Personnel
Emmett Drake, Director
Kathryn Pappalardo, Manager
The Hartt School Community Division
200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
Phone: (860) 768-4451
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hcd.hartford.edu
Opus 89
2016 - 2017 Academic Year
Table of Contents
About the Ensemble
Page 2
Leadership
Page 2
Membership
Page 3
Rehearsals
Page 3
Concerts
Page 3
Performance Attire
Page 3
Tuition and Fees
Page 4
Concerto Competition
Page 4
Commitment
Page 4
Attendance Policy
Page 4
Withdrawal Policy
Page 5
Expectations
Page 5
Rehearsal Expectations
Page 6
Concert Expectations
Page 6
Concert Admission
Page 6
Advance Absence Forms
Page 7
Calendar
Page 8
Membership Agreement
Page 9
About the Ensemble
In 1987 the late David Einfeldt founded the Hartt School Community Division’s premier Suzuki
string orchestra, now called Opus '89. This string orchestra is open, by audition, to advanced
string players, regardless of their training method. Opus 89 performs challenging string orchestra
repertoire such as works by composers ranging from Bach to Einojuhani Rautavaara. This
ensemble often collaborates with wind players and percussionists to perform classical-era
symphonic works. In February 2012, Opus 89 made its Carnegie Hall debut.
Leadership
"The two hours that I am lucky enough to spend with Opus each week seems to fly by. A
passionate, hard-working group of musicians with a great sense of humor, an amazing sense of
musical sensitivity and technical ability, this orchestra never ceases to amaze me. The students'
level of dedication, understanding of musical concepts and constant drive for improvement
makes for an awesome music making experience.”
—Emmett Drake, Opus 89 Conductor
Originally from Long Island, New York, Emmett Drake is currently the Director of Orchestras at
Hall and Conard High Schools in West Hartford, Conn., as well as the Director of Suzuki
Orchestras and Large Ensembles Supervisor at The Hartt School Community Division at the
University of Hartford.
His duties at The Hartt School include the musical direction of the Opus 89 Youth Orchestra,
which made its Carnegie Hall Debut in 2012. Additionally, he is the musical director for the
Appoggiatura, Da Capo, Intermezzo, and Vivace Suzuki Youth Orchestras, and he also teaches
composition and chamber music.
Drake's career in the schools first started at St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol, Conn.,
before he moved to West Hartford in 2010. After a year at Smith Elementary, he taught at King
Philip Middle School for three years. Now at Hall and Conard, he conducts the Conard
Philharmonia, the Hall Concert Orchestra, and I Giovani Solisti. In addition to his orchestral
responsibilities, he directs the Hall High all-male choral group "A Cafella" and coproduces/directs the annual Hall High School "Pops N' Jazz" show.
Drake has had many engagements as a guest conductor/clinician. His recent appearances include
the Hartford Symphony Orchestra (Conn.), Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra (Conn.), the
Suzuki Youth Orchestra of the Americas (Minn.), the Fairfield County String Festival (Conn.),
CMEA Eastern and Southern Regional Festivals (Conn.), and the Westchester All County Youth
Orchestra (N.Y.).
As a composer, Drake has written many compositions and arrangements for all levels, and his
works are frequently performed by student groups from around the country.
Drake is also active in musical theater, having served as musical director/conductor for shows all
across N.Y. and Conn. Recent productions include work at Playhouse on Park, West Hartford
Summer Arts Festival, and St. Paul Catholic High School. He is also on the faculty of The Hartt
School's Summer Musical Theater Intensive program and serves as Music Director for the annual
Connecticut High School Music Theater Awards.
Drake holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition from The Hartt School and a Master's
Degree in Music Education from the University of Bridgeport. He has studied conducting with
Christopher Zimmerman, Kenneth Woods, David Hoose, Marilyn Kesler, and Kirsten Marshall.
Membership
Opus 89 is composed of advanced middle and high school age musicians from around southern
New England and New York. Auditions occur at our Audition Festival during the month of June.
Alternative audition times maybe made by appointment, please contact our office at (860) 7684451.
Rehearsals
Opus 89 meets on Saturdays from 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm, and the rehearsal schedule is based on
the academic calendar. Opus 89 meets in Bliss Music Room on the second floor of The Hartt
School. Please see the Calendar on page 7 of this handbook for specific dates.
Concerts
Opus 89 performs 2-3 concerts per year and all events are updated regularly on our school
website http://hcd.hartford.edu and are also listed on page 7 of this handbook. Some concerts are
recorded professionally and available for purchase.
The following concerts are mandatory. If you have any conflicts please inform the Manager as
soon as possible.
Sunday, December 10, 2016, at 2:00 pm in Lincoln Theater, University of Hartford Campus
Saturday, May 13, 2017, at 11:00 am in Lincoln Theater, University of Hartford Campus
Please note: Recordings and videos may not be sold or shared without explicit permissions from
The Hartt School Community Division. These recordings and videos are for personal use only
and may not be shared online including social media.
Performance Attire (Mandatory)
Ladies:
TUXEDO WHOLESALER - Telephone: 800.828.2802 - Website: www.tuxedowholesaler.com
Dress from Tuxedo Wholesaler (RediShip Program Women's Wear Gowns)
Item: “Lillian” – Black, Preferred Fabric
Take bust, waist, and hip measurements, and then call or email Tuxedo Wholesaler. Dresses will
need to be professionally hemmed to the ankle bone. (Take a look at the fitting/measurement
video tab on the web site.)
To complete the uniform: black nylons and black no or low heeled dress shoes.
Gentlemen:
Will need to order a total of four items from two different companies.
STAGE ACCENTS - Telephone: 800.631.1611 - Website: www.stageaccents.com
FORMAL FASHIONS - Telephone: 800.528.7909 - Website: www.formalfashionsinc.com
1. Premier Tuxedo Pants from Stage Accents– Black Item #: 8510
2. Mandarin Collar Tuxedo Shirt from Formal Fashions– White Item #: 2186
3. Button Covers (Black with Gold Trim) from Formal Fashions Item#: 1093GD
4. Royal Satin (Shiny Finish) Vests from Formal Fashions– Black Satin Vest with 5 buttons Item
#: 0350RA
Take waist, sleeve, chest and height measurements before you order the uniform. See website for
details.
To complete the uniform: black belt, black socks, and black dress shoes.
(All item numbers have been checked on September 8, 2015)
Tuition and Fees
$549 per academic year
$175.68 per academic year for Hartt School Community Division private lesson students.
A $25 registration fee may apply.
A $25 lost music fee may apply.
Absence/Schedule Policy: Students are expected to attend all activities (rehearsals and concert)
indicated on the schedule on Page 7 of this handbook. Students who fail to meet attendance
requirements may be asked to discontinue participation in the ensemble and will forfeit tuition
and fees.
Commitment
Instrumentalists who have been accepted into Opus 89 must register online with appropriate
deposit paid before the first rehearsal. In addition a signed Membership Agreement (Page 8) is
due back prior to July 31, 2016. The submission of an online registration form with deposit
indicates agreement to the calendar and attendance policy listed in this handbook. It also
indicates that the student and his/her parents have read the handbook, looked at the yearly
calendar, and are willing to make a commitment to the organization for the coming year. A
student who does not fulfill his/her commitment to the organization may jeopardize current and
future membership in the organization.
Attendance Policy
Attendance and active full participation at rehearsals and classes is crucial to the success of any
organization. It is expected that all members will demonstrate responsibility, punctuality, and
dependability as part of their commitment to the ensemble. If a student knows that he/she will
have to be absent from a rehearsal or class an Absence Form (see page 6) must be completed and
turned in to the manager in hard copy or via email. In the case of illness, members are expected
to call and leave a message for the Opus manager (860-768-4451) or email the manager at
[email protected]. Students are allotted 3 absences per semester (September through
December, and January through May). Excessive absence (more than three times per
semester) is not acceptable and may result in dismissal without refund for tuition and
fees. If students must exceed 3 absences per semester, they must contact the conductor directly
and apply for an additional absence. Should this application be declined, the student must attend
the rehearsal or will be asked to resign from their place in the ensemble without refund for
tuition and fees. All absences (either planned or unplanned) count towards the student’s absence
count for the semester.
Withdrawal Policy
Please note: Absence does not constitute a withdrawal from any program. A signed
registration form constitutes agreement to pay tuition in full, regardless of how much has
actually been paid at the time of withdrawal.
All students register for an entire academic year (September through June) and tuition and fees
are assessed for the full academic year. Tuition may be prorated for students who begin become
members after the start of the academic year. Absence and/or verbal notice is not sufficient for
withdrawal notification. All requests for withdrawal must be made in writing to the
Registrar. Withdrawal at any time is subject to the following program-specific penalties.
Ensembles, Choirs and Group Classes:
Withdrawal prior to the 1st rehearsal/class
-$30 cancellation fee
Withdrawal received prior to October 1st, 2016
-Partial penalty based on the number of rehearsals/classes held plus a $30 cancellation fee
Withdrawal on or after October 1st, 2016**
-Full year tuition penalty
**Note: there are no mid-year withdrawals for Ensembles, Choirs and Group classes.
Students will be responsible for the full tuition after October 1st, 2016, plus any applicable
fees associated with their account.
Please see our Academic Year 2016-2017 Policies packet for more information regarding
Billing, Medical Withdrawals, and Delinquent Accounts.
Expectations





Members of Opus 89 are expected to attend all rehearsal and performance dates listed on
the 2016-2017 Calendar. If additional rehearsals and/or performances are required, they
will be communicated well in advance. Members are not expected to attend rehearsals on
religious holidays or rehearsals that are in conflict with school music performances.
Rehearsals and performances that conflict with school music performances must be
communicated in writing to the Opus manager as early as possible.
Members who miss more than three rehearsals before a concert may be asked not to
perform. Members who miss performances (except in the case of illness or family
emergency) will not be considered for future membership.
Members are responsible for all music or supplies checked out to them and must pay for
anything that is lost or damaged. There is a $25 fee for lost music at the end of each
concert cycle.
Members are expected to demonstrate a high level of self-discipline, maturity, and
professionalism at all times.
Members who cannot abide by these expectations may be dismissed from the
organization.
Percussionist Expectations


Percussionists are expected to help set up and remove percussion equipment prior to and
following every rehearsal and performance.
Percussionists must arrive at least 20 minutes early and plan to stay at least 20 minutes
after every rehearsal and performance to allot time for care of equipment.
Rehearsal Expectations







Instrumentalists must be seated and ready to begin with all the music and materials at
least 15 minutes before each rehearsal.
Drinks and restroom trips should be taken care of before rehearsal or during the break.
All non-music related communication with the director and/or managers should occur
before or after rehearsals or during the break.
Instrumentalists are responsible for knowing assigned music prior to rehearsal.
Food and beverages (except for water) may not be consumed during rehearsals.
Folders should be kept neat and organized with a sharpened pencil.
Cellphones and other handheld devices may be brought to rehearsals and concerts but
must be turned off prior to the start of the rehearsal or performance. Text messaging
during rehearsals or concerts is strictly prohibited.
Performance Expectations



Instrumentalists must plan on being in place at the designated time.
Instrumentalists are required to wear the designated attire at all performances. Members
who do not dress appropriately may not be allowed to perform.
Instrumentalists who do not attend the dress rehearsal before the performance may not
perform with the ensemble in concert.
Concert Admission
There is no admission charge to Opus concerts – families will be notified of exceptions. Tickets
may be reserved online at www.harttweb.hartford.edu or by calling the University Box Office at
(860) 768-4228. The Box Office, located in the lobby of Lincoln Theater, is open Tuesday
through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased up to six weeks in advance and
are also sold at the door beginning one hour prior to each event. All persons regardless of age
require a ticket for entrance; this includes lap infants and toddlers. We recommend reserving
tickets in advance to prevent disappointment.
Opus 89
Advance Absence Form
Name:______________________
Instrument: ___________________
Date of Absence:_____________
Student Signature:______________________________________
Parent Signature:_______________________________________
Reason for
Absence:_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Opus 89
Advance Absence Form
Name:______________________
Instrument: ___________________
Date of Absence:_____________
Student Signature:______________________________________
Parent Signature:_______________________________________
Reason for
Absence:_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Opus 89
2016 -2017 Calendar
Date
September 10
September 17
September 24
October 1
October 8
October 15
October 22
October 29
November 5
November 12
November 19
November 26
December 3
December 10
December 11
December 17
December 24
December 31
January 7
January 14
January 21
January 28
February 4
February 13
February 18
February 25
March 4
March 11
March 18
March 25
April 1
April 8
April 15
April 22
April 29
May 6
May 13
Changes to the regular schedule are in bold lettering.
Event
Time
Location
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
No Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Dress Rehearsal
Concert
No Rehearsal
No Rehearsal
No Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
No Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
No Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
12:30 – 2:30pm
TBA
11:30am
2:00pm
Bliss Music Room
TBA
Lincoln Theatre
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
No Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Mandatory Dress
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Concert
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
Bliss Music Room
12:30 – 2:30pm
12:30 – 2:30pm
Bliss Music Room
Lincoln Theater
12:30 – 2:30pm
11:00am
Bliss Music Room
Lincoln Theatre
Schedule is Subject to Change. To request an absence, please contact the ensemble manager.
Opus 89 Membership Agreement
Please read the handbook and review the following policies carefully. Sign this agreement and return it to the Hartt
Community Division Office by July 31, 2016.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance and active full participation at rehearsals and classes is crucial to the success of any organization. It is expected
that all members will demonstrate responsibility, punctuality, and dependability as part of their commitment to the
ensemble. If a student knows that he/she will have to be absent from a rehearsal or class an Absence Form (see page 6) must
be completed and turned in to the manager. In the case of illness, members are expected to call and leave a message for the
Opus manager (860-768-4451) or email the manager at [email protected]. Students are allotted 3 absences per
performance cycle (September through December and January through May). Excessive absence (more than three times
per semester) is not acceptable and may result in dismissal without refund for tuition and fees. If students must exceed
3 absences per semester, they must contact the conductor directly and apply for an additional absence. Should this
application be declined, the student must attend the rehearsal or will be asked to resign from their place in the ensemble
without refund for tuition and fees. All absences (either planned or unplanned) count towards the student’s absence count for
the semester.
Performances:
The Opus 89 concerts will take place on:
Sunday, December 10, 2016, at 2:00 pm in Lincoln Theater, University of Hartford Campus
Saturday, May 13, 2017, at 11:00 am in Lincoln Theater, University of Hartford Campus
I, _________________________, have read the preceding statements as well as the Opus 89 Handbook and agree to accept
them as a condition of being a member of the large ensemble program at The Hartt School Community Division. I
understand that if I do not follow the above guideline and those in the handbook, my membership status in the large ensemble
program at The Hartt School Community Division may be subject to review.
Student’s Signature
Parent/ Guardian’s Signature
Date
Student’s Name: _______________________________
Date
Parent/Guardian’s Name: ____________________
Hartt School Community Division COMPASS Committee
COMPASS: Community Of Mindful Performing Arts Sustainers and Supporters
The Hartt Community Division COMPASS Committee is vital to our mission. The COMPASS Committee (previously the
Parent Advisory Board) is a community of dedicated parents, faculty, staff, and alumni who support HCD’s mission through
project-based volunteer opportunities. The objectives of this community are three-fold: Service, Community-Building, and
Development.
Thank you,
Maggie W. Spear
Music Program Director
Name
Phone Number
Email Address
Please check here if you are interested in learning more about volunteering with The Hartt School Community Division.