by Naomi Gingold
Staff Writer

On an early morning in late June two Berklee professors disappeared from campus. Thousands of miles away, professors Dan Moretti and Ron Reid of the Contemporary Writing and Production department found themselves at the Brookhouse International School of Performing Arts in Nairobi, Kenya. Traveling with them were Sam Skau, Assistant Director of Educational Outreach for International Programs, Michael Shaver from Berklee Admissions, and student Joey Guglielmo, all of whom had gone to Kenya to audition, interview, and award scholarships to prospective students of African citizenry.

Advised by a group of prominent African musicians and Berklee alumni, the Africa Scholars Program was created by Berklee President Roger H. Brown and his wife Linda Mason. Both Brown and Mason—who have extensive experience working in Africa—were seeking a way to give back to the continent they love when they initiated the program three years ago, and they have personally funded the program since its inception. This year they are joined in co-sponsoring the scholarships by the March to the Top Foundation, a non-profit started by Roy and Barbara March. Up to 1 million dollars in funds are available for many students to receive partial scholarships, and one talented “Africa Scholar” will be awarded a full scholarship to Berklee including room and board.

Currently, there are eight Africa Scholars Program students enrolled at Berklee, and ten more are slated to start this coming school year. In total, fifty awards have been given out.

In addition to auditions, Berklee faculty and staff held clinics and workshops for local arts educators while in Kenya. According to Sam Skau, they were hoping to give a “glimpse” of what a Berklee education is like, help “develop a support system for music education” in Kenya, and increase Berklee’s presence on the continent. Faculty and staff also had the opportunity to experience both the lows and highs of the country, as they had plans to visit the personal home of the U.S. ambassador as well as the slums of Nairobi.

Berklee is currently exploring other ways to expand and reach out to places in the world from where students are underrepresented. As for the Africa program, Berklee plans to hold auditions in a different African country each year. This year alone, audition participants came from countries as disparate as Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Egypt.

Although the identity of this year’s Africa Scholar is still unknown, one thing is certain: The program is sure to leave an indelible impression on all the students and educators involved, regardless of their countries of origin.

by Andrew Slotnick
Managing Editor

The copyright holders and songwriters of Men at Work’s hit “Down Under” have been ordered to pay the winner of a copyright claim in Australia’s federal court. Larrikin Music Publishing won a lawsuit in February 2010 against EMI Songs Australia, Colin James Hay, and Ronald Graham Strykert; the text of the decision can be found here. Justice Peter Jacobson established that the flute riff from the popular song had been lifted from well-known Australian folk song “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree.”

An updated ruling from July 6 2010 grants the publishing company 5 percent of the song’s royalties since 2002—substantially less than 60 percent of the royalties the song had earned since its publication in 1981, the amount originally requested.

According to BBC News, co-writer Colin Hay called the plaigarism “inadvertent, naive, unconscious.” Even with no malicious intent, it is hard to ignore the similarities between the two works. Below are transcriptions of the relevant portions of the songs written in the same key for illustration. They show that measures one and two of “Kookaburra” are identical to the flute part in measures two and four of the Men at Work song.

Hear “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree”

Hear “Down Under”

Although neither US nor Australian copyright law contain exemptions for unconscious copying of a protected work, a similar suit in an American court may have been able to claim the incorporation of a well-know folk melody as fair use. Australia has a similar concept called “fair dealing” which covers only very specific instances, unlike the open-ended system in the US in which the courts decide whether a use is fair on a case-by-case basis.

This case should serve as a warning to the songwriters and composers at Berklee. Accidental copying can happen, but creators should take extra care to make sure that a perfect melody isn’t too good to be true.

by Naomi Gingold
Staff Writer

This year’s Boston Pride Week, which began June 4, is kicking off its final weekend with the fabulous Dyke Parade on Friday, June 11. Saturday will feature the main event, the Pride Parade, which starts at noon on Tremont St. then snakes its way through Boylston and Cambridge Streets before passing by the State House. Parade organizers expect as many as 800,000 spectators at this year’s parade, the theme of which is “Riots to Rights – Celebrating 40 Years of Progress”.

The parade route ends at City Hall Plaza, where it will meet up with the Pride Festival running from noon to 6 p.m. The festival will include musical performances by a variety of groups; the full lineup can be found at bostonpride.org/entertainment.php. 

So grab your sunscreen and head outside for some equality-filled, fun adventures!

Photo: http://www.bostonpride.org/

by Christine Occhino and Andrew Slotnick

The Boston Police Department reports that a victim of attempted robbery was saved by the efforts of two strangers. A woman was approached Monday night at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Newbury Street by an older male who stole her phone and began running toward Boylston Street. Two bystanders heard the woman’s call for help and captured the man, holding him until police arrived. According to police, 40-year-old Ivan Arana of South Boston was placed under arrest and has been charged with Unarmed Robbery.

The BPD has put out a community reminder as of the end of May to warn patrons about counterfeit game tickets. The Boston Celtics informed police that there have been many upset fans showing up on game day having purchased invalid tickets from secondary sources. Fans are encouraged to only make ticket purchases through authorized ticket agencies or trusted and guaranteed sites such as Ticketmaster, Celtics.com, or the TD Garden box office. Individuals attempting to gain entry using fraudulent tickets will be evicted from the premises immediately and also risk being arrested, even if they have been the victim of a scammer. If you have any more information on counterfeit tickets being sold in the community, please call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line anonymously at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

A community alert has also been issued due to an attempted sexual assault in the Back Bay area on May 20 at approximately 4:50 AM. Upon arriving to the scene, officers spoke with the female victim who claimed a male entered her apartment building with her and approached from behind outside her unit. The male engaged in a short conversation with the victim before she entered her apartment, and the male forced his way in and attempted an assault. The victim fought him off and freed herself, and the assailant fled the scene before police arrived. He has been described as a well-spoken, 6-foot tall black male in his mid-20s with a slim build, brown eyes, and black hair in a crew cut. Police are currently investigating this incident and urge anyone with information to contact them immediately at (617) 343-4400.

The Boston Police Department has provided the following list of helpful tips to protect your personal safety:

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Try to walk in well-lit areas if possible.Wear sneakers or shoes that allow quick mobility.
• Do not become distracted talking on a cell phone or listening to your iPod, as it makes you a direct target. Keep your head up and be watchful and aware. Stay observant of all passing vehicles and make quick eye contact with those around you.
• Avoid walking alone late at night. Try to always be with a friend or someone you know.
• Yell “Help!” or draw attention to yourself with a whistle to alert people that you need help. Remember, criminals never want to have witnesses.
• Hold your keys and cell phone in hand. Remember, your keys can also be used as a weapon against an attacker.
• Call ahead to your destination and let them know you are on your way and when they should expect you. That way, they will be actively looking for you right away should you go missing.
• If you suspect someone is following you, change direction or cross the street. If they continue to follow you, call for help immediately. Have the local police department on speed dial. Walk quickly toward an open store, restaurant, or residence.
• If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability to scare, distract, and fight back enough to escape. (The Groove recommends extreme caution in this case).
• Walk confidently, be assertive, and trust your instincts. Anyone can be victim to a crime at any time; don’t assume it will never happen to you

Livewell—Berklee’s health, wellness, and fitness organization—has announced a new on-campus activity, Crafts @ Berklee. Join Livewell Assistants Sissy and Paola for two hours of craft creation this Friday June 4; the event will focus on crafts made with strings and beads. All are welcome and encouraged to attend at The Loft, accessible from the third floor of the Uchida Building, for a relaxing break from classes. Livewell, which like The Groove is part of the Student Activities Center, provides various activities and presentations throughout the summer including intramural sports, Yoga, student workshops and discounted gym memberships. Students should contact Livewell or come down to the SAC anytime to find out more information.

Monk’s Friendship with Bebop Benefactor Nica Rothschild

Any Berklee student who has not yet taken advantage of free admission to the Museum of Fine Arts is missing out, but art fans and haters alike have a reason to make the walk up the Fenway for The Jazz Baroness, the story of Pannonica Rothschild and Thelonious Monk. Nica, as she was known to her friends, was a fixture in the New York bebop scene of the 1940’s and befriended stars including Charlie Parker and Horace Silver. Directed by Hannah Rothschild, this 2009 documentary explores Nica’s connection to Monk and her reasons for choosing the lights of New York over a life of luxury.

Nica and Monk from The Jazz Baroness

Screenings will occur Thursday May 27 at 8:15 p.m. and Sunday May 30 at 3:15 p.m. in the MFA’s Remis Auditorium as part of the Boston Jewish Film Festival; museum admission is free with your Berklee ID but movie tickets are $8 for students. Come early and enjoy the fantastic art collection before this story of high-society meets 52nd Street.

The Career Development Center will be temporarily relocating for the summer semester, followed by a permanent move in September. Currently located on the sixth floor of the Uchida Building (921 Boylston), the CDC will be found at 22 The Fenway’s 3rd floor during the summer before moving into the 1st floor at the Uchida in the fall. The Career Development Center contains resources to help all Berklee students plan a career path both during and after college.

Image Text:

“We’re Moving! Two Times.

Late May/ early June we’ll move to our temporary summer home in 22 The Fenway, 3rd floor.

Late August/ early September we’ll move to our new location in 921 Boylston Street, 1st floor.

Our Move is scheduled for the last week of May and first week of June.

During the transition we may need to limit our in-office services. You may continue to reach us by phone, email, and web.

Career Development Center

617-747-2246

cdc@berklee.edu

berklee.net/cdc”

Press Release Courtesy of Margot Edwards

Berklee’s student-run label Jazz Revelation Records (JRR) celebrates the release of its seventh compilation CD, Birds of a Feather, with a concert at the Berklee Performance Center on Thursday, April 22. The concert will feature seven of the label’s most exciting student artists: Christoph Huber, Tom Kain, Utar Dundarartun, Kazuyo Kuriya, Lihi Haruvi, Nathan Cepelinski, and Roy Guzman.

Birds of a Feather features original compositions by 11 Berklee student bandleaders. The scope of the CD is wide-ranging, with artists performing styles including traditional and contemporary jazz, nu-jazz, fusion, and jazz with experimental, classical, world, electronica, ambient, and funk influences.

Jazz Revelations is a showcase for some of Berklee’s top jazz players from around the world, with artists hailing from Turkey, Puerto Rico, Canada, Switzerland, Italy, Brazil, Japan, India, Israel, Greece, and the United States, each bringing a unique perspective to their compositions. Says Kevin McCluskey, faculty advisor and executive producer for Jazz Revelation Records, “Our bands are young and incredibly vital, yet there is something ancient in the wisdom of their musings. They are both students and masters of their craft, and as such will always be on the cusp of the new, the exciting, and the authentic.”

JRR is operated by Berklee students who possess a keen desire to discover, record, promote, and market fantastic jazz musicians. The JRR team is responsible for choosing the artists; producing, engineering, and promoting the album; and designing its artwork. Birds of a Feather will be available at the concert and on CDBaby and iTunes. All proceeds go towards maintaining the label and recording next year’s project.

Jazz Revelation Records was founded in 2003 by Berklee College of Music students deeply involved in original jazz composition and performance. With the help of the college’s Professional Music Department, the ensuing years have seen the release of six full-length compilation CDs: Rebirth, Two, Ars Nova, The New Old School, Common Ground, and Dedication. To support the students, visit JRR’s page at cdbaby.com.

About the artists on Birds of a Feather:

Nikolas Anadolis, a Berklee Presidential Scholar hailing from Thessaloniki, Greece, started playing piano and improvising at age 4. His father, a professional drummer, encouraged him to pursue music and has been a guiding force in his development. Before arriving at Berklee, Anadolis attended the Music School of Thessaloniki, studied with Margarita Efremidou at the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki, and took private lessons in jazz piano. Anadolis’s primary interests are classical and jazz piano styles, and musical expression and creation.

Tom Kain is a jazz pianist, composer, and producer from Moorestown, New Jersey. Kain, a music production & engineering and performance major at Berklee, has worked on both sides of the glass to encourage inspired performances. He has studied with top jazz educators, including Joanne Brackeen, Ray Santisi, and Victor Mendoza. Kain performs with the Mark Hadley Group and Chloe Bean & the Spills, and also volunteered at JRR, overseeing the label’s 2009 CD and concert. Says Kain of his tune “Glenn’s Caliper”—written by his brother Will—”The song is about a struggle. You begin a project, get stuck, take a step back, and iterate until a solution launches you to the next step. Glenn and his caliper are that catch that forces you to stop and reevaluate your work.”

Lihi Haruvi

Lihi Haruvi, from Gan Yavne, Israel, studies at Berklee on a full-tuition scholarship. She picked up the saxophone at 10 and soon realized it was more than a hobby. Says Haruvi, “The ability to explore and express things in music was really magical and fascinating to me.” She enrolled in Tel Aviv’s Thelma Yellin High School for the Performing Arts, where she met pianist Ronen Shmueli. Haruvi and Shmueli then served together in the Israeli army orchestra where they developed a close camaraderie with bassist Tamir Shmerling. Haruvi came to Berklee in 2009, and Shmueli and Shmerling soon followed. Drummer Eran Fink, who is also from Israel, completes the group. Haruvi has performed with Jeff “Tain” Watts and Joel Frahm, and was chosen to represent Israel around the world during her army service.

Christoph Huber, from Aarau, Switzerland, grew up in a musical environment, inspired by his father Felix, a professional pianist, composer, and arranger. He began drum lessons at age 8, tenor saxophone at 9, and improvising at 11. Huber studied saxophone with former Berklee faculty member Fritz Renold for five years. From 2005 to 2009 he participated in the Jazzaar festival—which he attends again in April—where he performed with Randy Brecker, Donny McCaslin, Tierney Sutton, Tia Fuller, Steve Reid, and others. Says Huber, “I’ve gotten a lot of motivation to become a professional musician from collaborating with all those great musicians.” Huber, who attends Berklee on scholarship, is also developing his skills as a composer and arranger.

Nathan Cepelinski, a saxophonist and composer from Ottawa, Canada, is studying at Berklee on a full-tuition scholarship. He picked up the saxophone at age 12 and soon built a reputation as a strong and versatile player. Cepelinski has been praised for his technical proficiency, melodic maturity, and deep understanding of the jazz language. He studied with Billy Robinson, who had performed with Charles Mingus, Archie Shepp, and Freddie Hubbard, before Robinson’s death in 2005. Cepelinski received five Down Beat student awards in high school, played in the Clifford Brown-Stan Getz Fellowship All-Star Band, and was awarded the Yamaha Kando Scholarship by Musicfest Canada.

Enrico de Trizio, from Molfetta, Italy, started playing piano at age 10. He studied at N. Piccinni music conservatory in Bari, where he formed his first electric jazz trio. In 2006, de Trizio attended Berklee clinics at the Umbria Jazz Festival, where he received a scholarship to study in Boston. He earned numerous accolades at Berklee, including the Technics Endowed Scholarship ‘09 and the BT Production Award ‘10, and graduated this year with a degree in electronic production and design. De Trizio has performed with Mitch Applebaum, Winston Maccow, Kenwood Dennard, Fred Wesley, and Joe Lovano. In addition to performing solo and with his trio, he also plays with French singer Violette De Bartillat, hip-hop band RE-UP, and the Global Sonification Network Ensemble directed by Neil Leonard.

Kazuyo Kuriya is a flautist and pianist from Kumamoto, Japan, home of Mount Aso, a volcano with the largest caldera in the world. She earned a degree from Tokyo’s Musashino Academia Musicae before coming to Berklee on scholarship to study jazz. Kuriya performed with Maria Schneider and McCoy Tyner as a member of the Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra. She has also performed with Cesar Camargo Mariano, Eddie Gomez, and Kazumi Watanabe, and led her group, Ceu do Brasil, on a tour of Japan. Kuriya hopes listeners feel a mother of living things when hearing her song “Rain Dance.” She explains, “Rain becomes rivers, river becomes the sea. Ancient civilizations were generated near the rivers, so rain is one of the mothers of humans and animals.”

Italo Cunha, a 17-year-old jazz guitarist, composer, arranger, student, and teacher from Brasilia, Brazil, attends Berklee on a scholarship. He started playing piano at age 4, guitar at 9, and was performing professionally by 12. Cunha was chosen by the Escola de Musica de Brasilia to play for Brazil’s Minister of Education as part of Young Artist Revelation. He received a contemporary musical education degree from the Toque de Classe Institute in 2007—becoming the youngest recipient ever. Relating his song to the album title, Cunha says, “I think Birds of a Feather means friendship. My song reflects that. ‘Stories’ is about good times and memories with my friends, that’s how I got the inspiration. Friendship is one of the most valuable things we have in life.”

Aditya Balani from Delhi, India leads the Aditya Balani Group, a Boston-based world/jazz ensemble that brings together talented musicians from around the world, including Spain, Serbia, Chile, and the U.S. Drawing from their ethnic roots, each musician adds a unique color to the band’s sound: an exciting blend of the spontaneity and harmonic interplay of jazz, with the sheer intensity of melodies and rhythms of Indian classical/folk music. The group—featuring Berklee students Balani on guitar, Aaron Bahr on trumpet, Will Cafaro on bass, Tarun Balani on drums, and Sharik Hasan on piano—recently completed its second tour of the Indian sub-continent.

Utar Dundarartun is a composer, arranger, and pianist from Ankara, Turkey, who studies film scoring and jazz composition at Berklee on scholarship. He graduated from Hacettepe University State Conservatory in classical percussion. Dundarartun has performed at many festivals in Turkey, including the 12th International Ankara Jazz Festival, the 7th Eskisehir Jazz Festival, and the International Bursa Music Festival. He has composed and arranged over 30 pieces for symphony orchestra, and 50 pieces for brass and big band. He is currently recording an album with his band Betone. Says Dundarartun, “Human creativity and imagination really impressed my scope about music and history. To create something to [give to] humanity is considerable reason for improvement.”

Roy Guzman is a guitarist and composer hailing from Cupey, Puerto Rico. He studied classical guitar at the Pablo Casals Conservatoire of Puerto Rico, later transferring to Berklee on scholarship. He is the recipient of the Billboard Endowed Scholarship at Berklee and was a semifinalist in the Gibson Montreux Jazz Guitar Competition in Switzerland. He currently leads the Roy Guzman Quintet, a group that performed at George Wein’s Jazz Festival 55 in Newport, Rhode Island; the Duke Ellington Jazz Fest in Washington, D.C.; and Lincoln Center in New York. Guzman has also recorded two albums with the Orbits Quintet.

The seventh annual Jazz Revelation Records CD Release Concert is $10 ($5 for seniors) and begins at 8:15 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center, located at 136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston. For more information, call 617 747-2261 or visit berkleebpc.com. The BPC is wheelchair-accessible.