“Joyful and deeply moving” reunion brings alumni together

Last weekend, more than 150 alumni, spanning nearly 60 classes, returned to New Haven for the School of Music’s All-Classes Reunion. The gathering — which took place from Friday, October 10 to Sunday, October 12 — had one of the largest attendances of any YSM alumni event to date.

“Coming back to Yale was a special experience — you feel an immediate sense of connection,” said Jason A. Rubinstein ’88CERT ’91MM. “You’re able to pick up where you left off with faculty members, as if no time has passed.” 

Reunion programming kicked off with open studio tours. For many, this was their first opportunity to see the newly renovated Adams Center since its reopening in 2017. The open doors of various studios gave alumni a chance to revisit their old stomping grounds, reconnect with faculty members, and experience the energy of current students.

In addition to the open studios, area-specific gatherings for guitar, choral conducting, composition, strings, woodwinds, and brass gave guests a chance to meet with former peers in familiar settings. Later that afternoon, alumni and faculty gathered for the official Opening Reception, with welcome remarks by Dean José García-León and former Dean Robert Blocker.

“This weekend’s reunion was both joyful and deeply moving,” said García-León. “The panels were outstanding, the conversations inspiring, and the sense of community stronger as the weekend progressed. We already miss everyone and look forward to welcoming them back any time they are able to visit us again.”

In his address to attendees, Blocker noted, “Faculty, staff, and administrators make lasting contributions in their time of service, as do friends, Board members, and patrons, but alumni carry the torch of the school’s values through their artistic contributions, cultural leadership, and selfless service to society.”

Saturday’s activities centered around a keynote panel and workshops designed to spark new ideas and provide valuable insights. The day began with the keynote session, “Leading the Future of Music Education,” which featured a distinguished panel of alumni and educators. The discussion addressed the transformative impact of technology and AI on the field and explored how today’s education models are shaping the future of music. Panelists included Nick DiBerardino ’15MM, Provost and Dean of the Curtis Institute of Music; and Kate Sheeran ’04MM, Dean of the Eastman School of Music.

Each leader also had the opportunity to reflect on their own path to becoming a dean. Sheeran shared that it was her “love of the human connections we forge in music,” and her time as a teaching artist with the Music in Schools Initiative that influenced her. DiBerardino attributed his passion to a desire for “making a tangible impact” and helping future generations of artists. 

Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to dive into a range of sessions. A panel on career evolution and pivots — featuring Kim Perlak ’01MM, Jason Rubinstein ’88CERT ’91MM, Frances Pollock ’19MM ’25DMA, and Alec Chai ’22BS ’24MM — offered practical advice on navigating career changes and the transferable skills that can redefine what a successful career path can look like. Meanwhile, John Caserta ’01BS led an informative financial workshop, providing practical tips for musicians.

Other notable sessions included a deep dive into navigating the academic submission process, where Deputy Dean Paul Berry ’99BA ’07PhD, Assistant Dean Adriana Zabala, and Assistant Professor Stephanie Venturino shared strategies for applying to academic positions and submitting work to journals and conferences.

Of course, music remained at the heart of the weekend. Guests were treated to an inside look at I AM ALAN TURING, a groundbreaking opera incorporating AI, and a performance by members of the Haven Quartet, including Yaira Matyakubova ’06AD. And on Sunday, all were invited to Camerata’s Homecoming Concert, celebrating the Institute of Sacred Music ensemble’s 40th anniversary.

“It is so heartwarming to see and meet so many generations of YSM graduates,” said Cara Cheung, Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Affairs. “Thank you to those who attended, and we can’t wait to see more of you at another event soon!”

“It was lovely to meet alumni from different areas, reconnect with old friends, and make new ones,” said Susan Yankee ’94MM.