Haig Shahverdian ’71 with Jennifer Allen ’00 and Kristopher Allen ’98 at Hartt’s first Alumni Day.

The Hartt School honored Haig Shahverdian '71 as Alumnus of the Year on April 25 at its first Alumni Day. The event included a reception and concert featuring the Hartt Wind Ensemble conducted by Glen Adsit. Roger Murtha '60, a member of the ensemble, performed a trumpet solo, "Evensong," composed by Stephen Gryc, professor of composition and theory. Over 50 Hartt alumni, faculty, staff, and friends attended the event.

Shaverdian is supervisor of the Fine and Performing Arts Department for West Hartford Public Schools. After receiving his Bachelor of Music Education from Hartt, Shaverdian continued his education with a master's degree from Wesleyan University and post-graduate training at the University of Hartford. He began teaching in West Hartford in 1971, first at Sedgewick Junior High School, then Conard High School and King Philip Middle School. He became director of bands at Hall High School in 1989. Shahverdian's ensembles have received national recognition, performing at the White House and with such jazz greats as Wynton Marsalis (Hon. '03).

A partnership that Shahverdian developed among the West Hartford Public Schools, The Hartt School, and a core group of community leaders resulted in the establishment of a nonprofit organization known as Gifts of Music, pairing low-income students with teachers from Hartt's Community Division for weekly instrumental lessons.

In addition to initiating numerous music and theatre programs within the schools, Shahverdian founded the West Hartford Summer Arts Festival, for which he still serves as production supervisor.