Scrap Performance Group
TIDE
A performance of "Tide" by the Scrap Performance Group, a five-woman, movement-based theater troupe, which integrates dance, theatre, film, light, text and sound in dynamic ways that cross the traditional boundaries of genre and builds experiential environments for its audiences. Scrap members share a common aesthetic and awareness of contemporary culture and draw from diverse viewpoints to create work that provokes, inspires and compels people to question.

Under the leadership of Scrap Performance Group Directors Myra Bazell and Madison Cario, students have contributed to the development of this professional work-in-progress through an interdisciplinary workshop referred to as The Foundry. Using the skills developed within their previous course work and life experiences, students explored the themes that contributed to this unique dance-based cross-media performance, focusing on the reciprocal impact humans and the natural environment have on each other.

The performance was followed by a talk-back session and reception, where student projects developed in The Foundry were also on display.
Open to the public.
(Chambers Wylie Church, 315 South Broad Street)

Reunion Registration & Hospitality
Registration packets and Reunion gifts, light refreshments, and connections with friends and classmates. (Chapel, Gershman Hall)

Lewis Hyde: Conversations with Crafts Students
The author of The Gift: Imagination and the Erotic Life of Property and Richard L. Thomas professor of creative writing at Kenyon College, Lewis Hyde lead a discussion on creativity with students from the University's Crafts department. Open to the public.
(Elaine C. Levitt Auditorium, Gershman Hall)

Improvise/Commit: Conversations on the Creative Process
A panel discussion moderated by Lewis Hyde. Panelists included: Myra Bazell, Scrap Performance Group; Madison Cario, Scrap Performance Group; and Peter Schumann, founder of Bread and Puppet Theater. This interactive session included a prelude performed by the UArts Rumble Ensemble and Toshi Makihara, percussion, sound, media, and performance artist. Open to the public.
(Elaine C. Levitt Auditorium, Gershman Hall)

Explore UArts Sessions
These professional development sessions showcased the best of UArts! Alumni, faculty and other professionals from the field presented on a variety of topics including artistic practice, technology, and career development.
(Various Classrooms, Gershman Hall)

Concurrent Sessions A

• A-1: "An Insider's Look at New Technology: Final Cut Pro"
  Presenter: Tom Porett, Professor of Electronic Media, The University of the Arts
  The first choice of professional editors worldwide, Final Cut Pro delivers high-performance digital nonlinear editing, native support for virtually any video format, and facility-class extensibility and interoperability. Its workflow extends through the other Final Cut Studio applications and Final Cut Server for even more power. Whether you're working solo or collaborating with a team, Final Cut Pro gives you more creative options and technical control than ever before.
   
• A-2: "Interpreting Visual Evidence"
  Presenter: Ben Olshin, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, The University of the Arts
  This informal session centered on a thought-provoking "what if...?" scenario that challenged participants to look at innovation with a cultural and historical view. This workshop helped participants begin to talk intelligently about the interplay between creativity, technology, and history.
   
• A-3: "The History of The University of the Arts"
  Presenters: Sara MacDonald, Public Services Librarian, The University of the Arts; Eugene Bolt, Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations, The University of the Arts
  You know what was happening at UArts while you were a student here, but do you know how much the schools fit in with the history of Philadelphia, the United States and the world? Attendees found out at this entertaining, informative and photo-filled presentation by the authors of The University of the Arts (Arcadia Publishing, 2006). All attendees received a free author-autographed copy of The University of the Arts.

Concurrent Sessions B

• B-1: "Going Green in Design"
  Presenter Jaime Salm (ID '01), Creative Director, MIO
  Is "green" more than just a color? For Alumnus Jaime Salm (ID '01) and his brother Issac it is the color of profit and protection - of the world, that is. MIO, a Philadelphia-based maker of witty, ecofriendly home products, has sought to encourage their customers to grow into a greener, healthier, happier and more profitable future. Their design focuses on the needs of people today and aims towards the technologically advanced and responsible product experiences of tomorrow. Jaime discussed the development of his business and his company's approach to sustainability. The presentation focused on the role of design in organizations and individuals committed to the principle of doing well by doing good. Are you "going green?"
   
• B-2: "Arts in Vibrant Communities"
  Presenter: Anne L'Ecuyer, Associate Vice President of Field Services, Americans for The Arts
  Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy, and today it is a leader in the evolution of civic life. From history to hip-hop, the city is alive with creativity. Cultures abound in Philadelphia, an open and engaged metropolis that welcomes a diverse community of artists, innovators, and creators. In June, Americans For The Arts presents its annual convention bringing thousands of arts, artists, arts administrators, funders and civic leaders to the streets of Philadelphia. "American Evolution: Arts in the New Civic Life" focuses on a new vision of civic leadership in which a collaborative spirit is crafted and led by the artist. Anne explored how the arts have a positive impact on communities through education, neighborhood vitality, health and well-being, economic impact and, of course, civic discourse.
   
• B-3: "The Art of TV Guide"
  Presenter: Jerry Alten (GD '55), author and former Art Director, TV Guide
  Introduction by Mark Tocchet, Chair of the Illustration Department, The University of the Arts
  Jerry Alten (GD '55) started as Art Director of TV Guide in 1967, and for almost 50 years he engaged the world's greatest illustrators to provide the artwork for the pages of the most widely circulated magazine in the world. In his new book, Jerry provides a view behind-the-scenes of a magazine that featured some of America's greatest celebrities, the artist who painted them, and the interesting, highly entertaining, and sometimes outrageous interactions between subject, artist, and art director. The book is also a nostalgic look at the people who helped make the medium what it is today, with notable cover artists ranging from Norman Rockwell to Andy Worhol and many of UArts' own such as Arnold Roth '50 and Charlie Santore '55. A book signing concluded the session.

Alumni "Town Hall" Meeting
An open forum moderated by Dr. R. Alan Leffers, Dean of Students, The University of the Arts.
(Chapel, Gershman Hall)

Class Dinners by Decade
Alumni from the 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and 00's dined at several of Philadelphia's premier restaurants.

• 1940's - Estia Restaurant (1405 Locust Street)
• 1950's - Estia Restaurant (1405 Locust Street)
• 1960's - Ruth's Chris Steak House (260 South Broad Street)
• 1970's - Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant (124-34 South 15th Street)
• 1980's - Buddakan (325 Chestnut Street)
• 1990's, 2000's - El Vez (121 South 13th Street)

Rennie Harris Puremovement

Led by Lorenzo "Rennie" Harris, Rennie Harris Puremovement (RHPM) was conceived with the vision for sharing an appreciation for diversity and is dedicated to preserving and disseminating hip-hop culture through workshops, classes, lecture-demonstrations, dance residencies, mentoring programs and public performances.

RHPM's work encompasses rich and diverse African American traditions of the past, while simultaneously presenting the voice of a new generation.

Intermission

As an extraordinary finale to the evening, a jazz ensemble comprised of the University's outstanding alumni, conducted by Lars Halle, performed. Legendary jazz bassist and UArts alumnus Stanley Clarke joined the group, along with a few other very special guests, making for a never-to-be-forgotten evening of jazz performances.

The University of the Arts Alumni Big Band Performance:
Lars Halle Jazz Orchestra

Mike Cemprola, alto sax (alumnus and faculty)
Jason O'Mara, alto sax (alumnus)
Chris Farr, tenor sax (alumnus and faculty)
Rick Lawn, tenor sax (Dean of CPA)
Ben Vinci, bari sax (alumnus)

Matt Gallagher, lead trumpet (alumnus, faculty)
Dennis Wasko, trumpet (alumnus and faculty)
Matt Cappy, trumpet (alumnus)
Tony DeSantis, trumpet (alumnus)
Bill Pusey, trumpet (alumnus and faculty)

Randy Kapralick, lead trombone (faculty)
Jon Botbyl, trombone (alumnus)
Paul Arbogast, trombone (alumnus and faculty)
Rich Genovese, bass trombone (faculty)

Tom Lawton, piano (faculty)
Kevin MacConnell, bass (faculty)
Lars Halle, drums (alumnus and faculty)
Marc Dicciani, drums (alumnus and faculty)

Anne Sciolla, vocals (alumna and faculty)
Meg Mitchell, vocals (alumna and faculty)

The Lars Halle Jazz Orchestra was founded in January 2000 by ‘96 UArts alumnus Lars Halle and has become one of the leading big bands in the Philadelphia area. Most of the band’s regular members are alumni of the University of the Arts or currently serve on the School of Music faculty. This version of the LHJO showcases a complete line-up of UArts alumni and/or faculty.
(Elaine C. Levitt Auditorium, Gershman Hall)

Night on the Town
Dinner on-your-own with friends, family, colleagues or classmates.

Reunion Registration & Hospitality
(Chapel, Gershman Hall)

Alumni / Faculty Breakfast, Photo & Distribution of Robes
(Elaine C. Levitt Auditorium, Gershman Hall)

Inauguration Procession Assembled
(Gershman Hall)

Inauguration Procession Began
(Gershman Hall)

Inaugural Ceremony
The Investiture ceremony to officially install Sean T. Buffington as President of The University of the Arts. The event featured greetings by dignitaries from academe, arts and culture, government and other areas. In addition, UArts student musical groups performed and the Doctorate of Fine Arts, Honoris Causa, was presented to renowned bassist, composer and producer Stanley Clarke, a UArts alumnus.
(Merriam Theater)

Inauguration Celebration
An afternoon of fun, food, music and festivities for the entire University community and our guests followed the inaugural ceremony.
(Gymnasium, Gershman Hall)

Alumni/Faculty Cocktail Reception
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with classmates, professors and friends.
(Chapel, Gershman Hall)

Dinner at Bandstand on Broad: "Oh, What a Night!"
The UArts annual fundraising gala dinner with a twist, or should we say, boogie?
(Solmssen Court, Dorrance Hamilton Hall)

OR

Dinner on Your Own
Dinner on-your-own with friends, family, colleagues or classmates.

Dessert & Dancing at Bandstand on Broad: "Oh, What a Night!"
Revive the beehive or pull on the platform shoes.
(Solmssen Court, Dorrance Hamilton Hall)

Closing Breakfast
Brunch closed out Reunion 2008. Farewell to friends and classmates...until our next big event!
(Levitt Foyer, Gershman Hall)

Mural Arts Tour
Join us for a private trolley tour featuring "behind the scenes" anecdotes and stories of the amazing murals in Center City. This tour will offer a look at how murals are made and leave you with both an understanding of the complexities of mural making and an appreciation of Philadelphia as the world's largest outdoor art gallery. The tour is led by a professional docent, lasts approximately 2 hours and departs from Dorrance Hamilton Hall. Reservations required.
$20 per person

Ride the Ducks Philadelphia
Experience Philadelphia sightseeing fun from a duck's eye view on Philadelphia's original duck tour. Travel on land and water in one amazing vehicle. Learn about Philadelphia history, the Delaware River, its famous personalities, the area's impact on the state and our nation, and even a bit about Philly's role in film, song and sports, too! A great idea for families. Reservations required.
$25 per person

Philadelphia Museum of Art
As one of the largest art museums in the United States, the Philadelphia Museum of Art invites visitors from around the world to explore its renowned collection. Please join us for two special guided tours led by museum staff educators and UArts alumni Barry King, MA '04 and Ah-Young Kim, MA '00 as they showcase some of the highlights of the collection. Attendees may observe and discuss art from America, Asia, Medieval Europe or from the Modern and Contemporary galleries. Reservations required.
$10 per person

The Best Man
In this Gore Vidal work, a major political party descends on Philadelphia for its national convention and to select its presidential candidate. In this fight for power, charges of mental instability and homosexuality are used as leverage as the two leading candidates battle their way to the nomination. As the School of Theatre Arts closes their subscription series and in a year of national elections, the intrigues and ethics of politics played out in THE BEST MAN make for a fascinating, pertinent dramatic discussion. Note: Suitable for high school age and older. Children under 13 years of age will not be admitted. Reservations required.
(Arts Bank Theater)

Katherine Richardson: Perspective Dance Project
A collaborative, interdisciplinary dance performance developed under the direction of UArts Dance senior Katherine Richardson, recipient of the 2007 Senior Class Gift Award, which recognizes a rising senior's ability to create outstanding work and supports that student's proposal for an innovative project of their own design. One of the most prestigious awards bestowed upon UArts undergraduates, the Senior Class Gift of $3,500 is presented to one student from each of the University's colleges: Art and Design (CAD), Media and Communication (CMAC) and Performing Arts (CPA). Established in 2007, the Award is intended to encourage the development of a tradition of creativity that is to be handed down from one senior class to the next.
(UArts Dance Theater at the Drake)