11:30am-12:30pm
Sunday, May 1, 2011, 4:15pm-5:15pm
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Upcoming Events
Chamber Groups perform with Hartt College Students
Three Community Division chamber groups were invited to join a masterclass given by the Lion's Gate Trio earlier this semester. After a wonderful performance in the masterclass, the groups were chosen to join Hartt collegiate chamber groups in a concert featuring the music of Brahms and Schumann. The concert will be held Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 8:00pm in Berkman Auditorium at the University of Hartford.
Schuman Piano Quintet
Andrew Sunde, Jacob Caruk, violins,
Ethan Tu, viola, Russell Jones, cello
Jonathan Joo, piano
Schuman String Quartet in A minor
"Take Four" String Quartet
Anny Li, Tiana Piscitelli, violins
Elizabeth MacDonald, viola
Kaila Piscitelli, viola
Brahms Piano Quartet in G minor
The Honors Quartet
Matthew Hannau, violin
Luke Piscitelli, viola
David Olson, cello
Andrew Hannau, piano
The Lions Gate Trio features Violinist and Hartt Faculty Member Katie Lansdale, pianist Florence Millet, and cellist Marcy Rosen. The Lions Gate Trio is an internationally acclaimed ensemble in both the U.S. and Europe that enjoys a combination of performing, recording, and working with young musicians in educational settings. Catch the Lions Gate Trio in action on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20th at 7:30 p.m. in Millard Auditiorium, The Hartt School, University of Hartford.
The program will include:
Beethoven "Kakadu" Variations for Trio
Brahms Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major for violin and piano
Beethoven Trio No. 1 Opus 1 in E Flat Major
Percussion Park ~ A Musical Landscape
Under the direction of
Benjamin Toth, the Hartt Percussion Ensemble presents Percussion Park, a full length musical landscape composed by Hartt faculty member and recipient of the 2011 Hartt Alumni Award, David Macbride. This performance is on Saturday, April 16, at 7:30 PM, in Millard Auditorium and throughout the Fuller Music Center. A map of the performance sites will be distributed in Millard Auditorium. The audience is invited to roam the building to enjoy the music, and to participate in a meditative finale (percussion instruments provided).
FREE ADMISSION AND FUN FOR ALL AGES!
For more information, contact the University of Hartford Box Office at 860.768.4228 or 1.800.274.8587, or visit www.hartford.edu/hartt.
Journey of the Soul
The Hartt Symphony Orchestra and Choruses, New Haven Chorale, Connecticut Children's Chorus, and  guest artists present Journey of the Soul, a concert of awe-inspiring musical masterpieces and readings that vividly portray man's spiritual journey. Thursday, April 28, 7:30 PM, Cathedral of St. Joseph, 140 Farmington Avenue, Hartford. For advanced premium seating, contact the University of Hartford Box Office before 6:00 PM on Wednesday, April 27 at 860.768.4228 or visit . General seating, suggested donation of $20 at the door.
Maestros Edward Cumming and Edward Bolkovac conduct Brahms' beloved Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny); Stravinsky's energetic Symphony of Psalms; and "Urlicht" and the Finale of Mahler's monumental Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection.
The exhilarating sound of 400 performers fills the glorious space of The Cathedral of St. Joseph in a concert you will not want to miss!
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Dance News
Exciting News: New Dance Department Chair Announced
The Dance Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Samantha Dunster as Chair of the Dance Department. Ms. Dunster comes to the Dance Department bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise of the dance world and will be a great asset to our programs. Ms. Dunster comes to us from Florida, where she recently served as Assistant to the Artistic Director/Ballet Mistress of Orlando Ballet and taught at the Orlando Ballet School and will join our team in July. See the full article in this newsletter for her bio!
April Vacation for the Dance Department
The Dance Department's April vacation dates are: Monday, April 18th through Friday, April 22nd No classes will be held unless a faculty member has arranged for a makeup class during this week. Classes will be held as normally scheduled on Saturday, April 23rd.
Dance Ensemble Concert, Saturday, April 30th
 This year's concert will feature students from the Junior and Senior Performance Ensembles from the Intensive Division of the Dance Department alongside students from the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, The Hartt School's Collegiate Dance Division and members of Full Force Dance Theatre. The performance will be on Saturday, April 30th at 2pm at the Mandel Jewish Community Center (JCC), 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. Tickets for the event are $10 General Seating ($5.00 JCC Members). Stop by the Dance Department to purchase your tickets or call (860) 768-6000 or email kilpatric@hartford.edu.
Sculpture Exibit
 Stop in the Handel Performing Arts Center to check out the wonderful sculpture of a dancer's pointe shoe. The piece was "inspired by the dancers at the University of Hartford" and is by Christopher Wallis.
Hartt Dances - Collegiate Dance Division Concert
Friday, April 22nd at 7:30pm
Saturday, April 23rd at 2pm & 7:30pm
Lincoln Theater, University of Hartford
Admission is $20, with discounts for seniors, students, and groups. Admission is free for University of Hartford students, faculty, and staff with current University ID. For tickets and information, contact the University of Hartford Box Office at 860.768.4228 or 1.800.274.8587, or visit www.hartford.edu/hartt.
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Notice for Parents & Faculty:
Last Call for Regional & All-State Info!
Next week we will publish the complete list of Hartt Community Division students accepted to the CMEA's Regional and All-State Festivals. We are also happy to accept information about Inter-El students and All-Eastern or All-New Englad Festival participants.
Don't let your child's (or student's) accomplishment go unobserved!
SEND US YOUR INFO TODAY!
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Suzuki Practice-A-Thon for Japan
Students of the Hartt Suzuki Department are encouraged to participate in a practice-a-thon to raise money for the children in Japan which will be donated to Save the Children. Our aspiration is to become a part of the relief effort through dedicating our daily practice and review to the children of Japan.
From Saturday, April 30th - Friday, May 6th students will commit to daily home practice and review. Each student will find sponsors willing to pledge a small amount of money for each minute practiced or a straight donation for your week's worth of practice. The collective result will demonstrate how the performing arts can truly make a difference for those in need.
Download the Suzuki Practice-A-Thon for Japan Information & Forms
Please contact the Hartt Community Division at (860) 768-4451 or harttcomm@hartford.edu if you have questions or suggestions.
Thank you for participating in this important event!
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Make-Up Week Reminder
MAKE-UP WEEK: This is a reminder for all music students that next week (April 18-22) is a Make-Up Week. Check with your private lesson teacher to find out if you have a make-up scheduled.
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Registration begins for Summer Private Lessons & Summer Suzuki Group Classes
Summer Private Lesson & Suzuki Group Class Registration
Beginning tomorrow, Friday, April 15th, we will begin accepting Summer Private Lesson and Suzuki Group Class registrations.
Steps for Summer Private Lesson Registration:
~ Check with your private lesson teacher to find out if they are teaching this summer.
~ Discuss your summer schedule with your teacher and figure out the number of lessons that will work with both of your schedules.
~ Register before your first lesson. Download the Registration Form. Please note that all summer students must register BEFORE Friday, August 19th.
Summer Suzuki Group Classes offered for Hartt Suzuki Violin, Viola and Cello Students
We are excited to offer our Suzuki violin, viola and cello students a series of optional Summer Group Classes. This will be a great way for your child to keep building their skills over the summer! Classes will  be held on Tuesday evenings from 5:30-6:30pm at Hartt (Room TBA).
The series of 6 classes will be held on:
June 21 & 28 and July 5, 12, 19, 26.
Tuition: $81.00
Reg Fee: $15.00
Please note that you will need to commit to the full 6-week session. The tuition will not be pro-rated for classes missed by students. A minimum of 7 students will be required for the class to run. Download the Registration Form.
Please contact Jessica Meyer at harttsuzu@hartford.edu with any questions!
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Tune of the Week
Do you know the Tune of the Week?
This week's tune:
If you know this week's tune, send your answer, name and email address to harttcomm@hartford.edu. Please put "TUNE OF THE WEEK" in the subject line of the email.
Prizes will be awarded: lollipops or erasers for each correct answer. Get 5 right and win 2 tickets to a Hartt performance.
Last Week's Tune of the Week was: The Pink Panther
by Henry Mancini
Correct answers were submitted by: Jessica Wong, Sofia Gilchenok, Mike Petit, Selah Kwak, Isabel Nip, Andrew Aramini, Devanney Haruta, Franklin Brand, Emerson Dang, Beatrice Dang, Chloe Li, Gloria Zhu, Nika Gilchenok, Leslie Imse, Benita Rose, Kaitlin Pet and Gioia, Anna, Peter and John Gedicks.
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Contact Us
Phone: 860-768-4451 Billing & Registration: Phone: 860-768-4334 Dance Programs: Phone: 860-768-6000 Simsbury Location: Phone: 860-651-3570 |
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