Berklee Today

New York News

By Ren Collins '02

  Dave Petrelli
  Ren Collins '02
Exciting developments have been happening for the Berklee College of Music New York Alumni chapter. In March, the chapter held an informative tax and financial planning seminar with guest speakers Martin Dennehy of Berklee's Music Business/Management Department; and Linda Gorham, associate professor of Professional Music. The sessions addressed such issues as self-employment, overseas touring per diems, international touring taxes, and basic financial planning.

In April the Berklee Scholarship Jazz Ensemble, led by drummer Terri Lyne Carrington '83, played at New York's legendary Blue Note Jazz Club. Student performers included Nick Falk, Dan Negrete, Lawrence Fields, Donald Lee, Hogyu Hwang, and Randall Runyon.

On May 30, our talented alumni took the stage at the Cutting Room for our annual showcase. Performers included Brooke Fox '98, Jesse Sparhawk '97, Kendrick Scott '02, Victoria Gross '94, and Shakti '97 with Marcus "Bellringer" Bell '96. Future showcase details can be found on the alumni website.

Looking forward, Brooke Fox, our New York Songwriter's Forum (NYSWF) chair, is scheduling workshops and performance opportunities for our alumni songwriting community. NYSWF mentor sessions feature guest speakers and focus on topical issues. The session, "The Creative Brief: Writing for Film and TV," was held on June 7. Future events include "Berklee on Broadway" and a "NYSWF in the Round" show in November. For more on NYSWF, or to register for forum events, please contact Brooke at info@brookefox.com.

Finally, New York alumni coordinator, Lisa Hearns was appointed to the Berklee College of Music Board of Trustees in March 2006. The board makes all major decisions regarding how the college is run. As a trustee, Lisa attends quarterly board meetings to participate in that process. Lisa is dedicated to ensuring that the perspective of students and alumni are considered in all board decision making. In addition, I have been appointed as co-coordinator for the New York Chapter. I'll assist Lisa with planning and outreach and look forward to meeting more of you at upcoming events.

Lisa and I want to thank all of the alumni for your continued support. We look forward to connecting with you throughout the summer and fall months. As always, we are available for any assistance you may need. Feel free to contact either Lisa Hearns at lhearns@berklee.net or or me at rcollins@berklee.net. See you around town!

-Ren Collins

Lisa Hearns and Brooke Fox contributed to this article.