NOT SURE? FIVE SOPHOMORES TELL US WHAT THEY WISH THEY HAD KNOWN FRESHMAN YEAR
PG. 10-11
CHECK OUT OUR PROGRESS ON THE SLPC! PG. 9
OUR PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS TELL US WHAT THEY LOVE MOST ABOUT THEIR JOB. YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED! PG. 8
DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE FABULOUS ORIENTATION EVENTS!
MEET ANDREW AND JULIA, THE PENGUIN’S CO-EDITORS PG. 14
THE PENGUIN
PG. 12-13
N E C ’S S T U D E N T - R U N N E W S PA P E R
ISSUE 78
AUGUST 26TH, 2016
WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
NEC IS YOUR SCHOOL. BOSTON IS YOUR CAMPUS. PG. 6-7 PG. 2-5
MOVING INTO 33 GAINSBOROUGH? MEET THE AMAZING RES LIFE STAFF WHO YOU’LL BE LIVING WITH!
PG. 5
PG. 15
INTERESTED IN WRITING FOR THE PENGUIN? FIND OUT HOW ON THE BACK PAGE!
MEET THE 2015-16 Allessandra Cionco-Dahlberg - Director of Student Life Q: Best thing to eat in the Bistro? A: The Bistro makes this amazing soba noodle salad with a spicy sesame dressing at their Creation Station. It only comes along once every few weeks, but seriously drop everything and go there to eat it! Q: How many times do you snooze your alarm in the morning? A: At least once. And I have to set two alarms so that they go off 6 minutes apart. I am really not a morning person and the struggle is real every day.
Mona Sangesland - GA for Wellness Programming Q: Tea or Coffee? A: Tea, always. Especially chai tea! Recently, I have become a fan of the “Misugaru Latte” at Caffe Bene, which is neither coffee nor tea and tastes like a liquid version of sweet sesame paste (that wasn’t a very pleasant description). Q: What’re you looking forward to about working on the ResLife staff? A: Telling everyone that it is time for “quiet hours” (just joking!). I’m really excited to meet a varied group of people and to share my love of health/ wellness with the community!
Micah Gharavi - GA for Residential Life Q: What’s something that you’d like incoming residents to know about you? A: I’d like the incoming residents to know that I am incredibly excited to meet them and to get to know them! If you see me (doing anything but practicing) definitely say hi! Q: What’re you looking forward to about working on the ResLife staff? A: I was RA during my undergrad as well so I’m most looking forward to getting to be a part of the community here at NEC, as I was at my last conservatory! I’d also like to make the dorms more of a home for the residents.
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AUGUST 26, 2016
RES LIFE STAFF!
(Part 1!)
Luis Herrera - GA for Student Activities Q: Something you wish you knew as a new student in Boston? A: All the activities that the city has! I found out about concerts, festivals, and everything else going on in Boston a little bit late. Q: What’re you looking forward to about working on the ResLife staff? A: Getting to know a lot of new people and probably future colleagues. Q: What is it like to be a percussionist major at NEC? A: Percussion is like a big family. If you ask other studios they will let you know.
Thomas Burrill - RA for the Second Floor Q: What is it like to be a classical pianist at NEC? A: There is a lot of stigma attached to being a classical pianist. To people within my major, I would say that it’s ok to do things differently than the people around you. To the people outside my major, I would ask for some patience with our seemingly antisocial tendencies! Finding a healthy worklife balance isn’t easy for anyone! Q: What’re you looking forward to most about working on the ResLife staff? A: The new residents, of course! This year also marks the end of an era at NEC, as it’s the last year we’ll be living at 33 Gainsborough, so we’ll have to find a way to end the year appropriately!
Abraham Martin - RA for the Third Floor Q: Favorite piece of music of all time A: Some pieces that really move me are: Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” and “Sentimental Sarabande” from his Simple Symphony, Handel’s “Messiah” and Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony. Q: Favorite places on / off campus? A: On campus, Jordan Hall. Sometimes I forget how lucky we are to have that hall as a rehearsing space. Off campus: Boston Common, especially during the fall, and the Charles during spring. Q: Something you wish you knew as a new student in Boston? A: How to imitate the Boston accent!
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MEET THE 2015-16 Isaac Blumfeld - RA for the Fourth Floor Q: What’s something that you’d like incoming residents to know about you? A: I’d like residents to know that I’m completely happy to answer any of their questions. We throw around acronyms all the time and assume everyone knows what they are, so don’t feel any shame in asking about them. Sometimes it can feel like everyone else at NEC knows what’s going on, but don’t hesitate to ask if you’re confused about something! Q: What’s something you wish you knew as a new student in Boston? A: Explore! Boston has tons of fascinating neighborhoods that you really can’t exhaust. Whenever you’re feeling stuck in this city, try somewhere brand new to get a new perspective. I love spending time in Cambridge, the Seaport District, Chinatown, Brookline, etc.! Q: Favorite thing to eat at Bistro 33? A: I once had a Bistro chef make me a chocolate chip pancake with bacon in it. It was a pretty remarkable experience.
Maura Shawn Scanlin - RA for the Fifth Floor Q: What’s something that you’d like incoming residents to know about you? A: I love playing and listening to traditional folk music; my favorite fiddle player is Martin Hayes. Q: What’re your favorite places on and off campus? A: On campus, definitely the library. Off campus, I love going to the Arboretum, Boston Common and Cambridge! Q: Favorite piece of music of all time? A: THERE ARE TOO MANY. Q: Tea or Coffee A: Both?
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AUGUST 26, 2016
RES LIFE STAFF!
(Part 2!)
Darynn Dean - RA for the Sixth Floor Q: How many times do you snooze your alarm in the morning? A: At least 10 times, I have multiple alarms each set with their individual snooze button. Q: What’s something that you’d like incoming residents to know about you? A: I still sleep with my childhood stuffed animal named Ned. Q: What’re you looking forward to most about being an RA? I am looking forward to meeting many new and interesting people that will inspire me, not only as an artist, but as a person. Q: Something you wish you knew as a new student in Boston? A: It’s okay to go to the movies alone.
Elise Kolle - RA for the Seventh Floor Q: What’s something that you’d like incoming residents to know about you? A: I don’t think there’s anything super special about me that people should know, but residents should know that cleanliness is a top priority for me (so keep the bathroom clean...)! Q: What is being a harp major like at NEC? What’s one thing you want people outside of your major to know about it? A: As a harpist, we have one of the smallest studios at NEC (in fact, I think we are the smallest!) We don’t play a whole lot in orchestra, but when we do it’s usually important (and stressful!) We are totally spoiled at NEC because we never have to move our own harps around! Q: What’re you looking forward to most about being an RA? A: Going into my second year with ResLife, I am most excited to see what our dynamic will be as a floor. I know that girl bonding time seems cheesy, but it’s actually the best and really helps people decompress.
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Boston: Your Campus by Andrew Port
It doesn’t really matter if you’re new to Boston or not - it’s an amazing city, with so much to do! So now that you’re here, what do you want to see first? Don’t know? That’s okay, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at some of our top picks for places in and around our corner of New England - there are plenty of distractions from the practice rooms!
SYMPHONY HALL 301 MASSACHUSETTS AVE The home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall also hosts a range of different performers throughout the year. Keep an eye out for the Celebrity Series!
UNO PIZZERIA AND GRILL 280 HUNTINGTON AVE We know, we know - it’s right around the corner. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth knowing about. Uno has great deals for students, especially its late-night daily discounts on many dishes.
PRUDENTIAL CENTER 800 BOYLSTON ST. Doesn’t matter if you like to shop, walk, or eat - The ‘Pru’ has you covered with just about every type of store, with an affordable food court to boot! Go to the top of the Tower for a view too!
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AUGUST 26, 2016
THE LANDMARK CENTER
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
1341 BOYLSTON ST
700 BOYLSTON ST
Not enough shops in Prudential? The newly completed Landmark Center in Fenway has more than just The City Target - you can find Tasty Burger, MiniLuxe and Sweetgreen (for amazing salads) and more for all your needs!
Located across from the amazing Copley Square, the Central BPL boasts two large buildings’ worth of materials. You’re guaranteed to spend hours lost in the aisles searching for the perfect book!
REVERE BEACH
COPLEY SQUARE
350 REVERE BEACH BLVD
560 BOYLSTON ST
It won’t be hot forever in Boston - take advantage of it while you can! Revere Beach is only a T-ride away, and you can spend the entire afternoon relaxing in the sand, or swimming out so you can see the skyline of Boston!
It’s not as big as the Common, but it’s just as beautiful. Surrounded by the Hancock Tower, Boston Public Library and gorgeous churches, this area often hosts street performers and farmers markets!
PUBLIC GARDENS & COMMON 139 TREMONT ST Beautiful and fun during every season, these parks are an essential part of the Boston experience. Go for the swan boats, people watching, and more!
WHOLE FOODS
15 WESTLAND AVE It wouldn’t be right not to include a grocery store here - luckily, we have one of the best. Whether you need a warm meal or ingredients for your next culinary masterpiece, Whole Foods is just down the street from NEC.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 465 HUNTINGTON AVE Exquisite architecture meets classic artwork, sculptures and cultural masterpieces. You’ll need to go more than once to take this whole place in, so you’d better get started now!
THE NORTH END Do you like Italian culture and food? Hopefully you do, because the North End is an entire district devoted entirely to the Italian craft of cooking, crowded streets, and markets. With dozens of restaurants at your disposal, you can’t go wrong!
PAVEMENT COFFEE 44 GAINSBOROUGH ST If you’re not a Starbucks person (or you want a change of pace), check out Pavement just across Huntington Ave. It’s smart little coffee shop with some of the best breakfast food around, too! How could you go wrong?
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Student and Program Administrator Profiles HEAR ABOUT NEC FROM THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW IT BEST
We, at The Penguin, know how good we have it at NEC, but starting at a new school can be overwhelming in lots of different ways. To make sure you don’t miss any opportunities to enrich your education, we asked administrators from the Orchestra, Vocal, Chamber Music and Academic programs to talk to us a little about what they love most about their respective programs, and the opportunities each have that you may not be aware of. While you’re at it, check out the profiles on the next page from five students who just finished their freshman years. They’ve shared with us what they loved most and what they wish they knew as freshmen, so that you can be all the more prepared to tackle every opportunity that comes your way!
Sally Millar Choral Manager Singing is a powerfully personal and uniquely expressive form of music-making – possibly our species’ first and most ancient gesture of communication. From a simple imitation of birds to the imagined rejoicing of angels, human beings have been moved to sing when our hearts are too full for speech, in times of both joy and sorrow. We release the music which is inside us – using only our bodies, our breath, and our minds. But we are social animals, and singing together, in a chorus, deepens the meaning and significance of the experience because we instantly become a single entity – breathing as one, forming the correct notes, responding to the gestures of the conductor, and briefly becoming the music first imagined by Bach, Handel, Vaughan Williams, Tippett, or Fauré. So angels sing. Birds sing. Hearts sing. At NEC, pianists sing and composers sing and guitarists sing and singers sing and the experience strengthen everyone’s ability to listen and respond, to complement rather than compete with others, and to recognize that we are there to serve the music and not ourselves. This is what I hope all involved will take away from the experience.
Tahanee Aluwihare Program Administrator There are so many amazing new things going on in our programs at NEC this year! In the Composition department, Tuesday Night New Music concerts feature the new works of students in the department. Regular composer colloquiums feature established artists as they visit NEC to speak about their work and process. Our Music History department is going to be collaborating with various departments over the course of the year to feature music from various genres and time periods! In the Liberal Arts department, A new minor was just introduced, allowing students to explore varied interests from politics to mathematics. The language faculty also host regular language “cafés” where all language levels are welcome to interact over a cup of coffee. There’s so much to take advantage of from all of our programs, so don’t let any time go to waste! Welcome to NEC!
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AUGUST 26, 2016
Margie Apfelbaum Orchestral Manager The main goal of the Orchestra Department is to create a positive environment for learning and performing a wide array of orchestral repertoire. Over 340 students participate in 3 different orchestra: Chamber Orchestra - an elite group of 17 string players who perform without conductor, but coached by the legendary Donald Palma. Philharmonia is made up of 200 graduate students and upper class undergraduates. There are usually 2 different Philharmonia groups rehearsing simultaneously with rosters, repertoire and sometimes conductors! Symphony is comprised of mostly freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Philharmonia and Sympony are conducted by Hugh Wolff, David Loebel, and occasional guest conductors. For me personally, I love observing rehearsals and seeing how one builds on the previous. The improvement from rehearsal 1 to the concert is always impressive. I also enjoy getting to know everyone. Good luck and welcome (back)!
Elizabeth Van Voorhis Chamber Music Administrator Welcome to the Chamber Music Department! Our program invites students from all majors and years to participate in a semester-long ensemble (typically of their own choosing) with the goal of presenting a full work, or works, for both their peers and a public audience. As Program Administrator of this department, I have the pleasure of engaging with a wide range of students, discussing topics from group structure and repertoire to performance requirements and attire, and how to work through conflicts. Each ensemble, whether a Ravel piano duo or Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat for seven instruments and narration, is assigned a faculty coach and given 13 hours of targeted coaching throughout the semester. In addition, groups are asked to participate in two internal masterclasses and one final formal recital, rounding out their experience. All groups are eligible to participate in Honors Ensemble auditions, which take place midway through the semester; a privileged few have gone on to become acclaimed professional chamber groups. Managing a department of this magnitude and reputation can be a daunting task, but my most-treasured times are the behind-the-scenes moments, sending anxious musicians on stage for their final performances, and watching them return with a big grin and a look of relief after presenting a fervent and heartfelt performance.
Alec Toku Whiting, Contemporary Improvisation My first year at NEC was a ride. I don’t think I’ve ever learnt so much in a year. As someone with diverse musical interests NEC has been a great place to investigate them, especially as a student in the CI department. One of my favorite parts about being in Boston has been being able to see so much music. Being able to catch world class performances for free at the BSO is a blessing. So many amazing musicians come through Boston to play. And so many of the best performances I saw were put on by my friends in small venues in Boston. One of my favorite shows was in a Jamaica Plain basement! The greatest advice I could give is to watch for what your fellow students are doing outside of school, they might quickly become your favorite musicians to watch!
Joanna Kim Classical Voice Major Welcome to NEC! My name is Joanna Kim, and I am a sophomore majoring in Vocal Performance. When I first arrived at Boston, I thought that all the singers in my year were my competition. At first, I didn’t even try to make friends because I just wanted to improve on my instrument and leave. But I’m glad I changed that mindset quickly, because I would not have met my group of friends who made my first year of college the best year of my life. My closest friends at NEC, who are all singers, have showed nothing but love and support towards me. Together, my friends and I laughed, cried, struggled, and created memories that I will never forget. I chose NEC because I knew this was the right choice for me. I knew I would be able to grow as a musician and as a person in such a welcoming environment. So go out there and make friends and enjoy your first year in college! You won’t regret it.
Chet Stüssy Classical Trombone Major I’m a bass trombone major from Santa Barbara, CA, entering my sophomore year here at NEC. The bass trombone department is small, with only 4 of us in the studio this year. Our teacher is James Markey of the Boston Symphony. The early bird gets the practice room! Looking back at my freshman year, I wish I knew how important it was to get into a practice room in the morning. As it gets later in the day, it can feel like the whole school is looking for a room between classes. Make sure to get plenty of sleep so you can wake up early. As an NEC student, we have access to a College Card that gets us into almost every BSO concert for free. Make sure to take advantage of that and see as many concerts as you can! It can be easy to get caught up in the workload of school, so make sure to set aside some time to get out and enjoy Boston. I try to get out at least once a week and walk to the Common.
Patrick Noonan Jazz Whenever someone asks me what I think of NEC, the only response I’ve been able to come up with is “it’s a magical place.” It not only sounds cheesy, but a little weird, yet it’s the best way I can describe this place. The people here are weirder, louder, and kinder than anywhere I’ve ever been, and almost all of the departments reflect that. If I had known when I first arrived what I do now, I would have tried to meet as many different people as possible, and I recommend that all new students try to do so!
Nhyta Taguchi Composition Major Deciding to dedicate years to hiding in a room with a pencil and paper can only limit your outcome. Often, I find myself hiding in a realm of endless amounts of paper, whereas the result is no reason the way I wanted the piece to sound. Of course, my indecisiveness has a genuine conflict with this problem, although the result cultivates the process, I value the process the most important of the two. Sometimes, that process comes from interactions with others in the outside world, or experiences at concerts, or from your list of thoughts. Whatever your process might be, finding your niche, the balance between socializing and yourself will help you find your niche, your aura on the world. Although I could give you endless amounts of advice, like I just did in the above, my advice only has a minute difference on your part. Trust your gut, it always works.
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THE SLCP NEARS COMPLETION BY DEAN SUZANNE HEGLAND
“If only we had more room….” More practice rooms, more performance space, more common space, a larger residence hall, a larger cafeteria, a larger library... by the end of this academic year, our recurring dream will become a reality!
LONG AGO, the students of NEC were asking for the same thing - in fact, this isn’t the first time NEC has expanded. Sixty years ago students just like you were also saying “more room, please!” From it came what we know as 33 Gainsborough, our Residence Hall, Library, Bistro, and sister-building to Jordan Hall.
Imagine how happy they were when they saw THIS finished product!
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AUGUST 26, 2016
THIS TIME, we’re aiming to leave a mark on the skyline. The SLPC will be the tallest building at NEC, and giving those lucky residents on the top floors amazing views of the city. Check out the view from the top floor these brass players got!
May, 2015
December, 2015
April, 2016
Take 1: Too Shiny?
June, 2016
Coming soon...
Take 2: Too Green?
Third time’s the charm!
Brick and mortar is so yesterday. Working closely with the Massachusetts Historical Council, NEC’s architects chose this exterior to blend the new with the old. Situated next to our St. Botolph building – which was built in 1904 – the aesthetic of the new SLPC is both historic and unique. Also, in case you were wondering, our talented construction crew has installed over 10,000 terra-cotta tiles over the summer. And you thought you were busy!
FOR YEARS, we’ve been looking at this rendition (never fully believing it would happen), but our SLPC will open before you know it! WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH
JORDAN HALL STEPS
JORDAN HALL STEPS
Sponsored by Student Activities, Sample some of the best bubble-tea in all of Boston! Bring money to try it all!
Over 21? Explore some of Boston’s best nightlife! Don’t forget your government issued photo ID.
6:30 P.M.
BUBBLE TEA CRAWL FOR ALL 12
AUGUST 26, 2016
9:00 P.M.
GRADSTUDENT PUB CRAWL
SUNSET HARBOR CRUISE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND | 5:30 P.M. JORDAN HALL STEPS Join the Student Activities Center and watch the sun set over the city as you cruise Boston and dance the night away under the stars!
CHARLES RIVER WALK
Explore the beautiful Charles River Esplanade with your friends, or attend a concert at the Hatch
JORDAN HALL STEPS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST | 6:30 P.M.
Memorial Shell right on the River itself!
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Julia Cohen Hi! My name is Julia Cohen, and I am excited to be part of The Penguin Staff as co-editor this year. I am a sophomore at NEC majoring in vocal performance and minoring in Liberal Arts with a focus in acting. I grew up in a small town in upstate New York, and when applying to colleges I really wanted to be in a city, and was lucky enough to end up in Boston. Last year I was involved in three wonderful ensembles: Chamber Singers, Jazz for non-majors, and CI for non-majors. Being able to explore all these different types of music has made it possible for me to create different types of performances and concerts for all different audiences. I love to perform and during the year I am part of CPP and perform with the NPR From The Top CDAL program. I am so excited for another year of exploration and fun. This summer I have focused on learning to accompany myself on the piano and the baritone ukulele. My Dad, a guitarist/songwriter, and I performed ten concerts this summer! I started to write my own song last semester in CI for non-majors, and am beginning to perform them. This summer I also studied at the Stella Adler Acting Studio in NYC, where I took immersion classes in audition technique and scene study. I balance out my school and musical commitments by working out at the Y, enjoying yoga and dance, cooking, and exploring Boston with friends! I hope many students will feel welcome to be involved in the newspaper community. I was nervous myself in the beginning, as I never really thought of myself as a writer, until I began NEC and was encouraged in all of my classes to write and explore that part of myself. Now I’m here, and couldn’t be happier! I hope to see many of you writing for the Penguin soon!
Andrew Port Hey there everyone! After serving as Editor for The Penguin last year, I’m so excited and honored to be working alongside Julia as Co-Editor of our Student-Run Newspaper for my senior year at NEC. If you couldn’t tell from the photo, I play the oboe here - but that’s not where my passions end. I’m a sucker for politics (and the discussion therein), technology, and of course, journalism. For me, New England Conservatory has always represented the ideal environment for a developing artist: There’s no effort made to shape you into anyone’s ideal musician, but there’s every effort made to help you become the artist you want to become. Take that willingness and flexibility to help you achieve your goals, and add it to the numerous and endless opportunities presented to you to express yourself, and - well, I don’t need to tell you. There’s a reason why you chose to come here. I come from a suburb just north of New York City (not that far from Julia, actually), and spent much of my time as a high schooler there taking the lessons that would eventually catapult me to the very place you are now, just a couple years ago. I owe a lot to this school for giving me three amazing years thus far, full of incredible adventures, amazing opportunities to learn, and some of the best friends I could ever ask for. When it comes to The Penguin, Julia really said it best: We welcome anyone who wants to get involved, and we’ll work with you to make sure your vision is reproduced here so that everyone in our community can hear what you have to say. Whether it be poetry, photography, opinion pieces, or anything else you can think of, we want to hear from you. Because as we say: The Penguin is your stage, your words are your music.
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AUGUST 29, 2015
N I U G N E P THE ! U O Y S D E NE NEC’s student newspaper can only continue to thrive with your help. ANYONE is welcome to join! Perks of contributing include: * The opportunity to publish your writing, poetry, photography, and/or illustrations
THE PENGUIN N E C ’S S T U D E N T - R U N N E W S PA P E R
PENGUIN PENMEN Andrew Port, co-editor Julia Cohen, co-editor Suzanne Hegland, faculty editor Alec Toku Whiting, guest author Joanna Kim, guest author Chet Stussy, guest author Nhyta Taguchi, guest author Patrick Noonan, guest author
SUBMIT SOMETHING! If you'd like to contribute an article, illustration, or idea, email a 1-2 sentence proposal to: thepenguin@necmusic.edu We’d love to hear from you! Please limit articles to 650 words.
* Meeting other people who share your interests * No commitment! Submit whenever you have time. * A great addition to your resume * Warm & fuzzy feelings knowing that you have improved the NEC community The Penguin publishes eight issues each school year. For more information, come along to our Penguin Party or contact anyone you see in the Penmen’s column to find out more! Ideas for our October issue include: What Scares You? * Stage Fright * Fall Recipes * Haunted House Opera
SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE :
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH
WE'RE ONLINE! FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/penguinnewspaper INSTAGRAM: /ThePenguinNEC TWITTER: @ThePenguinNEC WEBSITE: www.NECpenguin.com
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penguin PHOTOS Here’s just a small selection of what’s being posted by some of the NEC community on Instagram. Get in on the action by following these people, and follow us also @ThePenguinNEC!
? Hey guys, remember me?
? in without ID! And they let me
? It’s pretty quiet here without you
? ? I made a lot of friends this summer I live on the top floor of this baby
And just finished? registering too! You wish you had? friends this cool
? are great! But the people
Hope to see you? around school!