About 60 students and half a dozen faculty members are bringing the performing arts to the greater Utica community through Hamilton's Arts Outreach Program. Through the Outreach program, started by Katie Berlent '08 about three years ago, Hamilton musical groups perform for schools and various community organizations.
"Since I've been at Hamilton, we have reached close to 2,000 listeners in the greater Utica area," said Berlent. A saxophone player in the jazz combo and jazz ensemble, she said some of the places that groups have performed include Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, Loretto Center Nursing Home and the Underground Café, all in Utica, and the Alterra adult care facility in Clinton. She has also organized volunteer performances with the Gospel Choir, Capoeira, Chamber Ensemble, and various a capella groups.
Some groups have played benefits for such organizations as the Insight House, area churches, and the Utica Public Library. The Arts Outreach Program is associated with the Cultural Series run by Haley Reimbold, a project of the Levitt Center that brings the arts to the Cornhill section of Utica. Monk Rowe, director of Hamilton's Jazz Archive and a member of the music faculty, has also been very involved, Berlent said.
Students can get involved with the Arts Outreach Program by contacting Katie Berlent at kberlent@hamilton.edu. She will match performers – groups or individuals – with a venue at which to perform. Those not interested in performing can help with administration/organizational planning.
"I've been lucky enough to work with a great team of performers," said Berlent, "and we seem to making a positive impact on the lives on both the young and old who are often overlooked when it comes to the arts."
