Back to the Point

August 2010

In this issue:

ALUMNI PROFILE - TOM GOEHRING '77

SAVE THE DATES

ANDREW HILTON '14 ATTENDS JUNIOR NATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS CONFERENCE

ALUMNI REUNION

ADDRESS UPDATE REQUEST

ALUMNI PROFILE - TOM GOEHRING '77

Tom Goehring '77

Tom Goehring ’77 performed at the Newport Jazz Festival on the afternoon of August 7, and still made it to the Alumni Reunion! We asked him to catch us up on what’s been happening in his life.

After leaving Pine Point in the 8th grade, I attended Avon Old Farms for secondary school, Columbia University for undergraduate studies, eventually getting a degree in Political Science in 1985. While at Columbia, I played trumpet in the C.U. Jazz Band and was a regular at the Jazz Cultural Theatre down on 28th St. and 8th Ave. The JCT was a jazz club and studio run by jazz piano great Barry Harris, who taught master classes for horn players every Monday night for the entire six years the club was open.

I started free-lancing around New York doing all sorts of gigs (Latin, Funk, Haitian and wedding bands were my bread and butter, but I also played orchestral and liturgical music as well as off-Broadway shows, etc.). When I got married and my daughter Liana came along (I raised a Red Sox fan in the Bronx, by the way), I started working full-time doing business graphics at an investment bank because of the flexible hours (it’s something I do to this day at a boutique M&A firm, Centerview Partners).

With the BMI New York Jazz Orchestra in 2006

I also decided during this time of regular paychecks to play only what was musically interesting to me, and I’ve focused mostly on jazz since. I’ve toured with groups ranging from the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra to The Fleshtones, and my music travels have taken me across the U.S., to Europe, the French Caribbean and many parts of New Jersey.

I play regularly with the Jamie Begian Big Band (www.jamiebegian.com) and can be heard on his recently-released CD “Big, Fat Grin.” I also perform with Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society (www.secretsocietymusic.org) and appear on his critically-acclaimed debut CD, “Infernal Machines”; Secret Society made its debut at this year’s Newport Jazz Festival. As a composer, I was admitted to the BMI Jazz Composers’ Workshop in 1996 and remained there until this past July. I’ve had five pieces premiered at Workshop’s annual concert, four of which were nominated for the Workshop’s Charlie Parker Award/Manny Albam Commission award (setting a record for number of nominations without a win!).

I live in Bethlehem, PA, with Liana (now 16) who is going into her senior year at Moravian Academy and recently spent three weeks in Senegal, Africa as part of a service project.

SAVE THE DATES

Lots of fun events are coming down the pike in the next two months. Make sure you circle your calendars for the following Pine Point happenings!

Donor Reception (September 25)

In the last school year, over 600 donors made gifts to Pine Point that totaled over $1 million! To honor that generosity, Pine Point has scheduled its annual donor reception for September 25 (6-9 pm).

Weather permitting, we will be holding it in the new Alicia Z. Russell Garden. Our caterer for the evening will be past parent Linda Sample, who operates the acclaimed A Thyme to Cook. One of the highlights of the evening is always the presentation of the Steven M. Castle Distinguished Service Award. RSVP by September 13 to development@pinepoint.org or by calling 860-535-0606, ext. 132.

Alumni Field Hockey and Soccer Games (October 3)

This annual event brings alumni back to Pine Point for fun, games, and – most importantly – fellowship! This year’s game is earlier than usual (October 3 at 1:00 pm). As usual, the first 50 people to sign up will receive a free t-shirt, designed again this year by Kathy Coss ’01! Contact Associate Director of Development David Cruthers by clicking here, by calling 860-535-0606, ext. 133, or by leaving a message on the Pine Point Facebook page.

Fall Pine Point Bike Ride (October 16)

Join us on Saturday, October 16, at 8:00 am for a 25-mile bike ride as we take in the beautiful New England fall colors. Contact Director of Development David Hannon either by email or by calling 860-535-0606, ext. 132 if you’d like to ride. Helmets are required.

Pine Point Dines Out! (October 20)

Coming off last year’s successful string of dinners at local restaurants, we’re going to do it again this fall, starting with dinner at the S&P Oyster House (next to the drawbridge in Mystic) on October 20.

Just tell the nice folks that you’re affiliated with Pine Point, and the School will receive 15% of your bill! Looking ahead even more, Señor Flaco’s in Westerly will host us on November 17, and Bridge (in the location of the former Up River Café) will welcome us on December 14. Reservations are requested by each of our partners.

ANDREW HILTON '14 ATTENDS JUNIOR NATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS CONFERENCE

Over six days in July, Andrew Hilton ’14 explored the Washington, D.C. capital region investigating leadership throughout our nation's history, engaging in fast-paced experiential simulations and developing his own leadership skills, all while attending the Junior National Young Leaders Conference.

Andrew Hilton '14 (center rear) with other students

Highlights from Andrew's experience included: 

 * An in-depth investigation of American leadership as revealed by explorations of Washington, D.C.Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. and 

 * Exploring interactive exhibits and up-to-the-second technology at the high-tech Newseum, where he learned about the history of the media and the role it plays in our society. 

 * Hands-on exercises focusing on key leadership skills including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and goal setting. 

 * The "Voices of Change" simulation, which tasked Andrew with developing a project to solve an ongoing problem in his community or school.

Regarding the experience, Andrew said, “I really enjoyed it, learned a lot, and would recommend it to anyone else who was offered the opportunity to go.”

ALUMNI REUNION

This year’s Alumni Reunion was the best attended of them all, with over 75 people in attendance. Didn’t make it? You can see who was there by clicking here. Mark your calendars for next year’s event, Saturday, August 6, 2011!

ADDRESS UPDATE REQUEST

The next issue of ViewPoints will be mailed at the end of September. If you have moved recently and haven’t provided us with your new mailing address, please email Associate Director of Development David Cruthers with your new contact information. Thanks!

2006-2010 Archive

Volume 9, Issue XI, July 2010
Volume 9, Issue X, June 2010
Volume 9, Issue IX, May 2010
Volume 9, Issue VIII, April 2010
Volume 9, Issue VII, March 2010
Volume 9, Issue VI, February 2010
Volume 9, Issue V, January 2010
Volume 9, Issue IV, December 2009
Volume 9, Issue III, November 2009
Volume 9, Issue II, October 2009
Volume 9, Issue I, September 2009

Volume 8, Issue XII, August 2009
Volume 8, Issue XI, July 2009
Volume 8, Issue X, June 2009
Volume 8, Issue IX, May 2009
Volume 8, Issue VIII, April 2009
Volume 8, Issue VII, March 2009
Volume 8, Issue VI, February 2009
Volume 8, Issue V, January 2009
Volume 8, Issue IV, December 2008
Volume 8, Issue III, November 2008
Volume 8, Issue I, September 2008

Volume 7, Issue X, August 2008  
Volume 7, Issue IX, July 2008
Volume 7, Issue VIII, June 2008
Volume 7, Issue VII, May 2008
Volume 7, Issue VI, April 2008
Volume 7, Issue V, March 2008
Volume 7, Issue III, January 2008
Volume 7, Issue II, December 2007 
Volume 7, Issue I, November 2007

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