Student Handbook

Concert Office

The music program maintains its own Concert Office, which oversees the production of concerts, recitals, and large-scale lectures and symposia at the Graduate Center. The office, which is entirely student-run, is located in Room 3399; Tel: 212-817-8607

SPACE:
There are two performing spaces at the Graduate Center: Both spaces have Steinway grand pianos:

THE BAISLEY POWELL ELEBASH RECITAL HALL is our main recital space. Located on the ground level of the Graduate Center, it is one of the finest performance spaces in New York City, with excellent acoustics and a seating capacity of 184.

THE HAROLD M. PROSHANSKY AUDITORIUM (named after the late President of the Graduate Center) is a traditional 384-seat auditorium/lecture hall located on the basement level. It has a shallow stage and is used mainly for lectures and symposia, although it is sometimes available for concerts.

AVAILABILITY:
There is a great deal of competition for available time in both of the above named rooms, since they are constantly used by other disciplines, other divisions of CUNY, and even the "outside" world. It is, therefore, imperative that students reserve the rooms FAR IN ADVANCE.

Recitals may be given on weeknights. The Music Program reserves a selection of dates (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) each semester for the use of our students and faculty. You must check on available dates by contacting the Concert Office.

SCHEDULING:
PROCEDURE: As soon as you have chosen a date and one or two alternate dates with your teacher and assisting personnel, you should confirm the availability with the Concert Office. Submit a recital request form to the Concert Office, and also send a copy of your program and preferred date to the Deputy Executive Officer for Performance. Remember: make your request as far in advance as possible, since we must compete with others for the use of the hall. Keep in mind that once the date has been set changes are not permitted. If a recital is canceled it may not be rescheduled until the following semester.

CONCERTS: Concerts normally begin at 7:30 p.m., with the hall reserved from 4:00 p.m. for a "load-in" period. The piano is usually tuned at some point during the three hours before the concert, and performers can also use this period to warm up. To avoid confusion, it is a good idea to notify the Concert Office of how you would like to utilize this time.

REHEARSALS: If desired, it may be possible to schedule one rehearsal. It is, though, the responsibility of the performer(s) to leave the room arranged as it was found. Again, we share these spaces with others, and set-ups for other events must not be destroyed. If you plan to have a rehearsal, please let the Concert Office know as far in advance as possible so that the hall can be booked if it is not being used by someone else.

SERVICES:
PUBLICITY: A Concert Schedule is included on the Music website (http://web.gc.cuny.edu/music) and is also distributed to the editors of the GC monthly calendars. To be included, your concert should be scheduled with a minimum of six to eight weeks of lead time. Submission of a complete and accurate program and full personnel information will facilitate the publicity process. Generally, programs are posted the day of the concert. Performers are encouraged to prepare and distribute their own flyers.

PROGRAMS: Programs will be prepared by the Concert Office. Full information must be provided at least 3 weeks prior to the concert. Program notes and song texts cannot be included unless they are submitted electronically. Check with the Concert Office for guidelines and formatting instructions.

RECORDING and TUNING:
AUDIO: AAll concerts will be taped onto DAT. It is the responsibility of the performer to provide blank tapes or CDs for personal copies.

VIDEO: Concerts can be videotaped with a single camera onto VHS. It is the performer's responsibility to provide a blank tape and someone to manage the camera.

PIANO-TUNING: TThe Concert Office schedules tunings for concerts and classrooms. Should you find something on the piano that is intolerable or in need of repair, please notify the Concert Office.