Students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ (VPA) Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music are preparing to spend Spring Break in New York City meeting with arts professionals and visiting performing arts institutions as part of an immersion experience known as Gilbert Week: NYC Seminar for Music Professions.
Established in 2013 by Dennis Gilbert ’73 and Nancy Shapiro Gilbert ’74, Gilbert Week allows Setnor students to learn about the wide variety of career opportunities in music in the culturally rich setting of New York City. Hosts, some of whom are alumni, provide students with an exclusive backstage look at their venues and answer questions about their own career paths during interactive meetings and tours.
This year, students will visit arts professionals in the areas of artist management, marketing, education, research and archives, recording and distribution, special events and operations, among others. They will meet with representatives ranging from large arts organizations to one-person and growing businesses and will visit such institutions as Lincoln Center Theater, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, the New York Philharmonic Archives, Morahan Arts & Media, Carnegie Hall, Steinway & Sons, Scholastic, Melt Bakery, VH1 Save the Music, the Orchard and Ensemble Connect.
In addition, the students will participate in an alumni reception and networking opportunity at Syracuse University’s Lubin House, where they will meet and talk with Dennis Gilbert. They will also have time to explore New York City and take in performances.
To assist in career preparation, the students prepare short bios and resumes and participate in a mock interview program during the week.
“Gilbert Week is a wonderful opportunity for our students,” says Martha Sutter, director of the Setnor School. “They always learn so much, and many of them are able to locate internships and job possibilities. It’s also a great way for our school to connect with our alumni in the metro New York City area. We are grateful to Dennis and Nancy for their continued support of our students.”