There was an extraordinary energy and an excitement in the air as some 200 new students descended upon the newly renovated June Noble Larkin Lobby on Monday, August 25, to check in for orientation. Waiting to greet them were 23 enthusiastic orientation leaders, current students from the Dance, Drama, and Music Divisions, including the Vocal Arts and Jazz Studies departments. After months of anticipation, the School was in high gear to welcome the newest members of the Juilliard family.

The orientation theme this year was “Juilliard Unplugged,” developed by the orientation leaders to convey the importance of making meaningful, direct connections during orientation as well as the idea that art is powerful enough to make a statement without artificial magnification. The orientation leaders put this mindset into action through ice-breakers and small group outings, as well as by being friendly faces in a new environment. The theme was illustrated quite literally at one event, a jam session, when the sound system faltered. Despite the loss of amplification, the event continued as planned and was a huge success! As a new member of the Juilliard community myself, I was impressed by the array of talents revealed at the jam session, which showcased collaborations that involved everything from poetry to tap dancing to storytelling, in an environment that allowed everyone to share and create.

The jam session—along with casino night, the hypnotist, and the annual Circle Line cruise—were highlights of a very full week that allowed students to let loose, meet new people, and share their talents. French horn student Priscilla Rinehart commented that she appreciated the opportunity to “get to know everyone from all the divisions” before classes started and everyday schedules take over—and we hope that all students were able to enjoy getting to know their classmates, Juilliard, and our wonderful city.

The Office of Student Affairs extends a warm welcome to all of our new students and would like to remind them that even though orientation is over, we are here to support you throughout your time at Juilliard. Please stop by our new office in Room 100 with any questions, for help, or just to say hi!

—Loren Seugling, Coordinator of Student Activities