A VISUAL HISTORY OF THE ARTS AT BELMONT HILL SCHOOL
January
It is not our plan to produce artists, but to expose as many boys as possible to this type of culture. Yet, we are producing artists.
– Mr. Togneri, e Sundial, 1953
Mr. Togneri teaching manual arts in Belmont Hill’s Museum of Natural History, ca. 1940s
It could not be more fitting that as we begin this centennial year, we commence with a celebration of the Arts within our school. Names like Angelo Togneri, Harold Prenatt, Whitey Morange, and so many others immediately leap to my mind when I think of the Arts over the past century. Yet I also think of our amazing boys, so willing to cross boundaries, take risks, and try new things on our public stages. The realm of the Arts remains a key to self-expression and risk taking for our boys, and their pursuit catalyzes essential skills in presentation, creativity, and interdisciplinary thinking. The Arts so often serve as a nexus between so many other departments and experiences on campus: they are core to who we are.
Hopefully these pages capture some of the remarkable moments and people who have made the legacy of the Arts what it is at Belmont Hill. As we reflect upon our beginnings, we also contemplate the new frontiers of the creative world on campus, including a new Makerspace, podcasting space, and green
screen room. Our boys have access to creative technologies that never could have been imagined when our School was founded. Yet our original DNA such as panels and woodworking are expanding to new heights during this hundredth year as well.
Whether it is our boys, or our incredible alumni, or the outstanding faculty, we need not look far to see examples of how Belmont Hill promotes the Arts in its graduates. Love of the Arts remains an essential aspect of enjoying a full life and truly becoming a young man of character. Art tells history in a new way, and it fosters our culture of working together on stages and performances of all kinds. Whether performing or visual, these efforts undergird our sense of team and our cherished School spirit. We hope that you enjoy all of the presentations, exhibits, and performances associated with 100 years of Arts at Belmont Hill.
I can only imagine what the next 100 years will bring.
Sincerely yours,
Gregory J. Schneider Ronald M. Druker ’62 Head of School
We begin our Centennial celebration with recognizing the Arts. As you will hear and see, we have been privileged to experience the amazing talents of our faculty and students in the world of visual arts, from our signature collection of Panels dating back to 1927 that adorn the walls of many of our buildings to works of sculpture, paintings, photography, ceramics, and woodworking. In the performing arts, our music and theater programs have produced outstanding concerts and shows that turned out to be launching pads for some of our alumni to become legends in the entertainment industry.
Most importantly, the directors, performers and backstage contributors will undoubtedly say that the opportunity to share their talents was a highlight of their Belmont Hill experience.
Capturing a hundred years of memories is a daunting task. However, with the leadership provided generously and beautifully by faculty members Paul DiResta, Donnell Patterson, and Dan Duarte along with celebrated Hollywood
director Andy Cadiff ’73, they have pulled together an unbelievable program for all of us to enjoy. In major supporting roles have been our archivist, Caroline Kenney, Alumni House members Shannon Hutteman and Shelly Kroll, and our amazing videographer Peter Frechette.
I had the pleasure to watch the ideas blossom and creative juices take hold. All of these folks worked as if they had been on the same team for years. There was a great sense of appreciation for the multitude of contributions made by so many to the arts. They also had fun working together and none tried to grab the limelight.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to extend my thanks on behalf of the Belmont Hill community to this exceptional group of individuals and their tireless efforts. We have much to be proud of and I suspect you will be overwhelmed with what has been accomplished since 1923 in the field of the arts.
Enjoy the show!
Bill Achtmeyer ’73, P ’26 Centennial Celebration Committee Chair
March
Meeting on State Street in Boston, incorporation papers were taken out by seven individuals: Robert W. Atkins, William H. Claflin, Jr., William P. Elwell, John W. Hallowell, Henry Hixon Meyer, Arthur H. Morse, and William J. Underwood. At the incorporation, the bylaws were established, an executive committee was formed, Dr. Reginald Heber Howe, Jr. was hired as headmaster, and the purchase of 19 acres of land near the junction of Park Avenue and Prospect Street from the Belmont Hill Company was unanimously approved. Robert Atkins was elected President of the Executive Committee, William Claflin was elected Treasurer, and Henry Hixon Meyer was chosen as Secretary.
September
44 boys, grades 3-9, started their first day of school at Belmont Hill. Morning Chapel, midday lunches, and study halls were all held in the living room of the Headmaster’s House. Classes were held in the Bolles House. Every year after, a grade was added, with the first graduation occurring in 1927.
September
The Glee Club was formed very shortly into our school’s history. It was under the direction of Miss Keyes, the teacher for grades 3-6.
September
In the first year of the school, manual arts was required as a part of the curriculum. In 1924, the arts fully became part of the curriculum with the addition of drawing and music.
June
The mothers of the Belmont HIll boys held a meeting at which they discussed how music should be a more prominent part of the curriculum. They also stated that dramatics should be instituted at the school, and so, the first dramatic offering was performed that next March.
March
H.M.S. Pinafore was performed as the first school-wide offering. Once the founding Third Formers had reached their senior year, there was the ability to have full scale theatrical projects. It was performed on a temporary stage, since Belmont Hill didn’t have a formal stage yet.
June
Since the first graduating year, each Sixth Former has carved a wooden panel. It is a graduation requirement, but it also solidifies a Sixth Former’s membership in the Belmont Hill community. The panels are hung in all the buildings around campus. The tradition comes from Middlesex School, where Dr. Howe taught. The panel pictured was carved by William Bowden ’27.
June
The first 11 graduates were: William Hammond Bowden, James Lawson Cole, William Peck Elwell, Josiah Macy Erickson, Edward Graham Henriquez, Russell Knowles, Kenneth McGeoch Martin, Jr., Charles Amyas Snelling, W. Bradstreet Speare, Prescott Winckley, and Cyrus Wood. All wore the academic gown for the morning classes of the last term. Six went to Harvard, one went to Tufts, and four returned for postgraduate work and then entered Harvard for the fall of 1928.
Fieldhouse Constructed
July
The fieldhouse was constructed to provide much needed space for athletics and theater productions. It was expanded in 1950 and then converted to the Robsham Memorial Center for Arts in 1988.
Ruddigore Performed on New Stage April
Ruddigore was the first production on the stage of the new fieldhouse, which would be used for the next 50 years. Longtime faculty member Henry B. Sawyer, Jr. ’32 can be found in a black coat, standing in the second row, fourth from the right.
William Harold Taylor was our second Headmaster. Similar to Dr. Howe, Taylor studied at Harvard and worked at Middlesex School, where he taught for a total of 26 years. Taylor had a tremendous influence in the creation of an arts and music program, including a theater program. He also believed in the student voice and helped to create a student council.
Thomas R. Morse became our third headmaster in 1935, taking over after Taylor’s untimely death in April. Morse had already been on the faculty for 10 years, so his knowledge and experience at the School made the transition easy. Morse had already served as interim headmaster after Dr. Howe’s death. Morse would remain headmaster until 1942, when he entered into the naval service at the beginning of World War II. Under Morse, our school grounds and athletic facilities were improved, including an additional boarded hockey rink. The first yearbooks were published, later named The Sundial for the sundial in front of the Headmaster’s House.
September
With only 40 boys enrolled as the 1941-1942 school year ended and World War II going on, Charles F. Hamilton started in the most difficult of times. Some families thought that Belmont Hill wouldn’t make it through the war due to the low enrollment numbers and financial hardships, but Hamilton saw this as a challenge and pledged to stabilize the School in the most unstable of times. Hamilton was able to get enrollment numbers up to 100 boys before the 1942-1943 school year began, and in the first few years of his leadership, he was able to double the size of enrollment. This success was a direct reflection of the persistence and leadership of Mr. Hamilton.
Belmont Hill Celebrates 25 Years
December
Mr. Hamilton’s remarks on the 25th Anniversary: “Much has been said and written about this anniversary year. We as faculty are duly proud to celebrate it and to think back over the growth of the School in the quarter century of its life — to reflect too, on the increasing usefulness of its service to all of you who have shared with us the happiness of belonging to what Mr. Keller so rightly calls ‘the Belmont Hill family’. Perhaps this pride may seem to some as out of proportion to the actual age of the School. Twenty-five years is hardly old age even for an individual and certainly not for an institution. But such distinctions are relative. What really matters, it seems to me, is what has been accomplished in the years, not their numerical total. This is what gives them meaning.”
December
Montserrat Performed
As the facets of Belmont Hill grew, so did the need for more spaces. The Hobby House was built to house art classes, and it was the art facility until the opening of the Robsham Art Center in 1988. It was also used for music classes and rehearsals until the opening of Prenatt Music Center in 2004. It’s currently being used as a maintenance building, but you can see the artistic mural on the front of the building. The construction was made possible by the donation of Mr. and Mrs. Kimball Stevens, parents of Eben Stevens ’54. The mural on the front of the building was painted by Peter Stevens ‘54 and Henry Childs ‘54 under the direction of Mr. Togneri.
After faculty appointments at Belmont Hill and MIT, Mr. Gurney went on to become a playwright and author. He is known for The Dining Room (1982), Sweet Sue (1986/7), The Cocktail Hour (1988), and Pulitzer Prize nominated play Love Letters (1988).
July
Shortly after Mr. Hamilton’s announcement to the community, the Chapel arrived on campus in 10,000 pieces from West Thompson, Connecticut. The move was made possible by Roger Webb and RARE Enterprises as well as the generous donations of Executive Committee members, Mr. Stephen Mugar, and Dr. and Mrs. George W. Lynch. The Chapel was completed in 1964, and the dedication service was held in September 1964. A service also occurred in November 1964 with both the Belmont Hill and West Thompson Methodist Church congregations.
Mr. Harold Prenatt directing the Glee Club
David A. Aloian was no stranger to Belmont Hill as he served on the faculty from 1954-1963. Aloian returned after holding the headmaster position at Concord Academy from 1963-1971. As our fifth headmaster, Aloian sought and succeeded in improving and expanding the curriculum. He focused on the quality of teaching and made improvements in science, computer science, and the arts. Aloian also established the activities with Winsor and brought many speakers and presenters to campus.
Under the direction of its first chair, Harold Prenatt, the arts department rose to the level of the other academic departments. Although art was in the curriculum from the establishment of the school, formation of the department made way for creation of credit-bearing courses and graduation requirements.
The opening prayer was delivered by Reverend Francis B. Sayre ’32. Addresses were given by Derek C. Bok, President of Harvard, and Kingman Brewster ’36, President of Yale. It was a night of reflection on the accomplishments and challenges so far, as well as a look ahead to the future.
Written by Roger Duncan, The Story of Belmont Hill detailed the School’s history up to that point and included commentary by faculty and alumni.
Mr. Lape Works at Belmont Hill
Mr. Pranas Lape, faculty member from 1972 to 1978, made a significant impact on his students in the short time that he was at Belmont Hill.
Mr. Lape worked as a professional artist and designer in addition to his education work.
Carousel
Joining with Winsor School in 1974 and then Dana Hall in 1992, Belmont Hill established a lasting tradition of spring musicals.
June
Mr. Togneri came to Belmont Hill as a part-time assistant to the school’s art teacher, Alexander Innis. They worked together on the school’s art program which included the panels, now a tradition that was only two years old at the time. After Mr. Innis’ departure and the construction of the Hobby House, Mr. Togneri took over as the head of the art program and nurtured it enthusiastically until his retirement. He was known as Mr. T to the students.
Mr. Duncan had served on the faculty for 33 years and as assistant headmaster for many years, so he was the obvious choice when there was a need for a headmaster in between David Aloian and the arrival of Chris Wadsworth. It’s no surprise that Duncan supported the community as he already had during his year tenure.
The group was founded by students in 1978 and became the select choral group in the 1980s. The group toured and brought music to a wider audience. The photo pictured is from the 1981-1982 school year, when the group became established as a select choral group.
Mr. Wadsworth’s 14-year tenure as our seventh Head of School was a productive, steady era. Wadsworth helped to expand financial aid and improve publications and communications. Under his leadership, initiatives such as summer programs and parent involvement were created and the teacher internship program was established. A new library and the Lynch Center, including an up-to-date computer lab, was built and the original gym was renovated into the Robsham Arts Center. Encapsulating the tight knit community that Wadsworth wanted, the Senior Breakfast was created to connect the faculty and the seniors one last time before the graduation ceremony.
In his 40 years of service, Mr. Funk taught French, Ethics, was the director of the Middle School, and a critical figure in the Theater program. He was also chairman of the Educational Enrichment Program, which ran through the 1960s and 1970s.
No No Nannette
The Story of Belmont Hill: 1923-1983 Published
July
An update to the 50th anniversary edition, the 60th Anniversary edition included updated information, additional chapters, and more interviews of community members.
As the Claflin Athletic Center and New Gym took over as the athletic spaces, space opened up in the old fieldhouse. The community needed a new arts center as the constraints of the Hobby House were growing. So, it was the perfect place for the new arts center. The building was dedicated to E. Paul Robsham, Jr. ’82, who passed away during his freshman year at Boston College, by his parents, E. Paul Robsham, Sr. and Joyce Robsham. The gift and dedication made the renovation and transformation possible. The improvement of the theater was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Kraft in honor of their sons Jonathan ‘82, Daniel ‘83 and David ‘90. The theater gallery was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Walter A. Landau in honor of their sons David ‘80, Peter ‘86 and Scott ‘88. The Lee Family Art Studio is the gift of Herbert and Mildred Lee and their sons Thomas ‘61, Richard ‘65 and Jonathan ‘69. The renovation of the arts department office was made possible by Nancy Claflin, ‘with her thanks to Whitey Morange, who believed in the arts center and worked to make it a reality.’ The photography lab, dedicated to all past, present and future Belmont Hill School photography enthusiasts, is the gift of the Paul F. Gleason family. The woodworking shop was donated by Mrs. Edward V. French in loving memory of her husband. The panel finishing room was given in memory of Bill Ulfelder ‘66 with gratitude for the life and teaching of Angelo M. Togneri by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Ulfelder and family. The panel carving area of the shop was donated by the DiMare family in honor of Mr. T, teacher and friend of many Belmont Hill boys. The reception room is dedicated by friends and family in memory of Heidi Parrot Diercks, who held a special love and appreciation for Belmont Hill. A panel in the building’s west corridor commemorates Thomas K. Sherwood III ‘47, teacher of woodworking, and the clock in the southeast entry is a memorial to William H. Whittem ‘39, given by his classmates.
Dr. Richard I. Melvoin Starts His Tenure
July
Dr. Richard I. Melvoin was appointed as the 8th Head of School after Christopher Wadsworth departed to lead Robert College in Turkey. Dr. Melvoin came to Belmont Hill after five years of university admissions work at Harvard and earlier roles at Deerfield Academy, where he was a teacher, advisor, drama and athletic coach, and administrator.
Dr. Melvoin is also a historian and the author of New England Outpost: War and Society in Colonial Deerfield.
Once Upon a Mattress with Dana Hall
Mr. Steven Karidoyanes Leads Glee Club and B Flats at Holiday Concert
December
Held on Sunday, December 5th in Sanders Theatre at Harvard University, the event brought the B Flats and Glee Club together with the choruses of The Winsor School. Hundreds of students, family members, alumni, friends, faculty, and staff members of the two schools were in attendance for this special afternoon of music.
B Flats with Mr. Karidoyanes after singing at the Franciscan Church in Vienna
September
The 75th Anniversary included the 75th Anniversary Campaign, which raised a total of $42.2 million for the revitalization of our campus and physical plant.
Belmont Hill School 1923-1998: An Anniversary Album Published September
As noted by Harold Prenatt, writer and compiler for the book, the 75th Anniversary Album “is a pictorial history which seeks not to extend in detail the account of events and accomplishments but rather to convey by imagery and voices some the school’s atmosphere over time and its themes of the past and present.”
Prenatt Music Center Constructed August
The Prenatt Music Center, named for Harold Prenatt, former faculty member and Director of Music, opened in 2004. The building allowed for designated ensemble space as well as lesson rooms. The donation for the building was given by an anonymous friend of the School.
Ensemble Groups Formally Created August
Although there had been informal ensemble groups and music lessons for years, ensembles were formally created with the hire of Mr. Daniel Fiori as the Director of Instrumental Music. It started with the formation of Middle and Upper School Jazz Bands; an orchestra followed shortly afterward.
June
Mr. Prenatt’s responsibilities spanned across campus. Art and music teacher, arts department head, director of studies, registrar, and school archivist are just a few of the roles he had on campus. The Prenatt Music Center was dedicated to him in 2004.
June
Mr. Morange was a champion of the arts at Belmont Hill for 34 years. He was the chair of the arts department, and he taught photography, graphics, digital video and art history, in addition to painting and drawing. He worked in both the Hobby House and the Robsham Center for the Arts, helping to make the transition to the larger space that Robsham offered. He served as the director of the Landau Gallery from 1988 to 2012. Additionally, he was the Boarding Director, faculty advisor to The Panel, and a 20-year member of the facilities committee.
June
Mr. MacLean came to Belmont Hill with a passion for theater and honed his skills as a director. He directed 38 plays and was an advisor to 19 student-directed plays. He was a faculty member in the History department and served as the Chair of the department. He also coached track, advised the debate team, and coordinated the Woodbury Speaking Contest.
June
A highly regarded member of the English and arts departments, Mr. Zamore worked at Belmont Hill for almost four decades. On the athletic side, he was the assistant coach for the Nordic skiing team and the head coach for the sailing team. Additionally, he was the faculty advisor for The Panel and The Sextant.
July
Hailing from Berwick Academy, Mr. Schneider was appointed the 9th Head of School in 2018. Mr. Schneider served as Head of School at Berwick Academy for 11 years before coming to Belmont Hill. He also worked at Rye Country Day School as Assistant Head of School, Upper School English teacher, and varsity football coach.
Art requirement allows for depth over breadth, enabling students to hone their craft in certain mediums and disciplines
March
Jazz Band and B Flats available for course credit
Jazz Band with Mr. Fiori
For the renovation of the Hamilton Chapel, an extended stage was incorporated to allow ensembles to perform.
Andy Cadiff ’73
Paul DiResta
Dan Duarte
Donnell Patterson
Bill Achtmeyer ’73, P ’26, Centennial Celebration Chair
Carl Martignetti ’77, Centennial Campaign Chair
Greg Schneider, Ronald M. Druker ’62 Head of School
Rick Melvoin
Chris Wadsworth P ’85
Jon Biotti ’87, P ’23 (2012-)
Rick Ganong ’82, P ’09 (2007-2012)
Chris Clifford P’00 (2001-2007)
John Pike ’49, P’77 (1989-2001)
Amy Madden P ’20, ’22, Parents Vice Chair
Pam Broderick P ’22, ’26
Jennifer Drucker P ’20, ’23
Julie Gomes P ’20, ’24
Jackie Hendrix P ’24
Kelly Pellagrini P ’23, ’25
Ann Ryan P ’14, ’17, ’19
Meghan Weldon P ’18, ’20, ’24
Don Bradley
Caleb Collins ’93, P ’25
Bev Coughlin
Paul DiResta
Dan Duarte
Lora Farkas P ’04, ’13
Dan Fiori
Jay Fritz ’91
Beth Girioni
Shannon Hutteman
Steve Kaplan ’83
Caroline Kenney
Shelly Kroll
Bill Mahoney
Kenny Martin ’65, P ’91
Elton Matos
Donnell Patterson
Harold Prenatt
Michael Sherman
George Seeley
Ruth Sweeney
George Tahan P ’20
Lindsey Taylor
Tyson Trautz
Travis Woolcott
George Lynch ’88, P ’27, Alumni Vice Chair
1940s – John Pike ’49, P ’77
1950s – Bill Cleary ’52, P ’81
1960s – John Grady ’66 P ’87, Art Norton ’60
1970s – Emmett Lyne ‘77, Steve Weeks ’74, Carl Martignetti ’77, Andy Cadiff ’73
1980s – Jon Biotti ’87, P ’23, Tagg Romney ‘88, P ’20, ’22
1990s – Jason Hurd ‘90, P ’23, ’26
2000s – Greg Paul ‘09, Dave Antonelli ‘06
2010s – Matt Ryan ’14
2020s – Jack McHugh ’20
Daniel Drucker ’23
Luke Travaglini ’24
Alex Laidlaw ’25
Thomas Danahy ’26
Will Sandor ’27
ARTS DEPARTMENT CHAIRS
Harold Prenatt
Richard “Whitey” Morange
Steven Kaplan ’83
Current
Dan Duarte, Visual Arts
Paul DiResta, Performing Arts
DIRECTORS OF THEATER
John Henry Funk
A. R. Gurney
Charles Thomas
Nancy Skinner
Walter Beattie
John MacLean
Holly Gettings, Technical Director
Elizabeth Davis
Jean Robison
Current
Paul DiResta
DIRECTORS OF MUSIC
Kenneth W. Moffat
Elliot Forbes
Morris “Deac” Burroughs
Frank Modica
Gilbert Prentiss
Richard Bennett
Harold Prenatt
Kenneth Getz
Jiman Duncan
Steven Karidoyanes
Ann Coté, Instrumental Music Coordinator
James Balmer
James Hejduk
Current
Donnell Patterson
Daniel Fiori, Instrumental Music
In special recognition to Angelo Togneri for his years of service to the arts at Belmont Hill School
