In a nod to the construction work that began at Juilliard in the summer of 2006, faux hard hats were the fashion statement of the day at convocation 2006, held on Wednesday, September 6. At the annual school year kick-off, President Joseph Polisi and Dean Stephen Clapp greeted the community. Featured were talks by the 2006 summer grant recipients, violinist William Harvey and dancer Amelia Fernanda Uzategui Bonilla, who reported on their projects. Brian Zeger, director of the Vocal Arts Department, talked about the breed of musicians known as singers, after which a few of them demonstrated their art, accompanied by faculty member Steven Blier. After convocation, students, faculty, and staff members enjoyed the annual opening day picnic, which, with the absence of the Milstein Plaza, was held on the North Plaza.  
 
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