Updates from Dean Smith

1)

Congratulations to the Classes of 2020 and 2021! 

What an honor it was to be in person at the XL Center last Sunday with so many of Hartt’s 2020 and 2021 graduating students! I loved seeing all of you, and I hope that, despite the mask, you could see my smile and the pride in my eyes as each person came across that stage. I want to wish you the very best during the coming months as the world continues to emerge from the pandemic. I am confident that the performing arts will come back stronger than ever, and I am counting on all of you to be at the forefront of this Renaissance. 

Please continue to stay in touch with the faculty and staff at Hartt, and please reach out to me. I have maintained contact with many Hartt graduates during my 31 years of service to the School, and even though I am stepping down as Dean, I want you to still feel free to call upon me. Yesterday, I announced that I will be retiring from the University on June 30, 2021, but I will continue to be active professionally on multiple fronts, and I will do everything I can to assist Hartt students . . . music, dance and theatre!   

And to those who have not yet graduated . . . I hope that you will have a very productive summer, and I wish you well during the remainder of your studies at Hartt!

2)

Building Hours between now and the end of June

HPAC – Aside from access to offices for faculty and staff using swipes, the primary uses of HPAC will be for HCS Dance and UHart’s Summer Place.

Fuller – The building will be open from 8:00 am-11:00 pm seven days per week. However, operations staffing will only be provided from 8:00 am-4:30 pm on weekdays.Students may reserve practice rooms for use on weekdays from 8:00 am- 4:30 pm.

Please continue to make your scheduling requests using 25Live. If you have specific scheduling questions, contact Facilities Manager Leonard Bretton at bretton@hartford.edu or via phone at 860.768.4584.

At the moment, UHart facilities are still closed to everyone other than UHart faculty, staff, and current college students. Stay tuned for updates.

3)

HAWKS LANDED

Did you graduate this year? What are your plans? We want to help you celebrate!

Share your story with us and you could be featured in our marketing materials, including social media, website, print pieces, and more! Compete this form for your chance to be featured.

https://www.hartford.edu/student-life/career-services/hawks-landed.aspx

LAS

1)

A message from Tracey Rudnick, Head of the Allen Library:

Allen Library Construction Project

June 1-26, there will be a construction project to repair the Allen Library mobile shelving. Allen will remain open for reduced summer hours during construction, but Allen will be noisy, the large study tables will be unavailable, and access to materials will be impacted.

• Many items will be temporarily moved outside of Allen (down the hall) starting May 17. You can help yourself or ask staff for help with those items.
• During the repair weeks, other materials will require retrieval by staff or will require an appointment. A small portion will be inaccessible to anyone during construction hours, but can be retrieved by staff after 4:30 p.m. Please plan ahead! 
• See our Allen Library Construction Project webpage for more information about how to access or request materials.

2)

And also . . . this information from Allen Library:

Return or Renew Your Library Materials Before Departing!

Finished using your library materials for the semester? Please return them!

Need to use them over the summer? Renew them for more time!

• Items can be returned in person or in the dropbox outside the library (scores and books only, no equipment or audio-visual materials in the dropbox). Please return chamber music with all parts included.
• To renew materials online or review your checkouts, log into your library account. You may also renew by phone (860.768.4491) or in person.
• Students who are graduating need to return their materials and resolve any fines before receiving their diplomas. Graduating students should have received an email from us between April 28-30 with more information. May 14 is their final day to return materials and pay fines.
• If you're not able to visit the library to return materials or pay fines, or if you have other questions or extenuating circumstances, please contact Mike Anderson at mianderso@hartford.edu.
• Thank you, and best wishes for a smooth transition into summer!

3)

To everyone (faculty, staff, and students) participating in The Uncertainty of Fate Festival – Celebrating Creativity in the Face of Adversity from May 1-5, 2021 . . .

THANK YOU! Congratulations on the outstanding and powerful work!!

Find more information in the Hartt Performance Calendar, and view the events on Hartt Livestream.

LAS

1)

As has been the case all year, external visitors are not permitted in HPAC, Fuller, Wilde, and Lincoln. This will be the case for the remainder of the spring semester with the only exception being University-structured tours for prospective students. Please note: Our performances are only open to faculty, staff, and students, and capacities remain strictly limited according to the size of the hall.

2) 

The Virtual Hartt Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is tonight . . . Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 7 pm. View the ceremony on the Hartt Livestream.

3)

The Uncertainty of Fate Festival – Celebrating Creativity in the Face of Adversity

May  1-5, 2021

The Uncertainty of Fate Festival at The Hartt School commissioned over 45 up-and-coming and established composers to write multi-media/chamber works on what 2020 meant to them. The new works, with recurring themes of isolation, loss, and rage, will be interwoven with existing pieces by Beethoven, Price, Walker, White, Roumain (DBR), and Mumford in five streaming concerts from May 1 through May 5. Hartt faculty, guests, students, and alumni perform, some with dance and other media, as well as spoken creative writing pieces written by frontline medical workers. The festival will also have panel discussions such as Activating and Agitating Systemic Change in Your Respective Institutions, Healing and Conflict Resolution Through Creating Art, as well as masterclasses. Among the composers featured: Errollyn Wallen, Javier Colon, Alexandra Gardner, Juhi Bansal, Ken Steen, Robert Carl, Jonah Sirota, Elena Ruehr, Sarah Gibson, Ethan Wickman, Nathalie Joachim, Paula af Malmborg Ward, Gilda Lyons, and more.

Find more information in the Hartt Performance Calendar, and view the events on Hartt Livestream.

I would like to give special thanks to Professor Rita Porfiris for her Herculean efforts to develop and implement this remarkable festival!

4)

A Message from the Hartt Performance Library

Hello everyone! 

Hope the end of the semester is going well for you all. If you used a locker for the 2020-2021 academic year, please note that you will need to clean-out your locker by May 22. The following is a list of steps for this year’s locker clean-out process.

1. Please clean out your locker of instruments, study materials, and any other personal belongings you might have been storing in the locker. Any items left behind in the locker may be thrown away or donated. If you need to use your locker after May 22nd, please let the Hartt Performance Library know directly.
2. Once you have emptied your locker of your belongings, please place the lock back on the locker and fill out the Hartt Performance Library Locker Clean-Out Form. Once completed, you are all set! If there are any facilities-based concerns regarding your locker, we will reach out via email.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your locker clean-out, please contact the Hartt Performance Library directly at hrtprflib@hartford.edu

All the best,

Rachel Lloyd-Taylor and Noa Michaud

LAS

1)

From Stephen Pier, Artistic Director of Dance: 

“We want to welcome you to our master class and discussion with Calvin Royal from ABT this Saturday, April 3, 2021. Calvin is a renowned artist with American Ballet Theater and its first black man appointed to Principal Dancer in over 20 years.” 

Visit his website: https://www.calvinroyaliii.com/#overview 

Class starts at 10:30 followed by a discussion/Q+A around 12:15.

2)

An Update from CAPS (University Counseling and Psychological Services)

In response to requests from Hartt students for appointments that fit their schedules, CAPS has initiated a new procedure: Students are asked to schedule an initial, 20-minute telephone screening. During that call, details about the student's situation and schedule will be discussed, and a course of group or individual therapy at CAPS will be scheduled. If CAPS finds that students cannot meet during its regular business hours, they will consider extending hours.

CAPS now has a case manager, Connor Curtis, who will meet with any student who needs help finding a longer-term therapist off-campus. Connor has assisted many students in securing a therapist who works in the evenings and/or weekends to avoid conflicts with classes and other obligations.

CAPS is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to the pandemic, CAPS is scheduling telephone and virtual appointments. With telehealth, many students work with CAPS and/or community therapists from the privacy of their homes or dorm rooms without having to worry about transportation, factoring in travel time, etc.

You can reach CAPS by calling 860.768.4482 (and leaving a confidential voicemail) or by emailing CAPS office manager, Liz Inkel (inkel@hartford.edu) or CAPS Director, Dr. Jeff Burda (burda@hartford.edu).

3)

While this information about Title IX will be a repeat for some of Hartt’s current students, it is something that is extremely important because we want Hartt to be a safe and supportive environment for our faculty, staff and students.

The University’s anti-discrimination statement reads as follows:

The University of Hartford strictly prohibits discrimination in admissions, educational programs and services, and employment on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status and any other basis protected by law. The University is committed to preventing or eliminating all forms of gender-based discrimination in its education programs or activities in accordance with its commitment to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The University is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment.

If you believe that you have been harassed or discriminated against in your classes, rehearsals, or lessons because of your race, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected class listed above, I urge you to contact the University’s Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX Compliance by emailing Dee Carter (dcarter@hartford.edu) or Justin Bell (jbell@hartford.edu). You may also submit a Title IX Incident Reporting Form. For information about Title IX, click here.

1)

Attention Graduating Students!

If you are graduating in May 2021, please fill out the attached Degree Application no later than this Friday, February 12^th. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Barbara Johnson, Manager and Evaluator of Academic Support Services, at christodo@hartford.edu. All completed application forms should be sent to Barbara Johnson to be processed. 

2)

University Emeriti Scholarships Available

The Emeriti Association of the University of Hartford offers three $2,000 scholarships for the academic year 2021-2022. Two of these are named in honor of past University Presidents Humphrey Tonkin and Walter Harrison. Applications for the awards are due by Friday, March 19, 2021. The awards are given annually to University of Hartford full-time undergraduate students. For more information refer to the attached 2021-2022 Emeriti Scholarship Announcement.

3)

Update on the Food at HPAC – Hartt Dance and Theatre Students 

There have been a few technical glitches with the app-based food ordering system this week. Samantha Burke and Kate O’Donnell from Aramark have jumped in to help, and we can all be grateful to them for their commitment to the faculty, staff, and students at HPAC. Rather than have an HPAC point person, they would prefer for you to use the posted contact info to reach them directly if you encounter any problems. 

Samantha and Kate are working to make it possible for you to order from 7:30 am through 1:30 pm without interruption. When placing your order, look for a question in the app that asks whether you want the food to arrive at 11:30 am or 2 pm.

4)

Information from Professor Don Jones, HON Director (djones@hartford.edu) . . .

Exemplary Student Work Wanted for the 2021 Undergraduate Colloquium

**VIRTUAL EVENT**

Students and Faculty: The Undergraduate Research and Creativity Colloquium will return in 2021 as a virtual event. After the unfortunate, COVID-related cancellation in 2020, it will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 (noon-6:30 pm). Each panel of 3-4 presentations will be held virtually, with a faculty moderator providing a link for the participants and the audience. After the last of the 15-20 minute presentations, there will be the usual Q&A period, conducted as a chat and the presenters’ responses. In other words, like the best virtual classes and meetings, the format will not alter the quality of the interactions.

Students are invited to propose their exemplary work, and faculty members are encouraged to nominate students for their fine efforts. Individual papers or projects may be proposed as well as group projects or entire panels from one class. In the past, senior honors students have presented their theses, and many other students have presented their academic essays, scientific experiments, business plans, art works, teaching internships, musical talents, engineering projects, and much more. Other top students are encouraged to apply to present their best efforts.

Students who were accepted in 2020 and would like to make those presentations this year should contact Dr. Jones, and they will be automatically accepted for 2021.

Colloquium Application Form

and nominations close on Monday, February 22, 2021 (not the 19th). 

1)

Fuller and HPAC will re-open for Hartt students on Monday, February 8^th. Please note the following hours:

• HPAC – 7:30 AM-10:30 p.m. (Seven days a week)
• FULLER – 7:00 AM-11:00 p.m. (Seven days a week) – Please note: The Operations staff will be available to open rooms from 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

Be sure to book your practice rooms using 25live. All procedures and protocols from the fall will be continued.

2)

As promised . . . an update on food at HPAC . . .

While the Backstage Café will remain closed through the spring semester, Aramark is providing these enhanced, healthier food options at HPAC:

• Twice-a-day deliveries from Gengras through Grubhub. HPAC-specific Grubhub instructions are attached.
  • Orders can be made from Moe’s daily, and other options will rotate throughout the week (Laki Poke bowl, Tavolino pasta, and Chopstick). In addition, a “Garden Bar” has been added that will highlight a vegan option each day and will offer premier foods with items such as shrimp, salmon, kale, spinach, etc.
  • Grubhub orders can be paid for with food swipes. See the attached document for additional payment options.
  • The orders will be put into the refrigerator in the HPAC lobby on the following delivery schedule:
    • Orders for an 11:30 a.m. delivery must be placed between 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
    • Orders for a 2 p.m. delivery must be placed between 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. (and be sure to note it is for a 2 p.m. delivery) or between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Three vending machines that take credit cards or Dining Dollars. See the attached document for additional payment options.
  • Beverages. The beverage options have been adjusted at the students’ requests to include water, no-calorie beverages, Gatorade, Kombucha drinks, etc.
  • Snack/meal-type foods. New offerings will include healthier options from “Good Uncle” that can be heated up in the microwave. Options will include chicken in salads, vegan options, fresh sandwiches, salads, and some hot meals. Options will vary daily. Aramark chose “Good Uncle” for the high-quality taste, variety, and food ingredients.
  • Candy-type foods. Aramark does not stock this machine, and the third-party vendor that does will offer healthier options.

It will be important for everyone at HPAC to place their Grubhub orders in time for the 11:30 a.m. and/or 2 p.m. deliveries, and to order enough food to last through the day. Careful planning will allow this system to meet your needs when you can’t have your meals on campus.

3)

In order to keep our campus community safe and healthy, only faculty, staff, and students will be permitted on campus. This is a continuation of the policy we followed in the fall. It also means that off-campus School performances and recitals will not be permitted. FYI . . . HPAC is considered to be an on-campus facility when it comes to this policy about where Hartt performances can be held this semester. We will continue to monitor these restrictions throughout the spring. 

We were successful when it came to minimizing the virus in the fall, and with everyone’s help, we will have a healthy and productive spring.

HAPPY SPRING SEMESTER 2021! 

1)

As has been widely announced, ALL Hartt and UHart classes are remote this week (February 1-7).  

All of the University’s academic buildings, including HPAC, Fuller, and Lincoln will be closed to students until February 8th in accordance with State of Connecticut guidelines. It is important that we adhere to these quarantine requirements. 
 

2)

The Hartt Performance Library will be closed from February 1-8, 2021. Performance Coordinators Noa Michaud and Rachel Lloyd-Taylor will be available by email (hrtprflib@hartford.edu) during this period, but they will not be in the office.  

3) 

Required Student Recitals  

Effective today, February 1^st, Hartt students can begin booking required recitals. 

Recital requests can be made on Blackboard on the Undergraduatee or Graduate Resource Page under Recital Request Information using the Request Form. Please be sure to read all of the instructions on the request form when you are making your recital request. 

Locations

Recitals will be scheduled based on facility and staff availability. While we will attempt to honor your request, your recital may need to be moved to a different performance space.  

1. Berkman Recital Hall. Best for Solo Piano, Strings, Winds, and Brass 
2. Bliss Music Room. Best for Strings, Lecture Recitals, and Percussion 
3. Lincoln Theater. Best for Voice, Winds, Jazz, Chamber Music, and Percussion 
4. Milliard Auditorium. Best for Voice, Winds, Jazz, Chamber Music, and Percussion 
5. Room 21. Best for Strings, Lecture Recitals, and Small Chamber Music Ensembles 
6. Wilde Auditorium. Best for Voice, Jazz, and Chamber Music 
   

Audiences and Audience Attendance 

Connecticut is under Phase 2.1 Guidelines for Indoor Events. However, Hartt is going to maintain Phase 2 Guidelines for Indoor Events that specify that all indoor events are limited to a capacity of 25 people in attendance, including the performers. Hartt venues will have further restrictions based on the capacity of the space and the number of performers. Your venue reservation will include the venue capacity for your recital. 

Audience members will be required to wear masks at all times, in all locations and to sit in marked seats for social distancing. Audience members must be members of the University of Hartford campus community. Guests from off campus will not be permitted to attend. 

You are encouraged to Livestream your recital on Facebook, You Tube, etc. You can also provide a public link for your recital so that friends and family can attend virtually. This link will be listed on the University calendars. 

Recital Details 

• Recital Performance Time: 1 hour in duration with no intermissions 
• Pre-Event Time (before the recital): 30 minutes – Includes set-up time 
• Post-Event Time: 30 minutes – Allows performers to reset the room, if needed, and for all persons to vacate the venue  

Recital Times 

• 11:00 a.m. 
• 2:00 p.m. 
• 5:00 p.m. 
• 8:00 p.m. 

Resources for Recitals 

The support that will be offered for a recital will be: Doors Open, Lights On, and Piano on Stage, if required. All other aspects of the recital will be the responsibility of the performers. After the recital, the room must be returned to the way you found it. 

Receptions 

Due to gathering restrictions, there cannot be any pre- or post-concert receptions. 

4)

Hartt students who are currently remote in China . . .  

The Hartt School has a relationship with the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music in Hangzhou, China. If you live in or near Hangzhou, you might be able to take advantage of some Conservatory offerings this semester. Please write to me no later than Monday, February 8^th at harttdean@hartford.edu, and I will see what I can arrange. The Conservatory’s semester begins on March 1^st, and it ends on July 9^th.  

5)

With the closing of the Backstage Café in March due to the pandemic, Aramark continues to look for ways to provide a variety of food options at HPAC. During the next couple of days, I will be writing to you with more information about the offerings you can expect for the spring semester. 

LAS

1)

Flex Remote . . . for our graduate students . . . a new development for the spring!

Spring 2021: All Hartt graduate students will be able to take advantage of “Flex Remote.” This means that graduate students will be able to determine which courses they would like to take remotely, and which courses they would like to take in person. Unlike the fall, they will not be required to elect a single format. Because of this flexibility, it will be very important for students and teachers to be in touch prior to the start of the semester.

However, please note that all Hartt undergraduate students will continue to be either fully remote OR fully in person. Once again, the Center for Student Success is tracking this information. The following paragraph appeared on the UHart Registration webpage earlier in the fall:

Undergraduate students who wish to request a fully remote Spring 2021 semester are requested to fill out this form by Monday, October 19. You must request fully remote status officially in order to be accommodated as a fully remote undergraduate student upon registration. Undergraduate students who are fully remote during the fall semester will not automatically be considered remote for spring and must still fill out the spring request form to formally apply. If you have any questions, please email css@hartford.edu.

I hope that everyone has already taken care of this, but if you are late, I would deal with it as soon as possible.

2)

I want to congratulate the Hartt Theatre students who participated in the Hartford Stage production of A Community Carol . . . inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Your efforts enabled a Hartford tradition to flourish during these most unusual of times. The community nature of the performance seemed perfect this year.

In fact, I want to take this opportunity to recognize all Hartt students who performed or presented or interned or produced or created during the fall semester . . . here in Hartford . . . and at sites around the world. You brought distinction to yourselves and to the School.

3)

It is hard to believe that a month has already passed since our in-person classes ended just before Thanksgiving. I hope that everyone will have an opportunity to enjoy some downtime during this holiday period. As you know, we are scheduled to resume on Monday, February 1, and I want to urge you to closely monitor UHart messages, as well as future Updates because it is difficult to know how the current situation with the virus will unfold. One thing for sure . . . we will be ready to move forward as a School.

Hartt will be closed from Thursday, December 24 through Sunday, January 3. Happy Holidays! Stay well . . . and be forever grateful that your lives are enriched by your involvement with and commitment to the performing arts.

LAS

1)
Important info for students who need to practice in Fuller!

Students who cannot return home for the remainder of the semester and our lengthy break will be permitted to practice in the Fuller Music Center. However, access to the building is going to be closely monitored. You must sign up by Tuesday, November 24 at 11 am to be placed on an approved list, and you must sign up using this form. You will need to complete the LiveSafe App each day, and beginning November 30, you can obtain a special sticker from the Public Safety Dispatch Window that will allow you to be in Fuller during your 25Live-scheduled practice times. You cannot be in the building without a scheduled time. If you have any questions, please be in touch with Leonard Bretton.

2)
Upcoming Fuller Music Center Hours 

Week of November 23, 2020

• Monday and Tuesday, November 23 and 24                                                  Open 7 am-11 pm
• Wednesday, November 25 (Faculty and staff ONLY),                                    Open 8 am-6 pm
• Thursday through Sunday, November 26-29                                                  CLOSED

Monday, November 30, 2020 through Tuesday, December 22, 2020    Open 8 am-8 pm

Wednesday, December 23, 2020                                                           Open 8 am-6 pm

Thursday, December 24, 2020 through Sunday, January 3, 2021         CLOSED

Monday, January 4, 2021 through Sunday, January 17                         Open 8 am-8 pm

Monday, January 18, 2021                                                                     CLOSED

Tuesday January 19, 2021 through Sunday, January 31                       Open 8 am-8 pm

Monday, February 1, 2021                                                                     Resume 7 am-11 pm

3)

 An update from Tracey Rudnick, Allen Library Head . . .

Upcoming Allen and Mortensen Library Hours

Library hours will be changing after Thanksgiving break until the first day of classes, February 1, 2021. Note especially that from December 21 through 23 and from January 4 through 31, the library doors will be locked, and access will be by appointment only. Consult the Harrison Libraries Hours  for hours of operation and more information.  Also, if you can, please library materials that you no longer need before you depart for the Thanksgiving break! 

4)

 Hartt Theatre – KUDOS

Hartt Theatre students Miriam Holsbeke, Abby Marcus, Claire Rice, and Lianna Glennon have been chosen as 2020-21 Dorothy Goodwin Scholars. Dorothy Goodwin Scholars are creative self-starters who are recognized for their innovative research, creativity, collaboration, and mentorship. Thank you to their faculty mentors, Annmarie Davis and Jeanine Pardey.

Three Hartt Theatre students entered the “Playing Medea” Competition sponsored by The Center for Hellenistic Studies at Harvard University and The Society for Classical Studies at New York University. Contestants had to choose from a selection of monologues and scenes from Euripides’ Medea. Anne Buckley performed a Medea monologue, and Simonne Campos and Christopher Rowe performed a Medea and Jason scene. The competition was judged by a prestigious panel of judges, including representatives from The British Academy of Dramatic Arts. Anne Buckley, Simonne Campos, and Christopher Rowe all received Runners Up Awards, which included a cash prize. Thanks to their faculty mentor on this project: Damian Jermaine Thompson

Professor Johanna Morrison has received a Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award for Part Time Faculty. Professor Morrison was recognized for her significant and outstanding contributions to Hartt and the University. The selection committee notes that awardees’ “innovative teaching philosophies, peer endorsements and student success prove them to be an indispensable part of our community.” Please congratulate Professor Morrison for this honor and her achievements.

LAS

1) 

Hartt Facilities (Fuller and HPAC) after November 24 

As you all know, the final day of on-campus, in-person college classes will be Tuesday, November 24. We will finish the fall semester remotely after the Thanksgiving Break, and the spring 2021 semester is scheduled to begin on February 1. I urge everyone to read all Hartt and UHart messages carefully since the information that follows is subject to revision as we all deal with the ever-changing Coronavirus environment.

Both Fuller and HPAC will be completely closed (with no access permitted for anyone) from Thursday, November 26 through Sunday, November 29; from Thursday, December 24 through Sunday, January 3; and on Monday, January 18.

HPAC will be available for faculty and staff only as follows:

• Wednesday, November 25
• Monday, November 30 through Wednesday, December 23
• Monday, January 4 through Sunday, January 17
• Tuesday, January 19 through Sunday, January 31

HPAC will be locked 24/7 during these times, so faculty and staff will need to use their swipe cards to enter the building.

The Fuller Music Center will be open for faculty, staff, and students as follows:

• Wednesday, November 25
• Monday, November 30 through Wednesday, December 23
• Monday, January 4 through Sunday, January 17
• Tuesday, January 19 through Sunday, January 31

Fuller building hours will vary, and they will be announced next week. Once announced, practice rooms will need to be scheduled in advance using 25Live.

2)

Hartt Dance presents Giants of Dance

The Hartt School's nationally recognized dance ensemble will perform works of legendary choreographers José Limón and Merce Cunningham on Friday, November 13 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, November 14 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. 

Hartt Dance will be joined by the Hartt Composers' Ensemble led by Professor Gilda Lyons. All performances can be viewed by Hartt Livestream from Lincoln Theater. 

3)

 Hartt Vocal Masterclass with Dr. Darius Gillard for our college and community students!

Sunday, November 15 from 4:00-6:00 pm via Zoom Webinar

This masterclass is open to anyone who would like to watch, and the link for all viewers to register can be found here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

4)

If you are having a problem registering due to a hold on your account, contact the University Bursar at bursar@hartford.edu. You will not be able to register for your spring 2021 classes if you have a hold on your account.

LAS

1)

The following information is meant to address any concerns that might surface when members of the Hartt community return to class or work after having been diagnosed with COVID-19:

COVID-19: Quarantine vs. Isolation

The conditions leading up to a person’s being quarantined or isolated in relation to COVID-19 are very different, and these differences are causing some confusion. Below is the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Quarantine keeps someone who was in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 away from others.

A person who has been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 must quarantine (stay home) for 14 days after their last exposure to that person. During the 14 days, monitoring will be used to see if the exposed person develops symptoms. Symptoms typically develop 5 days after being infected but can appear as early as 2 days, or as late as 14 days, after infection.

Isolation keeps someone who is sick, or someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 without symptoms, away from others. 

So, a person who has tested COVID-19 positive must self-isolate. Generally, they may leave isolation and be around others 10 days after their symptoms first appeared—provided:

• They have not had a fever for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medications); and
• Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving (note that loss of taste and smell may persist after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation​).

2)

Information for our international students . . .

This past Sunday, November 1^st, there was a time change on the East Coast of the United States. We gained an hour. For example, what was 7:00 am, became 6:00 am.

For those in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, you are now 13 hours ahead of Hartford. For those in Japan and South Korea, you are now 14 hours ahead. Be sure to check in with your teachers if you have any questions. Time zone practices vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country.

3)

An upcoming event . . . 

Music History Forum: The Kim Loo Sisters

The Hartt Music History Forum presents The Kim Loo Sisters, on November 9, 2020 from 12:45 to 2 PM, with guest speakers, Dr. Eric Hung (of the Music of Asian America Research Center) and Leslie Li (filmmaker and daughter of Jenée Li, one of the Kim Loo Sisters). The flyer is attached.

The Kim Loo Sisters was a pop/jazz quartet that was known as the "Chinese Andrews Sisters". They starred on Broadway; shared the stage with Frank Sinatra, Jackie Gleason, and Ann Miller; and entertained the troops with the USO during World War II. After the war ended, they faded out of public view and were largely forgotten. Li will be sharing work on her forthcoming documentary in an event that will be of interest to Hartt’s music and theater communities, as well as those in communication, film studies, gender studies, and more! 

This lecture will be held virtually on Zoom. To register and receive the meeting link, please email Dr. Karen Cook at kacook@hartford.edu by Friday, November 6.

LAS

1)

The results of this week’s COVID-19 testing of Hartt students are in, and no additional positive cases have surfaced. I am pleased to announce that all Theatre in-person classes and rehearsals will resume tomorrow, Saturday, October 31st. All students, faculty, and staff who work in HPAC should feel more confident, but only constant attention to mask-wearing, social distancing, and other precautions can keep us moving forward to Thanksgiving without interruption.

2)

Tomorrow is Halloween, and many of us like to celebrate the holiday. This year, with COVID cases on the rise in CT and across the United States, I would like to ask all Hartt students to refrain from celebrating in any way that would put the members of our community at risk. 

Join these UHart Halloween activities:

• Halloween Celebration, sponsored by UHart Student Safety Ambassadors, Friday, Oct. 30—Candy, snacks, and music in Alumni Plaza from 6–8 p.m. Costumes encouraged with gift card prizes.
• Club Trick or Treat, co-sponsored by the Hartford Events and Activities Team (HEAT) and the Student Government Association (SGA)—Saturday, Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m. at Konover.
• Horror Drive-In, featured film for the evening will be The Conjuring—Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8:30 p.m., in F Lot. A car is not required; additional seating will be available.
• Los Mariachis on Wheels and Edible Couture will be our feature food trucks this Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8 to 11 p.m., in F Lot. The first 150 students in line will receive free food.

For your own celebrations, follow this guidance from the Connecticut Department of Public Health and this from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These instructions are designed to keep you, your friends, and your UHart community safe. I am confident that many enjoyable, less restrictive Halloweens lie ahead. We need this one to be focused on health and safety.

3)

Registration for the spring semester is on the horizon. Please click here to read about the process.

LAS

1)

 Hartt COVID-19 Update

The University is completing its comprehensive testing of all Hartt Theatre students. The results are expected by the end of the week. Theatre classes and rehearsals will remain remote through Friday, October 30, 2020. We will provide an update as soon as additional information is available.

In addition to Theatre students, there was also some testing of Music and Dance students. Saying that we were doing this out of “an abundance of caution” is exactly why the testing was ordered. The goal is to keep everyone safe. We do not believe that the four positive cases in Theatre were related to activities in Hartt facilities. Rather, we believe that the transmission occurred at off-campus sites.

Music and Dance classes and rehearsals will continue to meet in person . . . and without any modifications to the on-going fall schedule.

2)

October 28, 2020 is an important date in the history of The Hartt School!

Happy Moshe Paranov Day in the City of Hartford!

AND

Happy Moshe Paranov Day in the State of Connecticut!

AND

Happy 125th Birthday to Moshe Paranov! (Dr. Paranov was born on October 28, 1895)

3)

Three 12-hour periods to note . . .

The University needs to shut down power to the academic side of campus three separate times in November. This will include the Fuller Music Center and Hillyer Hall (where some lessons are being taught on the weekends), but it will not include HPAC. If you have any rooms reserved for the following times, you will need to adjust your room reservations:

Saturday, November 7 at 8:00 pm until Sunday, November 8 at 8:00 am

Saturday, November 14 at 8:00 pm until Sunday, November 15 at 8:00 am

Saturday, November 21 at 8:00 pm until Sunday, November 22 at 8:00 am

We have been assured that every effort will be made to work within these 12-hour blocks of time.

4)

 You are invited!

From Composer and Professor Gilda Lyons:

I am writing to invite you all to the premiere of a short, new chamber opera/film of mine that premieres this Friday, October 30^th at 8 p.m. ET. Sourdough: Rise Up was commissioned by Resonance Works Pittsburgh for premiere on Decameron Opera Coalition’s “Tales from a Safe Distance.” I wrote the music and libretto and worked closely with my project collaborator, illustrator Chris Lyons. It would be a total pleasure to share the work with you all (and . . . it’s short).

I have arranged with the presenter for all Hartt students to attend for free; your ticket gives you access to this Friday’s premiere, as well as those operas that premiered earlier this month as part of the four-part event.

At the following ticket page: http://bit.ly/DOC_TalesfromaSafeDistance, Use code: GLyonsHartt

And your ticket includes a link to the “afterparty” as well if you want to pop in and send cheers.

You can watch a short trailer here: https://fb.watch/1nsWuBhfB-/

Or find Resonance Works on the socials for a ton of short with-the-artists pieces about the work.

Hope to see you then.

Stay safe,

GL

LAS

1)

Hartt Theatre went to remote classes and rehearsals in the middle of last week as a precaution after two cases of the virus surfaced. Because of some large-scale testing that is finishing up today, Interim Artistic Director Bob Davis and I decided to extend the remote instruction in Theatre (only) through Wednesday, October 28th.

I urge all Hartt students to read the following message. It was written by Bob Davis, and it was sent to Hartt Theatre faculty, staff, and students on Sunday afternoon.

“Here is an update on the situation related to the COVID-19 cases within the Hartt Theatre Division. At present, four students have tested positive. The university is currently conducting a comprehensive testing program of all Hartt Theatre students. We expect the results of the testing on Wednesday. Until we can be sure of everyone’s health status, all classes and rehearsals will remain remote through Wednesday October 28.

“It is regrettable that the virus has reached our community, but it is very much in our power to control its spread though the protocols that have been established.

“Clearly there is much at stake here. First and foremost is the health of our students, staff, faculty and others we may have contact with. We are fortunate that the people who have tested positive are doing well but this is a serious health condition and must be treated as such by all of us. We also know that our ability to maintain in-person classes is of great importance to many of us.  It is important to our work together and the teaching/learning experience. Many of you have expressed to me how lucky you have felt this semester to have so many in-person classes.

“We intend to return to in-person classes as soon as safely possible. When we do, we must re-commit to our safety protocols that have proven very successful within our studio spaces. We must also reinforce safety practices outside of HPAC. There have been reports of off-campus gatherings and contact with visitors which could easily transmit the virus.

“Please, let’s remember that we are not only protecting our own health, we are protecting our friends, classmates, teachers and everyone else we have contact with.

“Watch your email for further updates this week. Take care and stay safe.”

Music and Dance classes and rehearsals will continue to meet in person . . . and without any modifications to the on-going fall schedule.

2)

If you test positive for the Coronavirus as part of the on-campus testing, the University has a protocol in place. However, if you test positive at an off-campus testing site, you need to immediately inform Student Health Services at (860) 768-6601.

3)

For those giving a required recital . . .

Audience Services is responsible for overseeing audience protocols at Hartt events and will follow these procedures for the remainder of the fall 2020 semester:

• For each recital scheduled in 25Live for one of the six performance venues (Fuller Room 21, Berkman, Bliss, Lincoln, Millard, or Wilde), Audience Services will email the performer to confirm if they would like to invite guests to their recital. Please note that guests may only include members of the University community.
• If the performer confirms they want to invite guests, Audience Services will create a SignUp Genius event and share the link with the performer. The performer can send the link to any member of the University community they would like to invite. SignUp Genius will show the available number of guest sign-up slots taking into account the maximum occupancy of the venue and the number of performers, accompanists, and others required to be in attendance.
• At the performance, Audience Services will use SignUp Genius to check in guests. Guests will be asked to use the provided sanitizing wipes to sanitize their seat areas.
• After the performance, Audience Services will report who was/was not in attendance.
• Audience Services will consider requests to have a required attendee (for example, a faculty member) perform the tasks of the Audience Services staff so that an additional guest may be accommodated.

Do you have a question for me? If so, please send it to harttdean@hartford.edu.

LAS

1)

Support Hartt’s Dancers!

Do you need a publicity headshot? This is your chance! Learn more about the fundraiser taking place on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11. The funds raised will go to support the Senior Dance activities of the Hartt Dance Class of 2021.

2)

From the President’s Office for Diversity and Inclusion . . . Lecture on Friday, October 9th from 11 am-Noon

Hispanic/LATINX Heritage Month Lecture:  From Spanish Speaking to Latinx: Three Afro-Puerto Ricans who Championed Inclusion

Dr. Anthony De Jesús will examine contemporary Latino/a/x identity through a historical analysis of three Afro-Puerto Ricans (Pedro Albizu Campos, Felicita Mendez, and Antonia Pantoja) who made significant contributions by advancing political independence, civil rights, and bilingual education as strategies for full social, cultural, and linguistic inclusion. 

I want to encourage as many people as possible to attend. Register now!

3)

 Hartt Lunch & Learn Series

Christie Felsing, Hartt Community Programs Director of Teaching and Learning, is excited to welcome Dr. Molly Gebrian of the University of Arizona back to Hartt for her second Lunch & Learn fall presentation.

On Wednesday, October 28 at 12 noon, Dr. Gebrian will discuss “Maximizing Learning Efficiency: Using Sleep and Interleaved Practice as Learning Tools”. Dr. Gebrian states, When I give my presentation on what musicians can learn about practicing from current brain research, the two topics I get the most questions about are sleep and interleaved (random) practice. This presentation will focus on these two areas of research in more depth, looking at the role and importance of sleep in learning, as well as how interleaved practicing can be used to both enhance initial learning and improve performance confidence and reliability. We will also discuss concrete, practical ways to use this information in your own teaching and practicing.”

Sign up to attend this presentation!

Do you have a question for me? If so, please send it to harttdean@hartford.edu. I will do my best to answer 2-3 questions each week.

LAS

1)

Hartt currently has a shortage of student workers, and I anticipate that our need is going to increase during the next few weeks. Students have the following work options:

• Undergraduate students who received Federal Work-Study Funds as part of their 2020-21 financial aid can draw down their money by working.
• Non-Federal Work-Study student workers can earn $12 per hour for up to 20 hours per week.

If you are interested in working at Hartt, contact Hartt’s Assistant Director of Finance and Administration, Kelly Jo Massicotte at KMASSICOT@hartford.edu.

2)

Hartt Lunch and Learn

This Wednesday, September 30^th at 12 noon, Hartt is offering a Lunch & Learn event with guest Dr. Molly Gebrian. In her 50-minute session on “The Secrets to Learning Music Faster: Take More Breaks,” Dr. Gebrian will discuss how musicians are always looking for a magic bullet that will help them learn music faster, retain more between practice sessions, and help them feel confident in their performing abilities.

Paradoxically, if any magic bullet exists, it is that taking time off from practicing a particular passage (hours, days, and even weeks) can actually speed up the learning process! This has been known to scientists since the late 1880s but has not made it into public awareness, especially among musicians who are taught that more is always better and days off should rarely happen.

This presentation will look at the science behind this surprising phenomenon and will give practical suggestions for how to use this information most effectively. Faculty and graduate students are encouraged to attend. Sign up here.

3)

A message from Glandina Morris, Assistant Director of The Women’s Advancement Initiative:

2020-2021 Dorothy Goodwin Scholars Program 

$1,000-$3,000 scholarships available for selected undergraduate female students and their faculty mentors who are conducting innovative research or developing creative projects.

Proposal Deadline: Sunday, October 18, 2020

Dorothy Goodwin, educator, politician, world traveler, visionary, and family member, inspired women and girls to live beyond limitations and realize their full potential. She recognized and modeled that reaching one’s potential requires challenging opportunities, committed mentors, and financial support. In honor of her influence and philanthropic spirit, and with gratitude for the generosity of her friends, The Women’s Advancement Initiative is proud to announce the 2020-2021 Dorothy Goodwin Scholars Program.

Eligibility

Dorothy Goodwin Scholars will be creative self-starters who meet the following criteria:

• Female students who are currently full-time undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or seniors at any school or college at the University of Hartford studying any academic discipline are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must participate in additional events throughout the academic year.
• Be in good academic standing with a 3.0 ≥ overall GPA during the designated project period.
• Develop and be able to implement an innovative scholarly research or creative project that will be explored in partnership with a University of Hartford faculty mentor (including adjunct faculty)

Award Detail

Selected student applicants will receive a total award package of $1,000-$3,000. In addition, faculty mentors will also receive $500 towards professional development in recognition of their service and project oversight.

Click here for complete application requirements.

4)

Associate Dean Donna Menhart is Hartt’s official representative to the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), Hartt’s music accrediting body, On behalf of NASM, Professor Menhart is passing along a “Call for Comment on Proposed Revisions to the NASM Handbook 2019-20.”

It reads as follows: 

“Please click here to review the first draft of a proposal to revise selected portions of the NASM Handbook.

“The deadline for comment on this proposal is October 14. Please share this draft with faculty, students, staff, and administrators at your institution. Contact and deadline information is provided on the cover page of the proposal. A second call for comment will be issued on or around October 21; however, we encourage you to comment now if you have questions or suggestions.

“In accordance with Article IX., Section 1. of the Bylaws and Article VII. of the Code of Ethics (see NASM Handbook 2019-20), the NASM membership will hold a vote in November to amend the Code of Ethics, Standards for Accreditation, and Appendix I.B. following this time of consultation with members and constituents.

“Of particular note in these proposed revisions are the suggested changes being made to the NASM Code of Ethics. As background and prior to reviewing the draft language, NASM offers for your review the information below. A detailed review of the Final Judgment issued by the Department of Justice in April of 2020 is recommended.

“NASM has been following since 2017 a possible restraint of trade concern held by the Department of Justice (DOJ) as it may pertain to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) specifically with regard to changes made by NACAC to its Code of Ethics and Professional Practices in 2017. Although NACAC amended its Code provisions in September of 2019, the concern resulted in a complaint filed by DOJ against NACAC in December of 2019 (see Federal Register dated January 10, 2020). Comprehensive information regarding the DOJ proceedings, which have now come to a close, may be found here. The DOJ Final Judgment dated April 17, 2020 may be found here. Given the provisions of the DOJ Final Judgment, NASM is offering in the proposed revisions to the NASM Handbook 2019-20, modifications to specific provisions of the current NASM Code of Ethics.

“The text of the NASM Code of Ethics remains unchanged at this time and until an affirmative vote is taken to approve the changes. However, when applying the provisions of the NASM Code of Ethics, it is suggested that institutions remain mindful of and attentive to the provisions of the DOJ Final Judgment. Although certain specific activities are now prohibited as outlined in the DOJ Final Judgment, it is important to remember that 1) a hallmark of the work of NASM accredited institutional members is the continuing and unwavering regard held for ethical practices that are fair, applied equitably, and continue to serve and protect both institutions and students, and the field, and 2) such practices may be freely exercised absent the presence of articulated requirements. The Code of Ethics is based upon long-standing NASM principles, which remain today. Approaches and initiatives which 1) uphold the spirit of the NASM Code of Ethics and the principles upon which it rests firmly, and 2) attend to the letter of the DOJ Final Judgment should be considered as appropriate and can be implemented consistent with the provisions of each.

“Should the proposed revisions be approved, NASM will prepare a companion piece to its Code of Ethics, an advisory statement which articulates and speaks to the long-standing principles removed from the Code of Ethics and the importance of their consideration in the decision-making process pertaining to admissions. 

“Should questions arise regarding the DOJ action or the NASM Code of Ethics, please contact the Executive Director directly.

“Should you or other individuals at your institution have questions about the Handbook revision process or the proposal itself, please contact Jenny R. Kuhlmann, Communications and Publications Coordinator, at jkuhlmann@arts-accredit.org.”

Do you have a question for me? If so, please send it to harttdean@hartford.edu. I will do my best to answer 2-3 questions in each edition.

LAS

1)

Required Student Recitals

Only required student recitals for the 2020 fall semester may be scheduled at this time. Scheduling for 2021 spring semester recitals will take place at a later date.

Recital requests can be made on Blackboard on the Undergraduate or Graduate Resource Page under Recital Request Information using a new and improved request form. Please be sure to read all of the instructions on the Request Form when you are making your recital request.

Rescheduling from Spring 2020

Currently enrolled Graduate students who wish to reschedule a postponed, required recital from spring 2020 may do so. The recital will need to take place no later than November 23, 2020.

Locations

Recitals will be scheduled based on facility and staff availability. While we will attempt to honor your request, your recital may need to be moved to a different performance space.

1. Berkman Recital Hall
   Best for Solo Piano, Strings, Winds, and Brass
   
   
2. Bliss Music Room
   Best for Strings, Lecture Recitals, and Percussion
   
   
3. Lincoln Theater
   Best for Voice, Winds, Jazz, Chamber Music, and Percussion
   
   
4. Milliard Auditorium
   Best for Voice, Winds, Jazz, Chamber Music, and Percussion
   
   
5. Room 21
   Best for Strings, Lecture Recitals, and Small Chamber Music Ensembles
   
   
6. Wilde Auditorium
   Best for Voice, Jazz, and Chamber Music

Audiences and Audience Attendance

Connecticut is under Phase 2 Guidelines for Indoor Events that specify that all indoor events are limited to a capacity of 25 people in attendance, including the performers. Hartt venues will have further restrictions based on the capacity of the space and the number of performers. Your venue reservation will include the venue capacity for your recital.

Audience members will be required to have masks on at all times in all locations and sit in marked seats for social distancing. Audience members must be members of the University of Hartford campus community. Guests from off campus will not be permitted to attend.

You are encouraged to Livestream your recital on Facebook, You Tube, etc.  You can also provide a pubic link for your recital so that friends and family can attend virtually. This link will be listed on the University calendars.

Recital Details

• Recital Performance Time: 1 hour in duration with no intermissions
• Pre-Event Time (before the recital): 30 minutes – Includes set-up time
• Post-Event Time: 30 minutes – Allows performers to reset the room, if needed, and for all to vacate the venue

Recital Times

• 11:00 a.m.
• 2:00 p.m.
• 5:00 p.m.
• 8:00 p.m.

Resources for Recitals

The support that will be offered for a recital will be: Doors Open, Lights On, and Piano on Stage, if required. All other aspects of the recital will be the responsibility of the performers. After the recital, the room must be returned to the way you found it. 

Receptions

With gathering restrictions there cannot be any pre or post-concert receptions.

2)

Hartt Graduate Students!

All members of the University of Hartford Graduate community are invited to attend the Virtual Graduate Student Reception on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Every fall, the Provost’s Office hosts a Graduate Student Reception to welcome students to the new academic year and encourage the building of community and connections.

President Woodward and Provost Sweitzer will offer welcoming remarks followed by Keynote Speaker Brooke Penders, Executive Director, Career and Professional Development, who will discuss The Post-Pandemic Career Search: The One Question All Students Should be Prepared to Answer.

Breakout sessions will follow the keynote speaker and will be led by collegiate deans (including yours truly) and other school specific leadership.

For more information and to register please visit the UHart Graduate Studies page.

3)

LAS Remarks from Hartt Convocation this past Wednesday

In case you were unable to attend Convocation last week . . . 

“You (the students) will have many opportunities to hear from me throughout the year . . . in writing or in person, but I do want to take a moment to say a few things today.

These are remarkably challenging times for the world. This is true regardless of whether you are an American or a citizen of another country. What unites all of us is our involvement with the performing arts. We are musicians, dancers or actors, and our special talents give us a voice that many other people do not have. What we do with our voices (and our talents) is of critical importance. We must use them to be agents of change. We cannot sit by and wait for others to act.

Use your abilities to influence public opinion and know that you are powerful. You have the ability to make a difference by what you say and do as an artist. Stand up for your beliefs, be a voice of reason, speak only truth, and don’t ignore or excuse any action that deserves to be challenged. YOU are an artist. Use your art to make the world a better place.

Many of you are young . . . and just beginning, and of course, this is the time when you must focus on developing your technique and accumulating knowledge. That is going to take time, but the best way to learn is by getting involved, and I want to urge everyone to have at least one area of interest outside of your specific art. It will make you a better artist, and it will expand your horizons. Knowing many of you, I think you already have multiple interests across the arts . . . and not just the arts. You will be more interesting people if you seize upon the opportunities that are all around you at Hartt and at the University of Hartford. Your time here is going to vanish very quickly, and you need to make the most of every minute.

One thing every American student must do is vote this fall. It would be wrong for me to tell you how to vote, but you must vote. Think of what we are facing. To not vote is to indicate that you don’t care about the future direction of this nation. I can’t imagine there is anyone listening who doesn’t care about controlling the pandemic OR actively working against the systemic racism that has impacted this county for more than 400 years OR speaking out to force politicians to address the catastrophic effects of climate change. Yes . . . vote, please vote.

As global artist-citizens, and I will use that term regardless of what your goals are as artists, you have special tools at your disposal. Create yourself, create your message, and be bold. Please remember that you are part of a continuum of artistic history. It is your responsibility to respect and understand that continuum and use your talents to benefit society.

One day, in the not too distant future, I want to be reading about (or hearing about) the ways that this next generation of artists (that would be ALL of you) is changing the world. No pressure. Just make it happen. Thank you.”

Do you have a question for me? If so, please send it to harttdean@hartford.edu. I will do my best to answer 2-3 questions in each edition.

LAS

1)

Hartt Convocation – Wednesday, September 16th from 12:45-2:00 pm – In Hartt Cyberspace          

We will continue the tradition of welcoming our new and returning students at Hartt’s 2020 Convocation! President Woodward, Provost Sweitzer, and I will give brief remarks, and we will greet the two new full-time members of the Hartt faculty . . . baritone Thomas Cannon and choral conductor Anthony Trecek-King. Dancer and Resident Guest Artist Andrea Weber will also join us. There will be student and faculty performances. Music, Dance, and Theatre! I hope you will all attend regardless of where you are on the planet.

2)

We recently updated The Hartt School COVID-19 Guidelines, and I want to encourage all music, dance and theatre students to review the policies that have been put in place to protect you.

3)       

Have you seen the new COVID-19 Dashboard on the UHart website? It contains important information that you will want to monitor.

4)

Something that every Hartt student needs . . . 25Live. Do you know how to use this handy tool? If not go to Blackboard Undergraduate or Graduate Resources: Room Scheduling.

All practices rooms must be reserved in advance! It is important to plan ahead.

Do you have a question for me? If so, please send it to harttdean@hartford.edu. I will do my best to answer 2-3 questions in each edition.

LAS

Dear Hartt Students:

Welcome back!

Tomorrow is the first day of classes, and whether you are on campus or attending remotely, I want to wish you the very best for the coming semester. This is going to be something new for all of us, and if we pull together, I know that great things will happen.

1)

You are going to have many questions! I urge you to reach out to your teachers. We are all in this together!

2)

Fuller and HPAC will not only have enhanced cleaning twice a day, but you will find wipes and other cleaning materials in both buildings. I urge you to use the materials throughout each day. As we have all heard a thousand times . . . The most important thing is that you wash your hands frequently and keep your hands away from your face. We hear it so often because it is so incredibly important. And of course, you must wear your mask.

3) 

Hartt has scheduled a Practice Room Check-In where you can learn more about reserving rooms through 25Live and pick up specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate to your instrument. The Check-In will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, August 26th and Thursday, August 27th from 2:00-4:00 pm in Sukman Foyer and Millard Auditorium (Fuller Music Center). If you cannot make either of these dates, PPE will be distributed by your teacher. All Hartt students use Hartt practice rooms, and these opportunities will enable you to find out more about the scheduling process.

4)

The Off-Campus Shuttle – Green Line, Yellow Line, and the Shopping Shuttle Schedule.

Many of our students take the shuttle between the UHart Campus and HPAC. You might want to bookmark the following links:

1. Transportation plan for reopening
2. The Shuttle Schedule

Do you have a question for me? If so, please send it to harttdean@hartford.edu. I will do my best to answer 2-3 questions in each edition.

Here’s to a successful fall 2020!
#harttpersistence

LAS

Dear Hartt Students:

Greetings! First up . . . an important reminder:

The Hartt Dance Returning Students Town Hall will be held August 20, at 12 PM. I want to encourage all returning Hartt dance students to participate!

Returning Student Town Halls: Race Relations and The Hartt Commitment

New Hartt students will be invited to separate town hall sessions early in the fall semester.

 
1)

Open meetings for ALL Hartt students and their families! Everyone is invited to attend!!

We are holding three general Hartt information sessions on Zoom this weekend. I will be joined by several Hartt faculty members from Music, Dance, and Theatre, as well as a representative from the University of Hartford. We want to try and answer any questions you might have about the upcoming week, as well as the entire semester.

2) 

Because of what we are experiencing this year, we will need to make use of every space in Fuller. This means that teaching studios will need to double as teaching and practice rooms. Please note: This will include the Dean’s Office. Priority use of a teacher’s studio will be given to that teacher’s students, but in many cases, we will need to open the spaces up to all Hartt students.

The following new policies pertain to all users of the Fuller Music Center. If you are unfamiliar with 25Live, the University’s scheduling software, please click here to register for 25Live training.

Reserving FULLER Practice Rooms, Classrooms, and Studios

1. Practice Rooms, Classrooms, and Studios must be scheduled. Some rooms will be “self- booking” using “Express Scheduling” to enable quick reservations.
   
   
2. Room use scheduling will enable contact tracing, air purge time in between room use, and provide students with time to transfer to their next class.
   
   
3. The times for practice room usage will align with the academic grid. An example:
   8:30-9:30 AM – Practice time
   9:30-9:55 AM – Air purge time
   9:55-10:55 AM – Practice time
   10:55-11:20 AM – Air purge time
   Etc.
   
   
4. “Air purge” times will not be available for reservation, and room use will not be permitted.
   
   
5. Some rooms may be staggered on a slightly different schedule because of how they will be used for classes and other purposes.

How to Schedule A Practice Room 

1. Room scheduling is done through 25Live.
   
   
2. You will not be able to schedule rooms in 25Live unless you first sign into 25Live by clicking on the red “Sign In” on the 25Live homepage. Use your Hawkmail Username (without @hartford.edu) and Password. You must do this before you arrive on campus – no later than Friday, August 21).
   
   
3. After you have signed into 25Live, you will be placed in an appropriate group based on your instrument, voice, and/or teacher’s studio.
   
   
4. Based upon health guidelines, some rooms have priority for certain instruments. For example, there will be Piano Priority Rooms, Winds/Brass Priority Rooms, etc.
   
   
5. You may be assigned to your teacher’s studio as your practice room. If that is the case, schedule your practice in your teacher’s studio and not in a different room.
   
   
6. Be sure to view the short video in the Undergraduate or Graduate Resource Page in Blackboard under Room Scheduling for more information.

Building hours are 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM in Fuller . . . seven days a week. We need to have everyone vacate Fuller by 11:00 PM so that the custodial staff can clean the spaces thoroughly.

HPAC information will follow in an upcoming edition.

3)

All Hartt students who would like to rent a piano . . .

In the last edition, I shared Professor Babal’s advice about bringing a keyboard to campus. Over the weekend, I received some information about acoustic pianos that can be rented through Falcetti Pianos. Tony Falcetti and his family have had a long association with Hartt, and it was Tony who helped us make emergency moves of Hartt pianos to student apartments this past spring.

Falcetti Pianos is offering special rental pricing to Hartt students for a Yamaha P-22 (acoustic, 45-inch upright). This instrument includes the middle pedal practice mute. You will find videos of people playing this instrument on the Internet.

If you are interested in renting a piano from Falcetti Pianos, please email Tom Nowak at tomnowak@falcettipianos.com or call him at (413) 543-1400 or (413) 237-0962. Be sure to identify yourself as a Hartt student who is interested in the special rental pricing.

This rental will be between you and Falcetti Pianos. Hartt is receiving no financial benefit from this offer.

 

Questions and Answers . . .

The first two questions are from the same student.

Q: I wanted to know if it is possible to start going to school with the hybrid option, and if I do not feel comfortable, decide to go fully remote?

A: Yes. You can decide to go remote at any time. You would just need to email Barbara Johnson, Manager of Academic Support Services, Evaluator, and Student Advisor (christodo@hartford.edu) or Meg Abernathy Assistant Director, Center for Student Success (mabernath@hartford.edu) because they are tracking all students opting to go remote.

Q: I’m also curious if it would be an option to start fully remote, and based on how things are going if I feel comfortable, enter with the hybrid class option?

A: Yes . . . in theory, but the answer to this question depends upon how your particular courses are being offered. In other words, virtually every course can be offered remotely, but not every course is being offered in person or as a hybrid course. If your courses are being offered in person or hybrid, you could certainly do it!

. . . and more questions . . .

Q: Will students be allowed to reserve practice rooms in the coming semester? 

A: Yes . . . this is something that will be required to assist with contact tracing. Refer to #2 above for information on how to schedule practice rooms.

Q: If a student has a class on campus, but has a virtual lesson on the same day, will she or he be allowed to reserve a practice room to hold their virtual lesson?

A: It is up to the teacher to schedule the Hartt room if giving a virtual lesson to someone who is on campus.

Q: If students have a gap between classes, will they be allowed to stay in the building until their next class begins (i.e. in a practice room, classroom, etc.)? Or, will they have to find another space to stay in to pass the time? 

A: Unscheduled use of practice rooms, classrooms, etc. will not be permitted. However, you can use 25Live to sign up for a room. In addition, you will find socially distanced chairs in the hallways at Fuller and HPAC, as well as open spaces such as Sukman Foyer and the lobby at HPAC to sit and work. There should be a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces on campus outside of Hartt facilities. Please understand that our insistence upon scheduling practice rooms, classrooms, etc. allows for contact tracing and a carefully developed air purge plan that will help to protect everyone. There should be plenty of places for you to relax or work if you have gaps between classes.

Do you have a question for me? If so, please send it to harttdean@hartford.edu. I will do my best to answer 2-3 questions each week.

LAS

Dear Hartt Students:

Let me begin by apologizing for not writing to you on July 30th or August 6th. The July 30th edition was intentionally delayed because I was waiting for some additional information. As for the August 6th edition . . . many of you know that Connecticut was in the direct path of a tropical storm on Tuesday, August 4th, and most of the state was without power for nine days. Things now seem to be back to normal! 

1)

During the past month or so, I have included information from various leaders of the School. In this edition, Doris Lang Kosloff, Director of Vocal Studies, provides an overview of some of the vocal performances that have been planned for the 2020-21 academic year. Our plans will be modified as needed to adhere to UHart, CDC and State guidelines for indoor and outdoor performances. Flexibility will be important.

“We will kick off with our traditional Schubertiad, which will take place within the first few weeks of classes. Schubertiad is a live event where all students, faculty, and friends are invited to sing or play a song by Franz Peter Schubert, the godfather of the German Lied.  This informal event will be held outdoors, for the first time ever!

We will be presenting our Senior Recitals and Graduate Recitals. These will take place in various locations on and off campus in large venues.

Our Seminar Recitals feature Vocal Studies students singing solo repertoire in group recitals. These recitals will also take place in various locations on campus in large venues prior to the Thanksgiving break. They will be livestreamed.

And last, but not least, are the multiple Hartt Opera Theater performances on tap for this school year.  They are:

• French Opera Serenade* [Sérénade d'Opéra Français] – This live performance will take place September 2, 2020 at the Hill-Stead Museum Sunken Garden in Farmington, CT, featuring Hartt students and professional opera performers singing French opera repertoire.
• Amahl and the Night Visitors* [December 2020]
• Mainstage Opera [Spring Semester 2021]
• Black Box Opera [Spring Semester 2021]
• Opera Showcase* [Spring Semester 2021]
• Downtown Hartford Showcase performances* [Spring Semester 2021]

*denotes collaborations with Opera Connecticut”

AND . . . for those looking forward to participating in Hartt’s choral ensembles, some thoughts from Anthony Trecek-King, Director of Choral Activities:

The studies have shown that singing significantly increases the amount of aerosols emitted into an environment. We also know that indoors, aerosols can build up over time. The current recommendation (which can change as we learn more) is that by singing outdoors, we significantly reduce the chance of an infection level event. If we combine that with extreme social distancing, singers’ masks, and shorter sessions, I feel confident that we will be able to have a number of safe gatherings that will include group singing. 

In addition to singing, we are going to be engaged in a bit of choral cross-training that will introduce and explore other disciplines, including movement and dance, that will aid in our performances when we return to normal. This fall we will build the skills that are vital to a versatile and engaging choral program.”

2)

Music Students and Music Theatre Students . . .

The following is an excellent suggestion for the Fall 2020 semester from Hartt faculty member Greg Babal:

“Incoming and returning students who are taking keyboard-related classes, consider bringing your portable keyboards from home to campus with you. Using your personal keyboard could improve your participation in remote or hybrid learning classes, alleviate issues with practice room availability, and support health protocols.”

3)

SAVE THE DATE

Returning Student Town Halls: Race Relations and The Hartt Commitment

The Hartt School is pleased to host three returning student town halls dedicated to the discussion of race relations and The Hartt Commitment. One session will be held for each area of the school (music, dance, and theatre), and the facilitators will be Dr. Anthony Trecek-King and Ms. Calida Jones:

The Zoom invitations listed above are for returning Hartt students only. Please note: New Hartt students will be invited to separate town hall sessions early in the fall semester.

Dr. Anthony Trecek-King was recently appointed Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at The Hartt School. Prior to his appointment at Hartt, Dr. Trecek-King cultivated an international reputation as a choral conductor, scholar, pedagogue, and media personality. Much of his career has been spent exploring socially relevant issues through emotionally immersive programs, challenging both artists and audiences to feel and think. You can read more about Dr. Trecek-King here. 

Ms. Calida Jones, The Hartt School’s Director of Engagement, is an internationally known educator and consultant having worked in Hong Kong, Venezuela, Brazil, and a host of other countries. An alumna of Hartt (’07) and former faculty member, Ms. Jones has spent much of her career working to make the arts accessible to marginalized communities and addressing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with various organizations. You can read more about Ms. Jones here. 

Please join us! We need your voices and recognize the importance of your inclusion as stakeholders at The Hartt School. 

Questions and Answers . . .

A rising senior writes . . . “I have been preparing my recital over the summer hoping to have it in late-October or early-November. I have a few questions and concerns that I wanted to ask you about in terms of how the Hartt School will now go about chamber performances such as recitals.”

Q: I am a vocalist and I would like to bring in other players from outside of The Hartt School. Would they be able to still perform with me if they can show documentation of a negative COVID test?

A: Unfortunately, outside performers will not be permitted on campus for the fall semester.

 
Q: I have planned for my family (from out-of-state) to come to the recital. Would they be allowed to attend in person?

A: To further protect the campus community, outside guests (even family members) will not be permitted to attend performances.
 

Q: Would recitals and chamber performance now be livestreamed through our website?

A: Our plan is to livestream as many Hartt performances as possible. Please note that indoor events (recitals, for example) have certain restrictions mandated by the State of Connecticut. With the current guidelines, solo voice recitals would need to take place in Millard Auditorium or Lincoln Theatre. Subject to change.

 
Do you have a question for me? If so, please send it to harttdean@hartford.edu. I will do my best to answer 2-3 questions each week.

LAS

Dear Hartt Students: 

#1 

Preparations are definitely underway! On Wednesday, July 22, there was a meeting of University leaders, and we spent most of our time reviewing the many plans that have been put in place for the safe return of our students, faculty, and staff and the successful opening of the new academic year. It was impressive to hear each report, as well as the responses to follow-up questions. Because these plans pertain to the University as a whole, details will be provided in UHart Updates. One such update, a message from Associate Vice President Jessica Nicklin regarding testing, residential life, move-in, and the "Let’s Keep Hawks Healthy Pledge," should have arrived in your inbox in the past 24 hours.  

#2 

All Hartt facilities (Fuller, HPAC and Lincoln Theater), including academic and administrative areas, have been carefully assessed for social distancing requirements. Signage is in the process of being added, and policies are being developed to ensure that cleaning takes place on a continual basis. Custodial staff members will provide regular cleaning, but we will also be calling upon faculty, staff, and students to help sanitize chairs and desks as room use shifts from one class or activity to another. Maintaining a healthy environment is going to be everyone’s responsibility. By pitching in, we will be making our Hartt and University communities stronger . . . and safer. 


#3 

I know that the Theatre students recently heard from Bob Davis, Interim Artistic Director of Theatre and Chair of Actor Training, but I want to share an excerpt from his note with everyone because I feel it speaks to the kind of creativity that will be a hallmark of our work this fall:  

“Everyone is wondering about our plans for fall performance work. Yes, we are still committed to providing performance experience that works within the circumstances before us. Clearly, we cannot do our customary fully staged productions in a venue with a live audience. It is not currently possible in professional venues and will not be possible at Hartt.  

Tracey  Moore, Chair of Music Theatre, and I both believe that certain aspects of the performance experience can still be provided in a virtual format. Because we can't do what we traditionally do, we will focus on the parts of the process that we can do . Some shifting of scheduled productions is inevitable but other opportunities will be created. Faculty committees are at work to design our performance projects to take advantage of our unique circumstances rather than be limited by them.  

This kind of innovation is being practiced by performing artists around the world and Hartt Theatre will be part of this new wave made necessary by the current conditions. We will turn the camera on ourselves and celebrate the work we do.” 

Stephen Pier, Artistic Director of Dance, has also written to his students, and this excerpt from a recent note should give all Hartt students and parents, regardless of discipline or major, a sense of just how much care is going into our preparations for the semester:  

“I have been eager to share with you some of the work the faculty and I have been doing in the past months to chart our way forward in a manner that takes our physical well-being seriously and yet allows us to begin the practice of our art form in a more robust and communal way. Until more is known about this virus and until reliable ways to control it are developed, we will all need to work very closely and responsibly together. Plans must also be responsive to the constant stream of new information and research developing around the virus and effective methods of minimizing its spread.” 

Stephen Pier then goes on to list 13 specific precautions that are being taken in dance, including use of PPE, dance-specific social distancing within the studios, and numerous other safety measures. Like his colleagues in other parts of the School, Mr. Pier has worked tirelessly to follow the latest research and develop workable plans. 

Questions and Answers . . .  

Q: Will choirs be meeting, and if so, what precautions will be taken for the safety of the students? 

A: Absolutely! It is now generally recognized that singers will need to spread out a little more than instrumentalists. Singer-adjusted social distancing is going to make rehearsing and performing possible. You can look forward to singing in some unusual places, but that should be part of the adventure. I am confident that Anthony Trecek-King, our new Director of Choral Activities, and his colleagues are going to make sure that the fall semester is productive and enjoyable! 

Q: I live in southern CT, and I am considering staying at home and studying remotely for the fall. If I were to move ahead with this decision, will that affect the tuition as well as my scholarship?  

A: If you maintain a full-time course load, you will continue to receive your scholarship. Your tuition will not change. 

 . . . and finally, there have been some questions about reserving space for recitals (especially required recitals!) in the fall. The class and rehearsal schedules are still coming together, but as soon as they are firmly in place, we will announce some guidelines and deadlines for recitals. 

Do you have a question for me? If so, please send it to harttdean@hartford.edu. I will do my best to answer 2-3 questions each week. 

LAS

Dear Hartt Students:

1. Everyone wants to know how we intend to mount rehearsals (and performances) of all sorts. This week, I asked conductor Glen Adsit, Director of Instrumental Studies and Chair of Large Ensembles, to write about some of the research he has been doing for the past several months. His comments follow:
    
   Dear Students and Parents,
   
   I know many of you are concerned about safety as you look at the fall semester. I want you to know that our faculty and staff are working around the clock to ensure that we are taking every precaution and following all State and CDC guidelines so that we can open as safely as possible.
   
   I am just one of the many faculty members at Hartt who has spent the summer planning for the fall and understanding the study of aerosols. Aerosols are, of course, produced whenever we talk, breathe, sing, shout, or play a wind or brass instrument. We must understand the science of aerosols as we head into the fall.  
   
   In addition to being the Director of Bands at Hartt, I am also the President-Elect of our professional organization, the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA). Shortly after all of our universities went online last spring, CBDNA’s President galvanized an international group to commission a scientific study of aerosols which is being executed at the University of Colorado and the University of Maryland. The study is designed to learn about the number of aerosols that are produced, how far they travel, and what mitigation measures can be employed by performing wind and brass players, vocalists, actors, and athletes. On Monday, we received the first round of preliminary data, and it is promising. What we learned is that vocalists and some instruments give off more aerosols than others, but with the proper mitigation measures, they will comply with all safety guidelines. We expect more updates on the 31st of July and will continually adjust our plans to make sure that we return to performing using all recommendations from the ongoing research and guidelines.
   
   In the instrumental world, things are certainly going to look different. String players, pianists, harpists, percussionists, and guitarists will be sitting at six-foot intervals and wearing masks. You might be in straight rows and not curved arcs, but we will be playing together! Wind and brass players will be six feet away from each other (trombones may be eight feet away) and will likely have bell covers and tailored masks that will still allow you to play. Rehearsals will be shorter, and groups like the all-School brass choir may even be rehearsing outside during the first few months.
   
   Igor Stravinsky said that the way he composed was by first setting limitations for himself. Setting limitations gave him the creativity he needed to compose The Rite of Spring. We are looking at this the same way. We will have limitations, but we are thinking as creatively (and safely) as we can within those limitations. In any case, we are going to make art together!
   
    Glen Adsit, Professor, The Hartt School
   
   * * * * *
   
   Next week, we will have more information from other areas of the School! Stay tuned . . .
   
   
   
2. As President Woodward announced on Friday, July 10th, we will be making fall 2020 classes available remotely for those who are unable to come to campus. This, of course, includes many of our international students who are experiencing travel and/or visa difficulties. If you are opting not to be on campus for the fall, you must immediately contact either Barbara Johnson (christodo@hartford.edu) or Meg Abernathy(mabernath@hartford.edu) who will officially acknowledge your request.
   
   
   
3. There are a number of variables affecting our class schedules at the moment (such as the size of a room and social distancing requirements). As a result, you might notice some shifting of class locations during the next few weeks. Please know that once everyone is registered, there will be fewer changes.
   
   Questions and Answers . . .
   
   
   Q: Will we be required to wear masks during dance, acting or singing lessons? 
   
   A: Each of the many activities will have different requirements. As you read in Professor Adsit’s comments, there are going to be some creative approaches. It is hard to generalize, but some activities will involve wearing a mask, some will involve wearing a shield. Still others might necessitate wearing both.
   
    
   Q: If dance classes that include sweating, rolling around and a lot of breathing are happening normally, why do we split the class in acting and make it a hybrid class when it is less people and much easier to socially distance? 
   
   A: Dance classes and acting classes will not happen “normally.” They will require modifications per the research that is taking place. Each area is devising schedules and taking safety measures that will be appropriate to each class or activity.
   
    
   Q: Most of the sophomore Music Theatre courses are practical and not academic. Has the school considered rearranging the courses to hold all required academic classes online in the fall semester? That way, we can stay home, keep quarantining now, and come back in the spring to focus on our practical courses. 
   
   A: Our goal is to hold as many of our classes in person as possible. While we are allowing fully remote study, we do not feel it is ideal. Theatre students (ATs and MTs) move through their studies in cohorts, and the training involves a great deal of sequential learning. Your idea is a good one for those who might want to open up a little more time for the spring or accelerate their academic courses by registering for an extra academic course in the fall, but that is going to depend upon individual schedules and a student’s academic progress to date.
   
   
   Do you have a question for me? If so, please send it to harttdean@hartford.edu. I will do my best to answer 2-3 questions each week.
   
    
   LAS

Dear Hartt Students:

In addition to my comments below, I urge you to pay close attention to all University of Hartford announcements, and check the Fall 2020 Opening Plan frequently for University updates, since they will pertain to University-wide decisions.

In fact, the reason that this didn’t go out yesterday (as planned) was because I was aware that an important message was being released by the University today. You will have just received that note, and I hope that my information will provide some Hartt specifics.

1. Preparing for your return to campus
   
   Due to the pandemic, there are State of Connecticut and CDC guidelines we must follow. Over the next few weeks, I will give you a sense of what is being done to prepare for your arrival.
   
   Today . . . the many rooms in Fuller and HPAC.
   
   Every room in Hartt’s facilities has been measured and assessed in order to determine how many people can safely be in each room. This is important to ensure everyone’s health and well-being. We all know about the importance of social distancing!
   
   The “Pre-Covid” numbers noted below are approximate. They would, of course, vary depending on the setup of the room and how it was being used. For instance, there are major differences between audience-style seating, classroom seating with desks, and the many variants that exists across music, dance, and theatre. The reduced “Fall 2020” numbers will also vary depending upon the type of class or activity that is taking place in a particular space. You should think of them as maximums. As things continue to improve (Connecticut is doing well at the moment!), it is likely that the numbers may increase as social distancing is relaxed.
   
   Some general room capacity examples in Fuller:
   
   

   Fuller Room	Pre-Covid Capacity (Maximum)	Fall 2020 Capacity (Maximum)
   Room 21	40 people	13 people
   Berkman Recital Hall	79 people	18 people
   Room 103	8 people	4 people
   Room 120	30 people	9 people
   Bliss Music Room	100 people	30 people
   Room 201	25 people	4 people
   Room 343	30 people	11 people
   Room 422	25 people	6 people

   
   
    Some general room capacity examples in HPAC:
   
   

   HPAC Room	Pre-Covid Capacity  (Maximum)	Fall 2020 Capacity (Maximum)
   N109	25 people	16 people
   N111	25 people	12 people
   N125	50 people	24 people
   S100	20 people	6 people
   S120	50 people	18 people
   S134	30 people	9 people

   
   
   I am grateful to Leonard Bretton, Glen Adsit, and Stephen Pier for the assistance they continue to provide with the assessment of our facilities.
   
   
2. Solutions!
   
   As you can see in #1, adjusted room capacities will force us to deliver some of our classes in different ways.
   
   Here is a quick summary of the options we will be using:
   
   In Person – The teacher and student or students(s) will be in the same room.
   
   Hybrid (also known by some as the A/B Model) – If space is limited and a class meets two times per week (let’s say Mondays and Wednesdays), half of the class would attend in person on Monday while the other half of the class would be watching remotely. For the Wednesday class, the groups would swap. There are variants to this model that a teacher may opt to use. This hybrid model ensures in-person instruction on a regular basis.
   
   Remote Teaching – The teacher and student or students would be online at a regularly scheduled time, that is, the class would be synchronous.
   
   Online Teaching – The teacher would prepare materials that could then be viewed by the students on their own time (organized, but unscheduled), that is, the class would be asynchronous.
    
   The University’s goal is to have teachers and students together for as many classes as possible. I have heard some very creative plans, including ways for us to have rehearsals and performances right from the start of the fall semester. Stay tuned for more details next week.
   
   
3. Hartt’s Academic Administrative Structure in 2020-21
   
   As we start the new academic year, I want to make you aware of the academic administrative structure for the collegiate areas of the School. As you will see, there have been a few changes. An asterisk indicates someone who is assuming a new role this year.
   
   Dean
   Larry Alan Smith
   
   Associate Deans
   David Bell – Finance & Administration
   Noah Blocker-Glynn – Admission & Community Programs
   Donna Menhart – Academic Innovation
   *Ken Steen – College Programs
   
   Academic Studies
   Patrick Miller, Director of Academic Studies and Chair of Music Theory
   Ken Nott, Chair of Music History and BA in Music
   
   Contemporary Studies
   Ken Steen, Director of Contemporary Studies
   *Gilda Lyons, Interim Chair of Composition (Robert Carl is on sabbatical this year.)
   *Marcus Thomas, Chair of Music & Performing Arts Management
   *Justin Kurtz, Chair of Music Production & Technology
   
   Dance
   Stephen Pier, Artistic Director
   
   Instrumental Studies
   *Glen Adsit, Director of Instrumental Studies and Chair of Large Ensembles
   Rita Porfiris, Chair of Chamber Music
   Chris Ladd, Chair of Guitar and Harp
   Maggie Francis, Chair of Piano
   Robert Black, Chair of Strings
   Ben Toth, Chair of Winds, Brass & Percussion
   
   Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz
   Javon Jackson, Director
   
   Music Education
   Warren Haston, Director
   
   Theatre
   *Bob Davis, Interim Artistic Director of Theatre and Chair of Actor Training
   *Tracey Moore, Chair of Music Theatre
   
   Vocal Studies
   Doris Lang Kosloff, Director
   
   The School is fortunate to have strong and committed leaders across all eight academic areas. In an upcoming edition, I will give you some information about the five newly configured staff teams that have been put in place.
   
   

Do you have a question for me? If so, please send it to harttdean@hartford.edu. I will do my best to answer 2-3 questions each week.

Here’s a recent question from a parent of an undergraduate music student:

Q: Will Hartt students continue to have access to the School’s music facilities and equipment (outside of the normal classroom hours) as they have in the past, including the practice rooms? 

A: The plan is to re-open Hartt buildings when the UHart campus re-opens. August 10th is the tentative date that has been announced. We will be following all of the safety protocols as established by the University. Practice rooms and Hartt’s music facilities and equipment will be available as they have been in the past...unless and until the University requires us to restrict access for health and safety reasons.

There will be much more about practice rooms prior to the start of the year.

LAS

A promise...future updates won’t have long introductions! This edition is the first...so please bear with me today.

Dear Hartt Students:

With all of the challenging and complex things happening in the world, I want to establish communication with you on a weekly basis as we prepare for the start of the 2020-21 academic year. I know that there are many things you will want to know, and I want to provide you with as much information as possible.

It is often difficult for me to respond to individual messages as promptly as I would like, and I hope that being in touch like this will speed things up for all of us. Sometimes information will be released via social media rather than email to provide you with information even more quickly. These posts may be made by various University and Hartt communication sources. We value your constructive feedback and urge you to ask questions and seek clarification as the need arises.

Because we are not able to send messages to your family members, please be sure to share my news with them. I know there is a great deal of interest in the plans pertaining to the start of the fall semester, so it would be helpful if you could also share the messages from President Woodward and other University offices as they arrive. You will see that those messages are archived on the University’s Fall 2020 Opening Plan webpage. You will find them on the left-hand side of the page under “Messages and Advisories.”

My Updates will be sent to incoming and returning students...undergraduates and graduates, and they will be as clear and concise as possible. Together with the University messages and advisories, these Updates should provide you with the information about the fall semester and beyond. As needed, I will clarify how the University plans affect Hartt specifically.

These are extremely difficult times, and information is changing on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis. Some of the information that impacts us comes from the State of Connecticut. Other guidelines and directives come from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). I urge you to be patient with the timing and pace of University and Hartt messages and advisories.

If you learn of any Hartt student who is not receiving my Updates, please have them email Priscilla Mulvaney, Executive Assistant to the Dean. Her email address ismulvaney@hartford.edu. Priscilla will be sure they are added to the distribution list which is being continually updated to keep current with information about Hartt’s returning and first-year students.

Things are changing and are going to change...continually. What isn’t going to change is the commitment that the leadership at Hartt and UHart all share to provide you with the educational and artistic opportunities you need to achieve your career goals.

Today’s updates are as follows:

1. Last fall, we embarked upon two national searches of great importance to Hartt. They have concluded, and I am pleased to welcome Anthony Trecek-King and Thomas Cannon to the faculty. Click here for information about the new appointments in choral music and voice.
   
   
2. The killing of George Floyd on May 25th has had a major impact on the United States and the world. Clearly, there have been too many deaths and too much suffering. Systemic racism has no place in our society, and yet, it persists. Finding lasting solutions is going to take monumental efforts and persistence, and each individual will need to commit to making a difference and being a part of the solution.
   
   On June 2nd, the faculty and staff of The Hartt School (collegiate and community programs) came together to talk about the national crisis. We spent nearly three hours sharing experiences and listening. A second session took place on June 30th. These sessions are just the beginning, but I am certain that we, as a community, will accept responsibility for our collective shortcomings and work to effect change.
   
   The result of our early work is The Hartt Commitment, a living and dynamic commitment toward our growth as an oppression-free community of artists and scholars.
   
   We welcome all of you to be a part of this important and on-going conversation during the coming months. I anticipate that there will be some student-oriented listening sessions during July and August. Two sessions involving some dance and theatre students have already taken place. To understand where we are headed, please read The Hartt Commitment.
   
   
3. Some exciting news about the Hartt Theatre leadership change!
   
   Effective immediately, Professor Robert H. Davis will assume the dual roles of Interim Artistic Director of Hartt Theatre and Chair of Actor Training. He will be joined by Professor Tracey Moore who will serve as Chair of Music Theatre. Together, in close consultation with the Hartt Theatre faculty and staff, they will provide the leadership that will move the School forward and prepare us for a national search for an Artistic Director during the 2021-22 academic year. I anticipate that the new Artistic Director will be in place for the start of the 2022 fall semester.
   
   In addition, I am delighted to announce the appointment of award-winning director and artistic leader Melia Bensussen as Artistic Advisor to Hartt Theatre. As you all know, Melia is the Artistic Director of Hartford Stage having been appointed in 2019. Her role will be to work directly with the faculty, staff and students of Hartt Theatre in ways that will enable our actor training and music theatre programs to benefit from her artistic and educational expertise. While my office will be providing oversight and support for this residency, her primary contacts will be with the faculty and leadership of Hartt Theatre. For information, please visit www.meliabensussen.com. 

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

With best wishes,
LAS